Kaufman County Property Tax Protest, Texas

Travis Bunn·Updated July 24, 2026

Kaufman County is located in northeastern Texas, just east of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, with Kaufman serving as the county seat. Major population centers include Forney (the largest city), Terrell, Kaufman, Crandall, and Seagoville. Property tax protests are especially important here because Kaufman County's effective tax rate of 1.73% is significantly higher than both the state average (1.58%) and the national average (0.91%), meaning homeowners pay substantially more per dollar of home value than most Texans and Americans. With rapid suburban growth in cities like Forney driving property values upward at rates that often exceed actual market conditions, protesting your assessment can result in meaningful tax savings.

Notable cities: Forney, Terrell, Kaufman, Crandall, Seagoville

Median Home

$290,800

Tax Rate

1.73%

Annual Tax

$5,036

Population

220,460

On the typical Kaufman County home, valued near $290,800 at the county’s effective tax rate of 1.73%, an over-assessment of even 10% means you are overpaying year after year until you protest it. Here is how to find out if yours qualifies.

2026 Protest Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later

This year's protest window has passed in most of Texas. Order now and we re-run your numbers free when the window reopens, so your evidence is ready the day your next notice lands.

The protest deadline is May 15, 2026, or 30 days after Kaufman CAD mails your Notice of Appraised Value, whichever date is later. Kaufman CAD typically mails appraisal notices in April. Your specific deadline will be printed on the front of your notice. If the deadline falls on a weekend or legal holiday, it is extended to the next business day.

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White two-story Texas home with shade trees. Kaufman County protest guide.

How Kaufman County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Kaufman Central Appraisal District (Kaufman CAD)

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: April

In Texas, properties are assessed at 100% of their market value, meaning there is no reduction between market value and assessed value. For example, if your home's market value is $290,800 (Kaufman County's median), at Texas's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $290,800. Before exemptions, this would result in approximately $5,036 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.73%.

The Protest Process

Appeals are heard by the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). The ARB is an independent board of citizens that hears protests and has the power to order KCAD to adjust your property value. You and the CAD must exchange evidence before or at the hearing, and you will present your case showing why your property is over-valued.

Review your Notice of Appraised Value when it arrives in April and verify the property details, assessed value, and protest deadline printed on the notice.

Gather evidence to support your protest, including 3-5 comparable sales within 1 mile of your property that sold for less than your appraised value in the 12 months before January 1 of the tax year, photos showing property condition or defects, and repair estimates if applicable.

File your protest before the deadline (May 15, 2026, or 30 days after notice mailing) using Form 50-132 or a written letter via the online portal at eprotest.kaufman-cad.org, by mail, or in person at the KCAD office.

Schedule an informal review with a Kaufman CAD appraiser before your formal ARB hearing. You can reduce wait time by joining the online queue at kaufman-cad.org or texting 'Kaufman Central Appraisal District' to 972-972-9819. Many protests are resolved at this stage.

If the informal review does not resolve your protest, attend your formal Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing. Present your evidence including comparable sales, photos, and any documentation supporting a lower value. The ARB is an independent board of citizens with the authority to order value reductions.

Receive the ARB's written decision by certified mail. If you disagree with the ARB's decision, you have the right to appeal to district court, binding arbitration, or the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) within 30 days of receiving the ARB's order.

If you remain unsatisfied after exhausting ARB appeals, you may file a judicial appeal in district court or request binding arbitration or a SOAH hearing within the specified timeframe to pursue further reduction.

Required form: Property Owner's Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) or written letter of protest

Filing Methods

online:https://eprotest.kaufman-cad.org/ - Kaufman CAD Taxpayer Portal for filing online appeals

mail:Kaufman Central Appraisal District, 3550 S. Hwy 34, Kaufman, TX 75142 (use certified mail with return receipt for proof of delivery)

in-person:Drop off your completed form at the Kaufman CAD office at 3950 S Houston St, Kaufman, TX 75142 during business hours

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales (3-5 similar properties within 1 mile that sold for less than your appraised value)Photos showing property condition, damage, or needed repairsRepair estimates or contractor bids for deferred maintenanceRecent appraisal from a licensed appraiserProperty description errors or incorrect square footage documentation

Kaufman County Assessor Contact

Kaufman Central Appraisal District (Kaufman CAD)

Phone: 972-932-6081

Address: 3950 S Houston St, Kaufman, TX 75142 (Mailing: P.O. Box 819, Kaufman, TX 75142)

Website: https://kaufman-cad.org

Online Portal: https://eprotest.kaufman-cad.org/

Tax Exemptions in Kaufman County

General Residence Homestead Exemption

$140,000 off school district taxes (increased from $100,000 for 2026 tax year)

Available for your primary residence, this exemption reduces your taxable value for school district taxes and caps annual value increases at 10%.

Eligibility: You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence on January 1 of the tax year.Deadline: April 30 (late applications accepted until January 31 of the following year)

Over-65 Exemption

Additional $60,000 off school district taxes (combined $200,000 with general homestead)

Additional exemption for homeowners age 65 or older, providing additional tax savings and a school tax ceiling (freeze) that prevents school taxes from increasing.

Eligibility: Homeowner must be 65 years or older and own and occupy the property as their primary residence.Deadline: April 30

Disability Exemption

Additional exemption amount varies; includes school tax freeze

For homeowners who are totally and permanently disabled, this exemption provides substantial tax relief and typically includes a school tax ceiling.

Eligibility: Homeowner must be certified as totally and permanently disabled and own and occupy the property as their primary residence.Deadline: April 30

Disabled Veteran Exemption

Varies by disability percentage (can be substantial or 100% exemption for certain ratings)

Exemption amount varies based on VA disability rating, providing significant property tax relief for qualifying veterans.

Eligibility: Must be a veteran with a VA disability rating and own and occupy the property as primary residence.Deadline: April 30

Surviving Spouse Exemption

Continuation of deceased spouse's exemption (Over-65 or Disabled)

Surviving spouses of qualified individuals may continue receiving certain exemptions after the death of their spouse.

Eligibility: Surviving spouse of someone who qualified for Over-65 or Disabled exemption.Deadline: April 30

Kaufman County Protest Statistics

Success Rate

98.5%

Avg Reduction

$1,282

Kaufman County Protest Packet · $49

Comparable sales evidence, county-specific filing guide, and professional cover letter. Enter your address to get started.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to protest my property taxes in Kaufman County for 2026?

The deadline to file a property tax protest in Kaufman County is May 15, 2026, or 30 days after Kaufman CAD mails your Notice of Appraised Value, whichever is later. Kaufman CAD typically mails appraisal notices in April, and your specific deadline will be printed on the front of your notice. If the deadline falls on a weekend or legal holiday, it is automatically extended to the next business day. Missing this deadline means you lose your right to challenge your 2026 assessment, so it's critical to file on time.

How do I file a property tax protest online in Kaufman County?

You can file your property tax protest online through the Kaufman CAD Taxpayer Portal at eprotest.kaufman-cad.org. Log in to the portal to view your property details, review communications from the appraisal district, and file your online appeal electronically. You'll need your property account number from your appraisal notice. The online system allows you to submit your protest and upload supporting evidence such as comparable sales and photos. You must file a separate appeal for each property you intend to protest.

What is the homestead exemption worth in Kaufman County for 2026?

The general residence homestead exemption in Kaufman County provides $140,000 off school district taxes for 2026, increased from the previous $100,000 after voters approved Proposition 13 in November 2025. For homeowners age 65 or older or those who are disabled, you receive an additional $60,000 exemption on top of the $140,000, for a combined total of $200,000 in school district exemptions. The homestead exemption also caps annual assessed value increases at 10% and provides protection from certain creditors. You must file Form 50-114 with Kaufman CAD by April 30 to claim the exemption.

What happens at an ARB hearing in Kaufman County?

At a Kaufman County Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing, you will present evidence to an independent board of citizens who have the authority to order KCAD to reduce your property value. Before or at the start of the hearing, you and the CAD must exchange copies of all evidence you plan to present. You will then present your case, showing comparable sales, photos, repair estimates, or other documentation proving your property is over-valued. The ARB will review the evidence from both sides and issue a written decision by certified mail. The burden of proof is typically on the property owner to show the value is incorrect by a preponderance of evidence.

How much can I save by protesting my property taxes in Kaufman County?

According to recent data, property owners in Kaufman County who successfully protest save an average of $1,282 per year. With Kaufman County's effective tax rate of 1.73%, a $20,000 reduction in assessed value saves approximately $346 annually, while a $50,000 reduction saves around $865 per year. These savings compound annually because reducing your assessed value creates a lower base for future increases, which are capped at 10% per year for homesteaded properties. In 2024, 90% of ARB protests in Kaufman County received some reduction.

What evidence do I need for a Kaufman County property tax protest?

The strongest evidence for your Kaufman County protest includes 3-5 comparable sales of similar properties within 1 mile of your home that sold for less than your appraised value during the 12 months before January 1 of the tax year. You should also gather photos showing your property's condition, any defects, deferred maintenance, or functional issues that affect value. Repair estimates or contractor bids for needed work strengthen your case. If you have a recent appraisal from a licensed appraiser, that can be powerful evidence. Also review your property record card for errors in square footage, lot size, number of rooms, or other physical characteristics.

Can I protest my Kaufman County property taxes if I just bought my home?

Yes, you are absolutely eligible to protest your Kaufman County property taxes even if you recently purchased your home. In fact, if the appraisal district valued your property higher than what you actually paid for it, your recent purchase price is strong evidence that the appraisal is too high. Your closing statement showing the sales price is compelling proof of market value. New homeowners should also make sure they have applied for the homestead exemption if they occupy the property as their primary residence, as this provides $140,000 in school tax exemptions and caps future annual increases at 10%.

What is the difference between an informal review and an ARB hearing in Kaufman County?

An informal review is a meeting with a Kaufman CAD appraiser before your formal ARB hearing, where you can discuss your concerns and present evidence in a less formal setting. Many protests are resolved at this stage without going to the ARB. You can reduce your wait time for an informal review by joining the online queue at kaufman-cad.org or texting 'Kaufman Central Appraisal District' to 972-972-9819. If you cannot reach an agreement during the informal review, your case proceeds to a formal ARB hearing, where an independent board of citizens reviews the evidence and has the legal authority to order KCAD to reduce your assessed value.

Official Resources

Kaufman CAD Official Website →

The official Kaufman Central Appraisal District website with property search, forms, exemption applications, and appraisal information.

Kaufman CAD Online Protest Portal →

File your property tax protest online, view property details, and track the status of your appeal through the taxpayer portal.

Kaufman CAD Property Search →

Search Kaufman County property records by owner name, address, account number, or advanced search to view appraisal values and exemptions.

Texas Comptroller Property Tax Information →

Official state resource for Texas property tax laws, exemption information, and taxpayer rights under the Texas Property Tax Code.

For state-wide protest information including Texas's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our Texas Property Tax Protest Guide →

Considering professional help with your protest? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Protest Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

More Texas Counties

Angelina County (Lufkin)Bastrop County (Bastrop)Bell County (Killeen)Bexar County (San Antonio)Brazoria County (Pearland)Brazos County (Bryan)

← All Texas property tax protest info

Sources: https://kaufman-cad.org | https://eprotest.kaufman-cad.org/ | https://propertytaxrates.org/counties/texas/kaufman-county/ | https://resolutepts.com/texas/kaufman-county-property-taxes/ | https://www.moomawteam.com/blog/texas-homestead-exemption-2026-kaufman-county/ | https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-counties/texas/kaufman-county

Last verified: 2026-07-24