Preston County Property Records

How To Search Property Records in Preston County in 2026

PrestonRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Preston County, West Virginia. Members of the public may find ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, tax information, and encumbrance data through official county and state resources. Available record categories may include:

• Deeds and title transfers
• Property tax assessments and payment records
• Mortgage and lien filings
• Plat maps and legal descriptions
• Building permit records

Records can be searched through several official resources maintained by Preston County and the State of West Virginia. The primary platforms available to the public are:

Resource	Access Type	Cost
WV Real Estate Assessment – Property Search	Online	Free
WV Property Viewer (MapWV)	Online GIS	Free
Preston County Sheriff's Tax Office	Online / In-Person	Free to search
Preston County Clerk's Office	In-Person / Mail	Fees for copies
Preston County Assessor's Office	In-Person / Online	Free to search

1. Property Appraiser Website

The West Virginia State Tax Department and the Preston County Assessor maintain property assessment data accessible through the statewide Property Search portal on MapWV.gov. This resource provides free public access with no registration required.

Search Options:

• By property address
• By owner name
• By parcel ID or map number
• By district and map reference
• By legal description

Information Available:

• Current owner name and mailing address
• Property address and legal description
• Parcel/map number
• Land use and zoning classification
• Lot size and acreage
• Building characteristics (year built, square footage, structure type)
• Assessed value (land and improvements)
• Taxable value and exemptions applied
• Sales history and prior ownership
• GIS map location

How to Search:

1. Navigate to the WV Real Estate Assessment search
2. Select "Preston" from the county dropdown menu
3. Choose a search type: owner name, address, or parcel number
4. Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
5. Review the results list returned
6. Select a specific parcel to view the full property card
7. Review ownership, valuation, sales history, and tax data
8. Print or save the property record as needed

2. County Clerk / Recorder Official Records Search

The Preston County Clerk maintains the official record of all instruments affecting real property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Pursuant to W. Va. Code § 39-1-2, all instruments conveying or encumbering real property must be recorded with the county clerk to provide constructive notice to the public.

Searchable By:

• Grantor name (seller/transferor)
• Grantee name (buyer/transferee)
• Document type
• Recording date range
• Book and page number
• Instrument number

Documents Available:

• Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
• Mortgages and deeds of trust
• Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
• Judgment liens and mechanic's liens
• Tax liens
• Easements and rights-of-way
• Subdivision plats and surveys
• Lis pendens notices
• Powers of attorney affecting property
• Declarations of restrictions and covenants

How to Search:

1. Visit the Preston County Clerk's Office in person at the courthouse
2. Request access to the grantor/grantee index
3. Search by party name or document type
4. Identify the book and page or instrument number
5. Request the document image from staff or access the records terminal
6. Note that certified copies require payment of applicable fees

Preston County Clerk's Office
106 West Main Street, Room 201
Kingwood, WV 26537
Phone: (304) 329-0070
Preston County Official Website

3. Tax Collector (Sheriff's Tax Office) Website

The Preston County Sheriff's Tax Office serves as the tax collector for real property taxes. Members of the public may conduct a free online tax record search through the official county portal.

Search By:

• Property address
• Owner name
• Tax account number
• Parcel/map number

Information Available:

• Current tax bill and amount due
• Payment history and status
• Outstanding balances and delinquency information
• Exemptions applied
• Millage rates by taxing district
• Payment options and due dates

Preston County Sheriff's Tax Office
106 West Main Street, Suite 102
Kingwood, WV 26537
Phone: (304) 329-0105
Preston County Sheriff's Tax Office

4. GIS / Mapping System

The WV Property Viewer on MapWV.gov provides an interactive mapping interface for visual property searches across all West Virginia counties, including Preston County. As noted by the West Virginia GIS Technical Center, "In West Virginia the county assessor is responsible for maintaining the surface property tax maps," and this viewer reflects those official parcel boundaries.

How to Use:

• Navigate the interactive map to the desired location within Preston County
• Click on a parcel to view property identification information
• Access linked assessment and ownership data
• View aerial photography and property boundary overlays
• Measure distances and view multiple map layers including zoning and flood zones

In-Person Searches

Preston County Assessor's Office

Preston County Assessor's Office
106 West Main Street, Room 101
Kingwood, WV 26537
Phone: (304) 329-1220
County Assessors – West Virginia Tax Division

Services available in person include:

• Public access computers with assessment database
• Staff assistance with property searches
• Property cards and maps
• Exemption applications
• Plat and survey reference materials

Preston County Clerk's Office (Recorded Documents)

Preston County Clerk's Office
106 West Main Street, Room 201
Kingwood, WV 26537
Phone: (304) 329-0070
Preston County Official Website

Services available in person include:

• Viewing official recorded instruments
• Requesting certified copies of deeds and other documents
• Searching grantor/grantee indexes
• Access to deed books and microfilm records
• Staff assistance with historical document retrieval

By Mail Requests

Property Appraiser (Assessor):

• Mailing Address: Preston County Assessor, 106 West Main Street, Room 101, Kingwood, WV 26537
• Include the property address or parcel number in the request
• Specify the type of information or document needed
• Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
• Copy fees apply per page

Clerk / Recorder:

• Mailing Address: Preston County Clerk, 106 West Main Street, Room 201, Kingwood, WV 26537
• Specify the document by book and page, instrument number, or property address with approximate date range
• Include payment for applicable copy and certification fees
• Certified copies are available upon written request with proper payment

Through Professionals

Title Companies:

Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and prepare abstracts of title identifying all recorded interests affecting a property. These services include title insurance commitments and professional review of the chain of title. Costs vary by transaction complexity and property value.

Real Estate Attorneys:

Licensed West Virginia real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions, resolve complex ownership disputes, and advise on encumbrances identified in the public record. Fees vary by scope of work.

Real Estate Agents:

Licensed real estate agents access MLS data for listed properties, pull property histories, and provide comparable sales data as part of their representation services.

Search Tips

By Address:

• Use the complete street address including directionals (N, S, E, W)
• Try variations with and without unit or apartment numbers
• Check spelling variations for street names

By Owner Name:

• Enter last name first, followed by first name
• Try variations including middle initials
• Search both current and previous owner names
• Try business entity names as well as individual names

By Legal Description:

• Use the exact legal description from the deed
• Include district, map, and parcel references as shown on the assessment record
• Reference subdivision name and lot/block numbers where applicable

For Historical Records:

• Records predating digitization may require an in-person visit to the courthouse
• Staff at the Preston County Clerk's Office can assist with retrieval from deed books and microfilm
• Advance notice is helpful for records more than 50 years old

Common Search Challenges

Not Found Online:

• Very recent transactions may not yet appear due to recording processing time
• Very old records may not be digitized and require in-person access
• Name indexing variations may affect search results
• Property address changes over time may require searching by parcel number

Multiple Results:

• Common owner names may return multiple results
• Verify the correct parcel using the parcel ID number or legal description
• Cross-reference the physical address with the GIS map viewer

What You Cannot Find Online:

• Unrecorded private agreements
• Pending sales prior to closing and recording
• Documents filed under seal by court order
• Some pre-digital historical records not yet scanned

What Is Preston County Property Records

Property records in Preston County are official documents related to real property — land and buildings — maintained by county government offices and accessible to the public. These records constitute the legal foundation for establishing ownership, documenting transfers, recording encumbrances, and assessing property taxes. Under W. Va. Code § 11A-1-1 et seq., West Virginia law establishes the framework for property taxation and the maintenance of assessment records at the county level.

Purpose of Property Records:

• Establish and document legal ownership
• Provide an unbroken chain of title
• Record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens
• Document property transfers and sale prices
• Support property tax assessment and collection
• Protect property rights through constructive notice
• Enable title insurance and real estate transactions

Types of Property Records

Ownership Records:

• Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
• Title documents and transfer records
• Ownership history and chain of title
• Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property

Encumbrance Records:

• Mortgages and deeds of trust
• Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
• Easements and rights-of-way
• Deed restrictions and covenants
• Homeowner association documents
• Lis pendens notices

Tax and Assessment Records:

• Property tax assessments (land and improvements)
• Tax bills and payment history
• Exemptions (homestead, senior, veteran, disability)
• Special assessments and delinquency records

Legal Descriptions:

• Plat maps and subdivision plats
• Surveys and metes-and-bounds descriptions
• Lot and block information
• District, map, and parcel references

Building and Permit Records:

• Building permits and certificates of occupancy
• Code violation notices
• Zoning and land use designations

Who Maintains Property Records

Preston County Clerk's Office:

The Clerk records, indexes, and maintains all official instruments affecting real property, including deeds, mortgages, and liens. The Clerk's office is the primary repository for recorded documents.

Preston County Assessor's Office:

The Assessor, currently David Nestor Jr. as listed by the West Virginia Tax Division's County Assessors directory, maintains property valuations, assessment records, property characteristics, ownership information, and exemption applications.

Preston County Sheriff's Tax Office:

The Sheriff's Tax Office collects property taxes, maintains tax payment records, and administers delinquent tax proceedings.

Preston County Planning and Zoning:

The Planning Department maintains zoning records, land use designations, and building permit information.

Legal Framework:

West Virginia's property recording system operates under W. Va. Code § 39-1-2, which requires that instruments conveying or encumbering real property be recorded with the county clerk to be effective against subsequent purchasers and creditors. This statute establishes the constructive notice principle that underlies the entire public records system. The West Virginia Constitution further protects private property rights, and state recording requirements ensure that all interests in real property are documented in a publicly accessible manner.

Are Property Records Public Information in Preston County?

Property records in Preston County are public information. Under West Virginia's Freedom of Information Act, W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq., all public records maintained by government bodies are presumptively open to inspection and copying by any member of the public. Property records maintained by the Preston County Clerk, Assessor, and Sheriff's Tax Office fall squarely within this framework.

Legal Basis for Public Access:

• West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1)
• State recording statutes requiring public indexing of instruments
• Common law tradition of open land records in American jurisprudence
• Constructive notice principles requiring public accessibility

Why Property Records Are Public

Transparency:

The public has a recognized right to know who owns real property within their community. Open property records support transparent government operations, accountability in property taxation, and prevention of fraudulent or secret transfers of title.

Commercial Purposes:

Open property records enable real estate transactions, title searches, title insurance, property appraisals, market analysis, and mortgage lending. The entire real estate industry depends on the public availability of these records.

Legal Protections:

Public recording provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and creditors, establishes priority of interests, and protects against fraudulent transfers. Without public access, the chain of title system would be unworkable.

Public Interest:

Property records serve community planning, historical research, genealogical research, journalistic investigation, and tax assessment transparency.

What Property Information Is Public:

• Current and historical property ownership
• Legal descriptions and parcel identification
• Sale prices and transfer amounts
• Recorded mortgage amounts
• Liens and encumbrances
• Tax assessments and payment history
• Property characteristics (size, age, structure type)
• Deeds and all recorded instruments
• Plat maps and surveys

Privacy Considerations

Information That May Be Protected:

• Social Security numbers are redacted from recorded documents under state and federal law
• Bank account numbers are redacted
• Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and domestic violence victims — may qualify for address confidentiality protections under West Virginia law
• Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information not fully subject to public disclosure

Who Can Access Property Records:

Any member of the public may inspect and obtain copies of property records in Preston County. There is no residency requirement, ownership requirement, or stated business purpose requirement. Common users include:

• Prospective buyers and sellers
• Real estate agents and brokers
• Title companies and abstractors
• Lenders and mortgage companies
• Attorneys and legal researchers
• Property owners reviewing their own records
• Investors and developers
• Genealogists and historians
• Journalists and media organizations

Commercial Use of Property Records:

Permitted commercial uses of public property records include real estate marketing, property valuation services, title insurance, investment analysis, and market research. Commercial data aggregators such as CoreLogic and First American compile public property records into subscription databases. Such aggregation is lawful, though anti-harassment laws, fair housing laws, and other applicable statutes continue to govern how information may be used.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Preston County?

The cost to access property records in Preston County depends on the type of access and the office involved. Online viewing of assessment data through the WV Real Estate Assessment portal and the WV Property Viewer is free of charge with no registration required. The Preston County Sheriff's Tax Office online tax search is similarly free for public use.

Standard Fee Schedule – Preston County Clerk's Office:

Service	Current Fee
Recording a deed (first page)	$15.00
Recording (each additional page)	$3.00
Certified copy of recorded instrument	$1.50 per page + $1.00 certification fee
Uncertified copy of recorded instrument	$0.50 per page
Plat recording	Varies by size

Fees for recording instruments in West Virginia are governed by state statute, and the Clerk's office is authorized to collect these fees pursuant to applicable West Virginia Code provisions. Accepted payment methods at the Preston County Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Preston County Clerk.

What Is Available at No Cost:

• Online viewing of property assessment records via MapWV.gov
• Online tax record searches via the Sheriff's Tax Office portal
• In-person inspection of public records at the courthouse (no copy fee for viewing only)
• GIS parcel mapping via the WV Property Viewer

Fee Waivers: West Virginia law does not provide a general fee waiver for property record copies. Indigent parties in active litigation may petition the court for fee relief in specific circumstances, but routine public records requests do not qualify for waiver.

Transfer Tax (Excise Tax on Conveyances): West Virginia imposes a real estate transfer tax (excise tax) on the privilege of transferring real property. The current rate is $1.10 per $500 of consideration (or fraction thereof) of the value of the property transferred, as established under West Virginia Code. This tax is paid at the time of recording and is reflected in the documentary stamp notation on recorded deeds.

What's Included in a Preston County Property Record?

A complete Preston County property record draws from multiple official sources and encompasses the following categories of information.

Ownership Information

Current Ownership:

• Legal owner name(s) as recorded on the current deed
• Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by entirety, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
• Ownership percentage where multiple owners hold undivided interests
• Acquisition date and deed book/page or instrument number
• Mailing address for tax billing purposes

Previous Ownership:

• Chain of title reflecting all prior owners
• Transfer dates and historical deed references
• Ownership timeline from original grant to present

Property Identification

• Site address (physical location) and mailing address if different
• Legal description including district, map, and parcel references
• Lot and block number and subdivision name where applicable
• Parcel ID / map number and tax account number
• Condominium unit number where applicable

Physical Characteristics

Land Information:

• Lot size in acres or square feet (deeded acreage as maintained by the county assessor)
• Lot dimensions and frontage
• Land use designation and zoning classification
• Topography and soil type where recorded

Building Information:

• Total living area in square feet
• Year built and effective year
• Number of stories and building type
• Construction type and exterior wall material
• Roof type and foundation type
• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Garage, pool, porch, and other additional features
• Heating and cooling systems
• Water source and sewer system
• Condition and quality ratings

Valuation Information

• Land value (assessed) and building value (assessed)
• Total assessed value and estimated market value
• Assessment year and historical values for prior years
• Agricultural classification and value where applicable

Tax Information

• Current year tax amount and taxable value after exemptions
• Millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, municipality, special districts)
• Tax payment status, due dates, and payment history
• Delinquency history where applicable
• Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, disability, veteran, agricultural)

Sales History

• Sale dates, sale prices, and deed document numbers for recent transfers
• Sale type (warranty deed, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, gift, inheritance)
• Grantor and grantee names for each transaction
• Qualified/unqualified sale designation
• Documentary stamp amounts

Encumbrances and Liens

• Current recorded mortgages with lender names, recording dates, and original amounts
• Tax liens (federal, state, local) with amounts and recording dates
• Judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens
• Easements and rights-of-way
• Deed restrictions and covenants
• Lis pendens notices

Legal and Regulatory Information

• Current zoning classification and permitted uses
• Land use code and future land use designation
• Special taxing district memberships (school, fire, water, CDD)
• Flood zone designation (FEMA)
• Wetlands and conservation area designations

Maps and Images

• Property photograph (exterior)
• Aerial photograph and GIS map with parcel boundaries
• Plat map and property sketch
• Historical aerial imagery where available

What Is NOT Typically in Public Property Records:

• Current mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
• Personal financial information beyond what appears in recorded instruments
• Interior photographs
• Social Security numbers (redacted by law)
• Private agreements not submitted for recording
• Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price

How Long Does Preston County Keep Property Records?

Property records in Preston County are maintained permanently. The legal requirement to preserve recorded instruments affecting real property title is absolute — these records are never destroyed. The permanent retention of property records is essential to the chain of title system and is required under West Virginia law governing county clerks and the recording of instruments.

Legal Basis for Retention:

West Virginia's records retention requirements for county clerks mandate permanent preservation of all recorded instruments affecting real property. The West Virginia Division of Culture and History, Archives and History Section, publishes records retention schedules applicable to county government offices. Recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and all instruments affecting title are classified as permanent records under these schedules.

Records Kept Permanently

Deed Records:

All recorded deeds are maintained permanently, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, trustee's deeds, and all other conveyance instruments. Preston County deed records date back to the county's formation in 1818, with the earliest records reflecting original land grants and early transfers in the region.

Mortgage Records:

All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions, releases, modifications, and assignments are maintained permanently, even after the underlying loan has been paid in full.

Lien Records:

All recorded liens — including tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens — and their corresponding releases are maintained permanently.

Plats and Surveys:

All recorded subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats are maintained permanently.

Other Recorded Documents:

Easements, restrictions, covenants, declarations, powers of attorney affecting property, and court documents affecting title are all maintained permanently.

Format and Storage

Historical Records:

• Pre-20th century records: Handwritten deed books maintained in the Clerk's vault
• Early-to-mid 20th century: Typed entries in bound record books
• Mid-20th century onward: Microfilm archives
• Recent decades: Digital scans and electronic document management systems

Access to Historical Records:

• Records from approximately the last 20–40 years are accessible online or via in-person terminals
• Older records are available in microfilm or original deed books at the courthouse
• Staff at the Preston County Clerk's Office can retrieve records from storage
• Advance notice is helpful for records more than 50 years old

Property Appraiser (Assessor) Records:

Assessment records, property cards, and assessment rolls are maintained permanently. Exemption applications are retained for a minimum of several years following the applicable assessment year. Recent assessment history is available online through the WV Real Estate Assessment portal; historical assessments prior to digitization are available at the Assessor's office.

Tax Records:

Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven to ten years. Tax deed records are maintained permanently. Delinquency records and tax certificate information are retained until resolved. The West Virginia State Auditor's Office maintains records related to land and county collections for delinquent properties statewide.

Chain of Title:

Every transfer of real property in Preston County from the county's formation to the present is documented in the permanent record. Title searches conducted for real estate transactions review the chain of title — the unbroken sequence of ownership — to confirm clear title. Gaps in the chain create title defects that must be resolved before a transaction can close.

Accessing Records by Time Period:

Time Period	Availability	Access Method
Last 20 years	Online and in-person	Immediate
20–50 years ago	Microfilm / may be online	In-person or online
50–100 years ago	Deed books / microfilm	In-person, staff retrieval
100+ years ago	Original deed books in vault	In-person, advance notice helpful

Contact for Historical Records:

Preston County Clerk's Office
106 West Main Street, Room 201
Kingwood, WV 26537
Phone: (304) 329-0070
Preston County Official Website

Preston County Assessor's Office
106 West Main Street, Room 101
Kingwood, WV 26537
Phone: (304) 329-1220
County Assessors – West Virginia Tax Division

How To Find Liens on Property in Preston County?

Liens on property in Preston County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Preston County Clerk's Office. Members of the public may search for liens through several official channels.

Types of Liens Recorded Against Real Property:

• Federal tax liens (IRS)
• State tax liens (West Virginia State Tax Department)
• Judgment liens (from court judgments)
• Mechanic's liens (contractors, subcontractors, materialmen)
• HOA liens
• Code enforcement liens
• Child support liens

Step-by-Step Search Methods:

In-Person Search at the Preston County Clerk's Office:

1. Visit the Preston County Clerk's Office at 106 West Main Street, Room 201, Kingwood, WV 26537
2. Request access to the grantor/grantee index
3. Search under the property owner's name as grantor to identify any recorded liens
4. Review the document type column for lien filings
5. Request the document image for any identified lien
6. Note the recording date, amount, and lienholder information
7. Check for corresponding releases or satisfactions of each lien identified

Federal Tax Lien Search:

Federal tax liens filed by the IRS are recorded with the county clerk in the county where the property is located. Members of the public may search the grantor/grantee index at the Preston County Clerk's Office under the taxpayer's name. The IRS also maintains a lien search function through its centralized lien operation.

State Tax Lien Search:

West Virginia state tax liens are filed with the county clerk and are searchable through the grantor/grantee index. The West Virginia State Tax Department administers state tax lien filings.

Judgment Lien Search:

Judgment liens arise from court judgments and are recorded with the county clerk. A search of the grantor/grantee index under the property owner's name will identify recorded judgment liens. The Preston County Circuit Court Clerk maintains court judgment records that may be cross-referenced.

Mechanic's Lien Search:

Mechanic's liens are filed with the Preston County Clerk within the statutory timeframe following completion of work. These are searchable through the grantor/grantee index by property owner name or by property address where the index permits.

Delinquent Tax Lien Search:

Properties with delinquent real property taxes in West Virginia are subject to the state's land redemption and sale process administered by the West Virginia State Auditor's Office. Members of the public may review land and county collections listings on the State Auditor's website to identify properties with outstanding tax obligations in Preston County. The Preston County Sheriff's Tax Office also provides online tax record searches that reflect delinquent status.

Preston County Clerk's Office
106 West Main Street, Room 201
Kingwood, WV 26537
Phone: (304) 329-0070
Preston County Official Website

Preston County Sheriff's Tax Office
106 West Main Street, Suite 102
Kingwood, WV 26537
Phone: (304) 329-0105
Preston County Sheriff's Tax Office

Important Notes on Lien Searches:

• A lien search is only as complete as the index searched; unrecorded liens do not appear in the public record
• Title companies conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title insurance process
• Releases and satisfactions of liens must also be recorded to clear the title record
• The presence of a recorded lien does not necessarily mean the lien is currently valid or enforceable — verification of status requires review of the full document and any subsequent releases

What Is Property Owner Rule in Preston County?

The property owner rule in Preston County refers to the body of West Virginia law and local regulations governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership within the county.

Ownership Rights Under West Virginia Law:

West Virginia recognizes several forms of real property ownership, each with distinct legal characteristics:

• Fee Simple Absolute: The most complete form of ownership, conveying full rights to use, transfer, and devise the property without limitation
• Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship: Two or more owners hold equal undivided interests; upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner(s) automatically acquire the deceased owner's interest
• Tenancy in Common: Two or more owners hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death rather than to the co-owners
• Tenancy by the Entirety: A form of joint ownership available only to legally married spouses in West Virginia, providing protection from individual creditors of either spouse
• Life Estate: An ownership interest limited to the lifetime of the holder, with the remainder interest passing to a designated remainderman upon the life tenant's death
• Trust Ownership: Property held by a trustee for the benefit of named beneficiaries

Recording Requirements:

Under W. Va. Code § 39-1-2, any instrument conveying or encumbering real property must be recorded with the county clerk of the county in which the property is situated to be effective against subsequent purchasers for value without notice. An unrecorded deed is valid between the parties but does not provide constructive notice to third parties. This recording requirement is the cornerstone of the property owner rule in West Virginia — recorded ownership is the legally recognized ownership for purposes of the public record.

Transfer of Ownership:

Real property in Preston County may be transferred by:

• Voluntary conveyance (sale or gift) by recorded deed
• Inheritance through a decedent's estate (testate or intestate)
• Court order (divorce decree, partition action, foreclosure judgment)
• Tax deed following delinquent tax sale proceedings
• Adverse possession after the statutory period under West Virginia law

Property Tax Obligations:

Every owner of real property in Preston County is subject to annual property tax assessment and taxation. The Preston County Assessor assesses all real property as of July 1 of each year, and tax bills are issued by the Sheriff's Tax Office. Property owners are responsible for timely payment of taxes to avoid delinquency proceedings. The West Virginia State Auditor's Office administers the delinquent land sale process for properties with unpaid taxes, as reflected in the land and county collections listings.

Homestead Exemption:

West Virginia law provides a homestead exemption for owner-occupied residential property. Qualifying homeowners who are 65 years of age or older, or who are permanently and totally disabled, may receive a reduction in the assessed value of their primary residence for property tax purposes. Applications are filed with the Preston County Assessor's Office.

Mineral Rights and Surface Rights:

West Virginia property law recognizes the severance of mineral rights