Kaufman County Homestead Exemption: Rules & Savings

Kaufman County, Texas • Homestead exemption guide • reviewed September 2, 2026

Kaufman County Homestead Exemption: Rules, Savings, Online Filing, Deadlines and KCAD Guide

The Kaufman County homestead exemption can lower property taxes for eligible homeowners who own and occupy a home as their principal residence.

Kaufman County homeowners file homestead and related exemption applications with the Kaufman Central Appraisal District, commonly searched as Kaufman County Appraisal District or KCAD. The Kaufman County Tax Office collects property taxes, but the appraisal district decides exemption eligibility.

The standard Texas residence homestead filing deadline is generally April 30 for the tax year requested. Kaufman CAD also states that there is no charge or fee for receiving or filing an exemption application with the district.

01

Fast answer

Kaufman County Homestead Exemption Quick Facts

County: Kaufman County, Texas.
Appraisal office: Kaufman Central Appraisal District, commonly called Kaufman CAD or KCAD.
KCAD address: 3950 S. Houston St., Kaufman, TX 75142-3718.
KCAD mailing address: P.O. Box 819, Kaufman, TX 75142.
KCAD phone: 972-932-6081.
KCAD fax: 972-932-4749.
General email: kcad@kaufman-cad.org.
Exemption email: exemptions@kaufman-cad.org.
Chief appraiser: Sarah Curtis.
Taxpayer liaison: Vicki White, tlo@kaufman-cad.org.
Tax bill office: Kaufman County Tax Assessor-Collector.
Tax Office address: 100 N. Washington St., Kaufman, TX 75142-2051.
Tax Office phone: 469-376-4596.
Tax Assessor-Collector: Teressa Floyd.
Main form: Texas Form 50-114, Residence Homestead Exemption Application.
General deadline: April 30 for the requested tax year.
School homestead: $140,000 on qualifying school district taxes.
Over-65 / disabled school amount: additional $60,000 may apply.
Kaufman County 2026 local senior/disabled amount: $15,000 for over-65 and disabled person exemptions.
Road and Bridge 2026 senior/disabled amount: $15,000 for over-65 and disabled person exemptions.
Local option: some cities and special districts in Kaufman County have different homestead, over-65 and disabled amounts.
Appraisal cap: homestead appraised value generally cannot increase more than 10% per year, excluding new improvements, after the cap begins.
Best first step:

Search your property on Kaufman CAD, confirm the account number and owner details, then file the Residence Homestead Exemption application with KCAD. Use the Kaufman County Tax Office for payment questions after the exemption and values appear on the tax roll.

02

Where to go

Kaufman County Homestead Offices, Address, Phone Numbers and Map

Kaufman Central Appraisal District

Best for: homestead applications, exemptions, ownership records, property search, appraised value, mailing address, 10% homestead cap, ARB protests and appraisal notices.

Address: 3950 S. Houston St., Kaufman, TX 75142-3718

Mailing: P.O. Box 819, Kaufman, TX 75142

Phone: 972-932-6081

Fax: 972-932-4749

General email: kcad@kaufman-cad.org

Exemption email: exemptions@kaufman-cad.org

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Open Kaufman CAD Official Site
After opening: use Property Search, Online Forms, CAD Forms, 2026 State & Local Exemption List, Truth in Taxation or Appraisal Review Board depending on your issue.

Kaufman CAD Online Forms Portal

Best for: online property details, electronic communications and online applications when available.

Important: verify that the property record, owner name and property address are correct before submitting documents.

Open KCAD Taxpayer Portal
After opening: create or access your account, review property details, manage applications and save all submission confirmations.

Kaufman County Tax Assessor-Collector

Best for: property tax bills, payment receipts, partial payments, over-65 homestead payment plan, motor vehicle registration and tax-collection questions.

Tax Assessor-Collector: Teressa Floyd

Address: 100 N. Washington St., Kaufman, TX 75142-2051

Phone: 469-376-4596

Email: teressa.floyd@kaufmancounty.net

Open Tax Assessor Page
After opening: use this office for property tax bills and payments. Use Kaufman CAD for exemption approval and property value issues.

Kaufman County Property Tax Payment Portal

Best for: online tax account lookup, current and prior tax payments, payment status and tax receipts.

Important: paying a bill online does not file a homestead application. Exemption filing remains with KCAD.

Open Kaufman Tax Payment Portal
After opening: search by account, owner or address, then compare the bill with the exemption status shown on Kaufman CAD.

Texas Comptroller Property Tax Assistance

Best for: statewide homestead law, Form 50-114, Form 50-114-A, exemption amounts, late filing, appraisal protests and disabled veteran guidance.

Important: the Comptroller provides forms and statewide guidance, but the Kaufman County application is filed with Kaufman CAD.

Open Texas Exemptions Guide
After opening: review Residence Homestead, Age 65 or Older, Disabled Person, Inherited Homestead and Disabled Veteran sections, then file locally with KCAD.

Kaufman Appraisal Review Board

Best for: formal protests about appraised value, exemptions, ownership, taxing units, unequal appraisal and other appealable appraisal district actions.

Usual protest deadline: May 15 or 30 days after notice of appraised value was mailed, whichever is later.

Open Kaufman ARB Page
After opening: use protest forms and ARB procedures only for disputes. Homestead filing uses the exemption application process.

Map: Kaufman Central Appraisal District

3950 S. Houston St.
Kaufman, TX 75142-3718

This is the office for Kaufman County homestead applications, exemptions, appraisal values and ARB protest support.

For tax bills and payments, use the Kaufman County Tax Assessor-Collector.

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Content gaps fixed

Details Most Kaufman County Homestead Guides Miss

Correct filing office: homestead exemption is filed with Kaufman Central Appraisal District, not the IRS and not the county payment portal.

No-fee warning: Kaufman CAD states there is no charge or fee associated with receiving or filing an exemption application.

Online forms exist: KCAD’s taxpayer portal can manage applications and electronic communications, but homeowners should still save confirmation proof.

School exemption is the largest statewide benefit: Texas school districts provide a $140,000 residence homestead exemption.

Over-65 and disabled benefits are separate: school districts provide an additional $60,000, while local entities may adopt different fixed amounts.

Kaufman County local amounts vary: the 2026 KCAD list shows Kaufman County and Road and Bridge with $15,000 over-65 and disabled person exemptions.

City savings vary by address: City of Seagoville and City of Terrell show 10% local-option homestead in the 2026 KCAD list, while many other cities show no general local-option homestead.

City senior amounts vary: Forney and Mesquite show larger local over-65 amounts than several smaller cities; confirm your exact tax units before estimating.

MUDs and fresh water districts matter: some Kaufman County MUD/FWSD entities have over-65 or disabled person amounts, while others do not.

Late filing may help: Texas allows many late residence homestead applications, but filing early prevents avoidable bill corrections and delays.

Homestead cap is separate: the 10% appraisal cap can limit future increases after it begins, but it does not replace the exemption application.

Protest is separate: homestead reduces taxable value, but you may still need an ARB protest if market value or unequal appraisal is wrong.

04

Amount guide

Kaufman County Homestead Exemption Amounts for 2026

Kaufman County savings depend on the taxing units attached to the exact property. A home in Forney ISD, Kaufman ISD, Terrell ISD, Crandall ISD, Rockwall ISD or Wills Point ISD may have a different total bill even with the same appraised value.

School districts

$140,000

Kaufman CAD’s 2026 exemption list shows the state-mandated $140,000 homestead amount for Crandall, Forney, Kaufman, Mabank, Kemp, Quinlan, Rockwall, Scurry-Rosser, Terrell and Wills Point ISDs.

School over-65 / disabled

+$60,000

Kaufman CAD’s 2026 list shows state-mandated $60,000 over-65 and disabled person amounts for school districts.

Kaufman County

$15,000 O/65 • $15,000 DP

The 2026 KCAD list shows no general local-option homestead for Kaufman County, but it shows $15,000 local over-65 and disabled person amounts.

Road and Bridge

$15,000 O/65 • $15,000 DP

The 2026 KCAD list shows local over-65 and disabled person amounts for Road and Bridge.

City of Forney

$65,000 O/65 • $35,000 DP

The 2026 KCAD list shows these local over-65 and disabled person amounts for City of Forney, with no general local-option homestead shown.

City of Terrell

10% HS • $5,000 O/65

The 2026 KCAD list shows City of Terrell with a 10% local-option homestead and $5,000 over-65 amount.

City of Seagoville

10% HS • $30,000 O/65 • $30,000 DP

The 2026 KCAD list shows local-option homestead, over-65 and disabled person amounts for City of Seagoville.

City of Kaufman

$15,000 O/65

The 2026 KCAD list shows City of Kaufman with a $15,000 local over-65 amount and no local disabled amount shown.

City of Combine

$35,000 O/65 • $35,000 DP

The 2026 KCAD list shows local over-65 and disabled person amounts for City of Combine.

City of Talty

10% O/65

The 2026 KCAD list shows City of Talty with a local over-65 percentage amount.

Trinity Valley CC

$15,000 O/65

The 2026 KCAD list shows a local over-65 amount for Trinity Valley Community College District.

Disabled veterans

$5,000–$12,000 or 100%

The 2026 KCAD list shows partial disabled veteran amounts by rating and indicates 100% service-connected or unemployable disabled veteran homesteadable value can be 100% exempt.

Amount caution:

Do not assume every Kaufman County property receives every local exemption. Use the exact property account, tax units and current-year exemption list before estimating savings.

Open 2026 KCAD Exemption Amounts
05

Qualification

Kaufman County Homestead Exemption Eligibility Rules

Own the property

You must have an ownership interest in the Kaufman County property.

Recent buyers should check whether the deed has posted and keep closing documents ready if the record is not updated.

Use it as principal residence

The home must be your principal residence.

Rental homes, vacation homes, second homes and investment properties generally do not qualify for the standard residence homestead exemption.

Meet January 1 rules

General residence homestead qualification commonly looks to ownership and occupancy on January 1.

Texas also has new-owner proration rules in some cases when a buyer qualifies after January 1.

No duplicate homestead

You must state that you do not claim another residence homestead exemption in Texas or outside Texas.

Cancel a previous homestead when moving.

ID address should match

Texas Form 50-114 requires a driver license or state-issued ID copy, and the address must generally correspond to the homestead property address.

Exceptions may apply for certain facilities, address confidentiality, active-duty military and special license situations.

Land and improvements

A Texas residence homestead can include the residential structure and land used for residential occupancy, generally up to 20 acres when ownership matches.

Heir property may qualify

Inherited property may require Form 50-114-A, death certificate, utility bill and any available court record relating to ownership.

Reapplication is usually not annual

If approved, the homeowner usually does not reapply every year unless the chief appraiser requires it or the owner wants the exemption on a different property.

KCAD must periodically verify homestead exemptions at least once every five years.

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Proof checklist

Documents Needed for Kaufman County Homestead Exemption

Form 50-114

Residence Homestead Exemption Application for general, over-65, disabled, 100% disabled veteran and related categories.

KCAD account number

Find it through Kaufman CAD property search or your tax statement.

Property address

Use the physical address of the residence homestead, not only the mailing address.

Owner information

List each owner and ownership interest where required.

Driver license or Texas ID

Attach the required ID copy unless a statutory documentation waiver applies.

Occupancy date

Know the date you began occupying the property as your principal residence.

Previous homestead address

Prepare prior residence details and cancellation information if you had another homestead.

Deed or closing statement

Useful when the property was recently purchased or ownership does not yet appear correctly.

Manufactured home proof

Manufactured homeowners may need a TDHCA statement of ownership, sales contract, receipt or sworn affidavit.

Heir property affidavit

Heir property owners may need Form 50-114-A, prior owner death certificate, utility bill and available court records.

Over-65 proof

Acceptable proof of age may include driver license, birth certificate or another official document showing date of birth.

Disability proof

Disabled person exemption may require documentation showing disability under Social Security disability standards.

Veteran documents

Prepare VA disability rating letter, DD214 or other official service-connected disability proof.

Surviving spouse records

Prepare marriage certificate, death certificate and prior exemption proof if claiming continuation.

Tax ceiling transfer form

Needed when transferring an over-65 or disabled person tax ceiling from a previous qualified homestead.

Filing confirmation

Save online confirmation, email, stamped copy, certified-mail receipt or upload receipt.

Document safety:

Upload driver license, Social Security, disability, veteran, heirship or ownership documents only through official KCAD channels. Kaufman CAD says exemption applications do not require a filing fee.

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Filing workflow

How to Apply for Kaufman County Homestead Exemption

  1. Search your Kaufman CAD property record.

    Confirm account number, owner name, property address, legal description, acreage, value, exemptions and taxing units.

    Open KCAD Property Search
    After opening: search by owner, property address or account number, then save the account number before filing.
  2. Confirm you qualify.

    Make sure you own the home, occupy it as your principal residence and are not claiming another homestead elsewhere.

  3. Update your Texas ID address if needed.

    The driver license or state ID address must generally correspond to the homestead property address unless an exception applies.

  4. Use KCAD online forms when available.

    Kaufman CAD links to an online forms/taxpayer portal for applications and electronic communications.

    Open KCAD Online Forms
    After opening: sign in or create access, choose the correct application, upload required proof and save confirmation.
  5. Or file Form 50-114.

    Download the Residence Homestead Exemption Application and submit it with required documents to Kaufman CAD.

    Open KCAD Form 50-114
    After opening: complete ownership, property, exemption type, documentation waiver and signature sections before submission.
  6. Choose special exemptions when eligible.

    Over-65, disabled person, disabled veteran, surviving spouse, heir property, manufactured home and fire-destroyed residence claims may require extra forms or proof.

  7. File by April 30 when possible.

    The general deadline is no later than April 30 for the year requested. File early so missing documents can be corrected before tax bills.

  8. Save proof of filing.

    Keep a copy of the application, documents, email, online confirmation, postal proof or office-stamped copy.

  9. Check exemption status later.

    Return to KCAD property search and review the exemption codes, taxable values and tax-unit list after processing.

  10. Report changes.

    Notify the chief appraiser in writing if you move, sell, rent the home, change ownership, claim another homestead or stop qualifying.

KCAD CAD Forms

Use this page for residence homestead, affidavits, change of address, protest and other official KCAD forms.

Open KCAD Forms
After opening: choose Residence Homestead Exemption Application or Residence Homestead Exemption Affidavits as needed.

Texas Comptroller Forms

Use this for statewide Texas forms including 50-114, 50-114-A, 50-132 and disabled veteran forms.

Open Comptroller Forms
After opening: search by form number, then submit the completed form to Kaufman CAD, not the Comptroller.
08

Dates

Kaufman County Homestead Exemption Deadlines and Property Tax Dates

January 1 Appraisal and status date

Texas property is generally appraised as of January 1, and general homestead qualification commonly looks to ownership and occupancy on January 1.

January 1–April 30 Main filing window

Form 50-114 says residence homestead applications are generally filed during this period for the requested tax year.

April 30 Standard deadline

The completed application and required documentation are generally due no later than April 30.

First anniversary Over-65 / disabled special deadline

Age 65 or older, disabled person and certain donated homestead applications may be due by the first anniversary of qualification.

Spring Appraisal notice season

Review your notice of appraised value, exemptions, market value, appraised value and protest deadline as soon as it arrives.

May 15 or 30 days Protest deadline

The usual ARB protest deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the appraisal notice was mailed, whichever is later.

Up to 2 years Late homestead filing

Many late residence homestead applications may be filed up to two years after the filing deadline has passed.

Up to 5 years Disabled veteran late filing

Certain disabled veteran late applications may be filed up to five years after the delinquency date, depending on exemption type.

August–September Tax rate database updates

KCAD’s Truth in Taxation page says the local property tax database is updated during August and September as entities propose and adopt rates.

January 31 Normal payment deadline

Texas property taxes are generally due by January 31 and become delinquent February 1 if unpaid.

Quarterly plan Over-65 / disabled payment plan

Kaufman County FAQ says qualified over-65 or disabled homestead taxpayers may pay in four equal installments when statutory conditions are met.

Before May 1 Duty to notify

Property owners must notify the chief appraiser in writing before May 1 of the year after the right to an exemption ends.

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Savings math

How Much Can the Kaufman County Homestead Exemption Save?

Kaufman County homestead savings depend on appraised value, school district, county taxes, road and bridge taxes, city taxes, MUDs, fresh water districts, public improvement districts, emergency service districts, local exemptions and adopted tax rates.

School savings

$140,000 × school tax rate per $100 ÷ 100.

Over-65 / disabled school savings

Additional $60,000 × school tax rate per $100 ÷ 100, when eligible.

Local senior / disabled savings

Apply only amounts adopted by the city, county, MUD, road district or other entity on your property.

10% cap savings

The cap can reduce future taxable growth after it begins, but it is not a fixed dollar exemption.

Open Kaufman County homestead savings estimator

School exemption value used: $140,000.00

Estimated school savings: $1,801.66

Estimated county senior/disabled savings: $0.00

Estimated road senior/disabled savings: $0.00

Optional local exemption value: $0.00

Optional local savings: $0.00

Total educational estimate: $1,801.66

Educational estimate only. Actual Kaufman County savings depend on the certified appraisal roll, approved exemptions, exact taxing units, adopted rates, city/MUD/FWSD/PID/ESD status, school district, over-65 or disabled tax ceiling, disabled veteran rules, protest results, new improvements and final tax bill.
Use the property tax database too:

KCAD’s Truth in Taxation page links to the Kaufman local property tax database, where property owners can view property tax breakdowns, public hearing dates and adopted/proposed tax-rate information.

Open Kaufman Property Tax Database
10

Senior and disabled homeowners

Kaufman County Over-65, Disabled Person and Tax Ceiling Rules

Age 65 or older

To qualify, the homeowner must be age 65 or older, own an interest in the property and live in the home as the principal residence.

KCAD’s FAQ says proof of age can include a driver license, birth certificate or another official document reflecting date of birth.

Disabled person

Disabled person exemption eligibility generally follows federal disability insurance standards.

KCAD’s FAQ says a disabled child does not qualify the parent for a disabled exemption because the applicant must own the home.

Cannot double-claim same units

KCAD’s FAQ says a taxpayer may not claim both over-65 and disabled person exemptions in the same tax year for the same taxing units.

Contact KCAD for how this works when multiple taxing units are involved.

School tax ceiling

Over-65 or disabled person exemptions may establish a school tax ceiling, subject to new improvements and statutory adjustments.

Tax ceiling transfer

KCAD’s FAQ says a homeowner may transfer the same percentage of school taxes paid to another qualified homestead in Texas.

A current homestead application is also required for the new residence.

Quarterly payment plan

Kaufman County FAQ says over-65 or disabled homestead taxpayers may pay taxes in four equal installments if the plan is initiated properly.

Use the Tax Office for payment-plan timing and requirements.

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Veterans and surviving spouses

Kaufman County Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemptions

100% disabled veteran homestead

Texas provides a total residence homestead exemption for qualifying veterans awarded 100% disability compensation due to service-connected disability and a rating of 100% disabled or individual unemployability.

Use Form 50-114 for the 100% disabled veteran residence homestead category.

Partial disabled veteran amounts

KCAD’s 2026 exemption list shows partial disabled veteran amounts of $5,000, $7,500, $10,000 and $12,000 based on service-connected rating ranges.

Surviving spouse

Surviving spouses of qualifying disabled veterans may qualify for continued or transferred exemption benefits if statutory requirements are met.

Donated homestead

Texas has a separate donated residence homestead exemption for certain partially disabled veterans and surviving spouses.

Documents

Prepare VA disability rating letter, DD214, marriage certificate, death certificate, prior exemption proof or other official records as requested.

Late filing

Certain disabled veteran applications may have longer late-filing windows than ordinary residence homestead applications. Contact KCAD quickly if the benefit was missed.

KCAD 2026 exemption list

Use this to check partial disabled veteran amounts and local taxing-unit exemption amounts.

Open 2026 Exemption List
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Tax bills

Kaufman County Property Tax Payments After Homestead Approval

Homestead approval and property tax payment are separate. Kaufman CAD determines exemptions and values. The Kaufman County Tax Assessor-Collector calculates and collects taxes.

Tax bill questions

Use the Kaufman County Tax Office for tax statements, payments, receipts, delinquency, refunds and account-payment questions.

Exemption questions

Use Kaufman CAD for homestead approval, exemption qualification, appraised value, ownership records and appraisal notices.

Partial payments

Kaufman County FAQ says the Tax Office accepts partial payments, but remaining balances not paid by January 31 accrue penalty and interest.

Over-65 homestead plan

Qualified over-65 or disabled homestead owners may use the four-installment option if they meet the rules.

Mortgage escrow

If your mortgage company pays taxes and you receive the statement, send it to the mortgage company with your loan number.

Returned checks

Kaufman County Tax Office uses Envision Payment Solutions for returned check recovery, and returned payments can create service fees.

Payment caution:

A pending homestead application, correction or ARB protest may not stop property tax payment deadlines. Contact the Tax Office before delinquency if your exemption is missing from the bill.

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Record decoder

How to Check Kaufman Homestead Status on Property Records

Account number: use this when contacting KCAD, the Tax Office, mortgage company or ARB.

Owner name: should match deed, closing, trust, estate, heirship or ownership documents.

Property address: should match the physical principal residence address.

Mailing address: update this with the correct office if notices or bills are being sent to the wrong address.

Legal description: useful for matching deed records, but verify before using it in legal documents.

Taxing units: review school district, county, road and bridge, city, MUD, ESD, FWSD, WCID, PID and college district.

Exemption codes: look for homestead, over-65, disabled person, disabled veteran or surviving spouse benefits.

Market value: KCAD’s estimate of the property’s market value.

Appraised value: value after appraisal limitations, such as the homestead cap when active.

Taxable value: value after exemptions for each taxing unit.

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Appeals and fixes

What If Your Kaufman Homestead Is Missing, Denied or the Appraised Value Is Too High?

A missing homestead exemption, a denied application, a high market value and a tax-payment issue require different actions.

Missing homestead: contact KCAD with account number, Form 50-114 copy, ID proof and filing confirmation.
Denied homestead: read the notice and ask whether missing documents, correction or ARB protest applies.
Wrong owner: check deed records and provide ownership proof to KCAD.
Wrong address: correct mailing or property-owner contact information promptly.
High appraised value: gather comparable sales, condition photos, repair estimates, recent appraisal evidence and unequal appraisal data.
Protest deadline: generally May 15 or 30 days after the appraisal notice was mailed, whichever is later.
Evidence exchange: ARB procedures allow evidence review and submission rules before the hearing.
Further appeal: after ARB order, further appeal may involve district court, binding arbitration or SOAH depending on the case.

Kaufman ARB page

Use this for local ARB information, Notice of Protest, evidence forms and hearing procedures.

Open Kaufman ARB
After opening: choose Notice of Protest, Request for Evidence, Affidavit of Evidence or Local ARB Hearing Procedures as needed.

Texas protest rights

Use this statewide guide for protest deadlines, hearings, evidence, ARB decisions and appeal routes.

Open Comptroller Protest Guide
After opening: compare the notice date with the May 15 or 30-day protest deadline rule.
Appeal warning:

Calling or emailing KCAD may help resolve a problem, but it may not preserve ARB protest rights. File the required written protest before the deadline when a formal appeal is needed.

15

Local tax areas

Kaufman County Cities, School Districts and Tax Units That Can Affect Savings

Kaufman County savings can change dramatically by address because one home may have city, school, county, road and bridge, ESD, MUD, FWSD, WCID, PID or college taxes that another home does not have.

Kaufman Forney Terrell Crandall Kemp Mabank Combine Talty Seagoville Cottonwood Oak Ridge Scurry Post Oak Bend Oak Grove Poetry Crandall ISD Forney ISD Kaufman ISD Terrell ISD Kemp ISD Mabank ISD Quinlan ISD Rockwall ISD Scurry-Rosser ISD Wills Point ISD Trinity Valley CC Kaufman County MUDs Kaufman County FWSDs
Tax unit rule:

Do not estimate savings from a neighboring city or school district. Use your property account’s actual taxing units and the current-year exemption list.

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Avoid delays

Common Kaufman County Homestead Exemption Mistakes

Filing with the Tax Office only: property tax payment and homestead exemption filing are different workflows.

Paying a private filing fee: KCAD says there is no charge or fee for filing an exemption application with the appraisal district.

Sending Form 50-114 to the Comptroller: the form is filed with the appraisal district in the county where the property is located.

Missing April 30: Texas late filing may help, but filing late can delay corrections and refund processing.

ID address mismatch: the driver license or state ID address generally must match the homestead address.

Claiming another homestead: duplicate homestead claims can create denial, penalties or back-tax issues.

Ignoring local entities: Kaufman County cities, MUDs, FWSDs and school districts have different rates and local exemption amounts.

Assuming every city gives a general homestead exemption: some cities show 10% local-option homestead, while others show none.

Forgetting senior/disabled local amounts: over-65 and disabled person exemptions can apply differently for county, city, MUD, road or school taxes.

Confusing tax ceiling with exemption amount: the tax ceiling limits certain taxes but does not replace the exemption calculation.

Not protesting value: homestead lowers taxable value, but it does not automatically correct a high market value.

Using public records for screening: property records should not be used for FCRA-regulated employment, tenant, credit or insurance decisions.

17

Decision path

What Should You Do Next?

I just bought a Kaufman County home

Search the KCAD property record, update your Texas ID address, confirm occupancy and file Form 50-114 by April 30 when possible.

I bought after January 1

Ask KCAD about new-owner proration and whether the previous owner received the same exemption for the current tax year.

My ID address does not match

Update the Texas driver license or ID address before filing unless a statutory waiver applies.

I am age 65 or older

Ask KCAD about over-65 exemption, school tax ceiling, local entity amounts, tax ceiling transfer and quarterly payment plan.

I am disabled

Review disabled person exemption requirements and prepare SSA or physician documentation if requested.

I am a disabled veteran

Review partial and 100% disabled veteran rules, prepare VA documents and file the correct exemption with KCAD.

My tax bill is high

Check the appraisal record, tax units, exemption list and property tax database, then file an ARB protest if value or exemption status is wrong.

My payment deadline is near

Contact the Kaufman County Tax Office about partial payments or the over-65/disabled payment plan while the exemption issue is pending.

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Important notice

Independent Information, Tax Caution and Property-Records Notice

This page is independent informational content for Kaufman County, Texas homeowners researching residence homestead exemptions and property tax savings.

It is not the official website of Kaufman Central Appraisal District, Kaufman County Appraisal District, Kaufman County Tax Assessor-Collector, Kaufman County, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, any city, school district, MUD, FWSD, ESD, appraisal review board or court.

It is not legal advice, tax advice, an official exemption approval, an official appraisal notice, an official tax bill, a protest filing, a tax ceiling calculation, a veteran-benefit determination, a disability determination or a title opinion.

Verify current forms, deadlines, exemption amounts, online filing links, office hours, payment options, protest dates, tax rates and property-specific tax units directly with KCAD, the Kaufman County Tax Office or the Texas Comptroller before acting.

Property records should be used only for property-tax, appraisal, ownership-reference and public-record purposes.

Do not use property-record information for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or any FCRA-regulated purpose.

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FAQs

Kaufman County Homestead Exemption FAQs

Where do I file a Kaufman County homestead exemption?

File with Kaufman Central Appraisal District at 3950 S. Houston St., Kaufman, TX 75142-3718, or use the KCAD online forms portal. The phone number is 972-932-6081 and exemption questions can be sent to exemptions@kaufman-cad.org.

What is the deadline for Kaufman County homestead exemption?

The standard Texas residence homestead application deadline is generally April 30 for the tax year requested. Many late applications may still be allowed under Texas law, but homeowners should file early.

What form is used for Kaufman County homestead exemption?

The main form is Texas Form 50-114, Residence Homestead Exemption Application. File it with Kaufman CAD, not with the Texas Comptroller and not with the Tax Office payment portal.

Does Kaufman CAD charge a fee for homestead filing?

Kaufman CAD states that there is no charge or fee associated with receiving or filing an exemption application with the appraisal district.

Who qualifies for Kaufman County residence homestead exemption?

An individual generally must own the property, occupy it as the principal residence, and state that no other residence homestead exemption is claimed in Texas or outside Texas.

How much is the Texas school homestead exemption in Kaufman County?

Texas school districts provide a $140,000 residence homestead exemption. Kaufman CAD’s 2026 list shows the $140,000 state-mandated amount for Kaufman County school districts listed on the roll.

What extra exemption applies for homeowners over 65 or disabled?

School districts provide an additional $60,000 residence homestead exemption for homeowners age 65 or older or disabled. Kaufman County’s 2026 local list also shows $15,000 over-65 and disabled person amounts for Kaufman County and Road and Bridge.

Does every Kaufman County city give a general homestead exemption?

No. The 2026 KCAD list shows some local-option city homestead amounts, such as 10% for City of Seagoville and City of Terrell, while several other cities show no general local-option homestead.

Does Kaufman County homestead create a 10% appraisal cap?

Yes, a qualified Texas residence homestead generally receives a limitation on annual appraised value increases of no more than 10% per year, excluding new improvements, after the cap begins.

Can I claim Kaufman County homestead if I bought after January 1?

Texas law may allow a buyer who acquires and qualifies a residence homestead after January 1 to receive the general homestead exemption for the applicable portion of the tax year if the previous owner did not receive the same exemption.

What if my driver license address does not match?

Texas Form 50-114 generally requires the driver license or state ID address to correspond to the homestead property address. Certain statutory waivers may apply for qualifying situations.

Who handles Kaufman County property tax payments?

The Kaufman County Tax Assessor-Collector handles property tax bills, payments, partial payments, receipts and tax collection. Kaufman CAD handles appraisal values and exemption approval.

What if my Kaufman homestead exemption is missing?

Contact Kaufman CAD with your account number, filing confirmation, Form 50-114 copy and supporting documents. If a payment deadline is near, also contact the Tax Office about payment options.

How do I protest a high Kaufman County appraised value?

Use the Kaufman CAD Appraisal Review Board process. The usual Texas protest deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the notice of appraised value was mailed, whichever is later.

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Official resources

Official Kaufman County and Texas Homestead Resources

Kaufman Central Appraisal DistrictOfficial appraisal district website for Kaufman County property values, forms, exemptions, notices and appeals. Kaufman CAD ContactOfficial KCAD address, phone, email contacts, chief appraiser, taxpayer liaison and office hours. KCAD Taxpayer Portal / Online FormsOnline portal for property details, electronic communications and application management. KCAD Property SearchSearch Kaufman County appraisal records by owner, address, property ID and account details. KCAD CAD FormsResidence homestead, affidavits, change of address, open records and protest-related forms. Kaufman CAD Form 50-114Residence Homestead Exemption application PDF used for Kaufman County filing. Kaufman CAD 2026 Exemption AmountsState and local exemption amounts for cities, county, school districts, MUDs, FWSDs and disabled veterans. Kaufman CAD 2025 Tax RatesOfficial tax-rate table by entity, useful for estimating savings with the current adopted rates available. Kaufman CAD Taxing EntitiesList of county, city, school district, MUD, FWSD, ESD, WCID, PID and college tax entities. Kaufman CAD Truth in TaxationProperty tax database, proposed/adopted tax-rate updates, public hearing information and subscription guidance. Kaufman Local Property Tax DatabaseProperty-specific proposed and adopted tax-rate information and tax breakdown tools. Kaufman Appraisal Review BoardLocal ARB information, protest forms, evidence forms and hearing procedures. Kaufman Property Tax Protest ProceduresProtest rights, ARB hearing process, evidence rules and appeal options. Kaufman County Tax AssessorCounty tax collection, tax payment, partial payment and payment-plan information. Kaufman County Tax Payment PortalOnline tax account lookup and payment portal. Kaufman County Tax FAQProperty tax FAQ for exemptions, CAD routing, partial payments and over-65 homestead payment plan. Texas Comptroller Kaufman DirectoryState directory listing Kaufman appraisal district and tax assessor-collector contact details. Texas Comptroller Property Tax ExemptionsStatewide residence homestead, over-65, disabled, local option, heir property and veteran guidance. Texas Form 50-114Statewide Residence Homestead Exemption Application. Texas Form 50-114-AResidence Homestead Exemption Affidavits for heir property and special documentation situations. Texas Valuing PropertyStatewide guidance on appraised value, homestead appraisal limitation and property valuation. Texas Appraisal Protests and AppealsARB protest rights, deadlines, hearings and appeal routes. 100% Disabled Veteran FAQStatewide guidance for Texas Tax Code Section 11.131 disabled veteran residence homestead benefits. Texas Tax Code Chapter 11Residence homestead, over-65, disabled, local option and disabled veteran exemption statutes. Texas Tax Code Chapter 23Appraisal methods and residence homestead appraisal limitation statutes. Texas Tax Code Chapter 33Delinquency, deferral and collection rules for residence homesteads.

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