Lee's Summit Property Records

Lee's Summit property records are split between two counties. Most of the city sits in Jackson County, but a portion extends into Cass County. That means when you search for property records in Lee's Summit, you need to know which county the parcel is in. The Jackson County or Cass County Recorder of Deeds handles the filing and storage of deeds, liens, and other land documents. You can search Lee's Summit property records online through each county's portal or visit the recorder office in person to get copies of filed documents.

Lee's Summit Property Records and Two Counties

Lee's Summit straddles the line between Jackson County and Cass County. Most homes in Lee's Summit fall under Jackson County jurisdiction. A smaller portion on the south side of the city is in Cass County. This matters because property records in Missouri are filed at the county level. The recorder of the county where the land sits is the one who has the records.

If your Lee's Summit property is in Jackson County, you use the Jackson County Public Access portal to search records online. The Jackson County Recorder of Deeds at jacksongov.org handles all filings for that portion of the city. If your property is in the Cass County portion, you go through the Cass County Recorder instead.

Note: Lee's Summit City Hall handles building permits and codes, but property records are at the county level.

How to Search Property Records in Lee's Summit

Start by figuring out which county your Lee's Summit property is in. You can check the address on the Jackson County portal first. If it does not show up, try the Cass County system. Most Lee's Summit addresses will be in Jackson County. The Jackson County Public Access site at publicaccess.jacksongov.org lets you search by address, owner name, or parcel ID for free.

For deed documents and recorded instruments, the Jackson County Recorder has its own search system. You can look up filings by name, instrument number, or legal description. Some records may need an account or a fee to view full images. The Cass County Recorder also has an online portal. If your Lee's Summit property crosses the county line, you may need to check both systems to get a full picture.

The Missouri Recorders Association lists contact info for both Jackson and Cass County recorder offices.

Lee's Summit Property Recording Fees

Both Jackson County and Cass County follow the state recording fee schedule. The first page costs $24. Each added page is $3. A $25 penalty applies if the document does not meet format rules under Section 59.310 RSMo. That means 8.5 by 11 inch paper, 3 inch top margin, and at least 8 point type. These fees apply to all deeds and land documents filed for Lee's Summit property regardless of which county handles the filing.

Copies of Lee's Summit property records cost a few dollars per page. Certified copies are more. Contact the recorder office for the county where your property sits to get exact rates.

Lee's Summit Property Tax Information

Property taxes in Lee's Summit are collected by either the Jackson County Collector or the Cass County Collector, depending on which county the property is in. Tax bills go out by November 1. Payment is due December 31. You can pay online through the county collector website for your county. Missouri assesses residential property at 19% of market value, commercial at 32%, and farm land at 12%.

The Missouri Department of Revenue offers tax credit programs for people age 65 and older or those with a disability. The Missouri Property Tax Credit, the Homestead Preservation Credit, and disabled veteran exemptions are all available to Lee's Summit property owners who qualify. Check with your county collector or the state site for details.

Note: Lee's Summit property values get reassessed every odd year by the county assessor for the county in which the parcel sits.

Types of Lee's Summit Property Records

Lee's Summit property records include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, beneficiary deeds, release deeds, plats, surveys, easements, and liens. Missouri allows beneficiary deeds under RSMo 461.025, which let an owner name someone to get the property at death without going through probate. All of these documents are filed at the county recorder and become public records that anyone can access.

Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens also show up in Lee's Summit property records at whichever county recorder holds the filing. A title search will show these claims. If you are buying a home in Lee's Summit, a title company can run a full check through both Jackson County and Cass County records to make sure the title is clear. The Missouri State Archives has land patent records from 1777 to 1969 that may cover early Lee's Summit area land grants. For even older records, the Bureau of Land Management has federal patents. These free tools help trace Lee's Summit property all the way back to the first recorded owner.

Jackson County Property Records

Most of Lee's Summit is in Jackson County. All property filings for the Jackson County portion go through that county's Recorder of Deeds. For the full county page with office details, fee schedules, and more, visit the Jackson County property records page.

View Jackson County Property Records

Nearby Missouri Cities

These cities are near Lee's Summit and have property records pages:

• Kansas City
• Independence
• Blue Springs