I don't know if this is available in your area or not.  My County creates a CD which has a copy of the curent tax year roll.  After purchasing,  for each search, I look up the assessor number, and call the tax office.  The only thing they can/will say is "current" or "delinquent" when I give them the assessor/tax id number.  It takes two seconds, and I have the amounts in front of me.  If they are delinquent, I drive in and get printouts for payoff amounts.  If they are paid or "current", I have everything I need for my search.  If the department of revenue has a value of $0 for assessments (new split or re-appraisal), I use the 2004 tax roll information (values the land was taxed on for the current year) and note the source in my report.  The requesting agency can then contact the DOR and wait 10 days for an answer, if they so choose.
Good luck,
Kim