Kaufman County CAD Property Search Appraisal District

Kaufman County, Texas Property Search and Tax Guide

Move the Correct Forney, Terrell, Crandall, Kaufman, Kemp or Mabank-Area Parcel from KCAD Search and GIS to Exemptions, Agricultural Review, Protest, Tax Payment or Deed Research

Kaufman County appraisal records cover fast-growing subdivisions along the US-80 and US-175 corridors, homes and businesses in Forney, Terrell, Crandall and Kaufman, rural property near Scurry and Rosser, lake-area land near Kemp and Mabank, farms, pasture, hay fields, beekeeping acreage, manufactured homes and business equipment.

This guide explains the official 2026 property database, current BIS parcel map, Taxpayer Portal, homestead-cap timing, online appeals, county-specific agricultural standards, Tax Office payments and County Clerk land records.

Correct office routing: Kaufman CAD determines appraisal values, exemptions and agricultural qualification. The Kaufman County Tax Assessor-Collector sends tax statements and accepts payments. The County Clerk records deeds, liens and easements.
Chief Appraiser Sarah Curtis
KCAD phone 972-932-6081
Appraisal office 3950 S. Houston St.
2026 certified roll Published by KCAD

Important Corrections and 2026 Updates

Old or Missing Information Current Official Information Why It Matters
The existing page links an old TrueAutomation map. Kaufman CAD now links the BIS map at gis.bisclient.com/kaufmancad. Visitors should use the current parcel viewer instead of an outdated mapping system.
Online protest instructions point users to a separate legacy appeal site. The legacy protest page now says taxpayer appeals have moved to the Kaufman CAD Taxpayer Portal. A taxpayer should sign in to the current portal rather than waiting on an obsolete protest workflow.
Search help is limited to owner, address and ID. Advanced Search supports abstract, mobile-home park, property type, DBA, subdivision, condo, Owner ID, Geographic ID, neighborhood and tax year. Rural, commercial, mobile-home and difficult ownership searches often require advanced fields.
No current 2026 reappraisal warning. Crandall and Terrell school-district areas are in KCAD’s 2026 reappraisal plan and may receive field inspections. Owners may see appraisal staff, updated property characteristics or new photographs.
Homestead cap described as immediate after purchase. KCAD states that a buyer who purchased after January 1, 2026 will not receive the homestead appraisal cap until 2028. A buyer should not estimate 2027 taxes by assuming the seller’s capped value continues.
Agricultural advice is generic. KCAD published revised February 10, 2026 guidelines with local acreage, livestock, hay, orchard, beekeeping and wildlife standards. Acreage alone does not qualify, and different operations have different local thresholds.
Timber is described as a normal Kaufman County agricultural use. KCAD’s 2026 guide says timber production is not considered a viable agricultural utilization in Kaufman County. A land buyer should not assume wooded acreage can qualify as timberland.
Tax payment fees are not stated. The Tax Office lists a 2.29% credit-card fee with a $1 minimum. The payer should account for the processor charge before authorizing payment.
Property card treated as complete ownership evidence. The County Clerk maintains a separate official public-record system and free fraud-notification service. KCAD ownership does not reveal every deed, lien, easement, release or mineral reservation.
Only preliminary data is mentioned. KCAD’s Public Info page now lists both the 2026 preliminary export and 2026 certified full-roll download. Researchers should label the correct dataset and avoid mixing preliminary and certified values.

Start Here: Which Office Handles Your Property Task?

Kaufman Central Appraisal District Property search, market value, appraised value, property characteristics, homestead exemptions, agricultural appraisal, maps, renditions and protests.
Appraisal Review Board Formal hearings involving value, unequal appraisal, exemption denial, agricultural denial and other protestable appraisal matters.
Kaufman County Tax Office Tax statements, balances, payments, receipts, penalty, interest, escrow questions and delinquent-tax information.
Kaufman County Clerk Deeds, deeds of trust, releases, liens, easements, restrictions, plats, mineral documents and certified copies.
City Development Office Zoning, permits, inspections, utilities, subdivision requirements and city-limit questions.
County Development Services Rural subdivision, floodplain, septic, culvert, driveway and 911-address requirements.
Surveyor or Title Company Exact boundaries, legal access, encroachments, easements, title commitment and ownership examination.
Property-Tax Attorney Complex ARB appeals, arbitration, litigation, rollback taxes, tax foreclosure and ownership disputes.
Fast routing tip Give the office the Property ID before explaining the issue. One owner can have separate residence, acreage, manufactured-home, mineral and business accounts.

Choose Your Kaufman County Property Task

What to Try When the KCAD Search Finds Nothing

Search Problem Better Method Why It Helps
Full owner name fails Search only the first or last name. Initials, spouses, trusts and estates may be indexed differently.
Recent buyer is missing Search the seller or prior owner. The deed and KCAD ownership update may occur at different times.
Address returns nothing Search only the street name. Directions, abbreviations and road suffixes can prevent a match.
Rural land lacks a standard address Use owner, abstract, Geographic ID, subdivision or map. Rural tracts are frequently indexed through survey information.
Only the residence appears Repeat the owner search and open every Property ID. Homesite and agricultural acreage can be separated.
Manufactured home is missing Search the home and land owners separately. The structure and underlying land can have different ownership.
Business equipment is missing Search the DBA and legal business owner. A tenant may own taxable assets without owning the building.
Need protest status Use ARB Search fields for status, informal date, hearing date or formal date. These fields are designed for protest-record research.
“I am trying to locate a Kaufman CAD account. The current or former owner is ______. The property is near ______. It is a home / acreage / manufactured-home / business account. My possible Property ID, abstract or legal-description clue is ______.”

How to Read a Kaufman CAD Property Record

Record Field Simple Meaning What to Check
Property ID Primary appraisal-account identifier. Use it for forms, calls, protests and Tax Office searches.
Owner ID Identifier connected with an ownership record. One owner may have several Property IDs.
Geographic ID Map-related account identifier. Useful for rural land and parcel matching.
Legal description KCAD summary of abstract, survey, subdivision, lot or tract. Compare it with the recorded deed before legal use.
Market value KCAD’s January 1 estimate of normal market value. Review land, improvements, condition, access and market evidence.
Appraised value Value after an applicable homestead cap, circuit breaker or productivity appraisal. It can be lower than market value.
HS Cap Loss Difference created by the residence-homestead appraisal limitation. A cap does not freeze market value or the tax rate.
Circuit Breaker Temporary limit for qualifying non-homestead real property. Confirm the year’s eligibility threshold and exclusions.
Agricultural value loss Difference between agricultural market value and productivity treatment. Review qualifying acres and change-of-use exposure.
Assessed value Value remaining after applicable appraisal limitations. Taxing-unit exemptions can produce different taxable values.
Privacy note: The property portal states that not all exemption information is displayed online. Contact KCAD when an expected exemption is unclear.

How to Use the Current Kaufman CAD GIS Map

Use the BIS viewer—not the old TrueAutomation link. KCAD’s official homepage now routes parcel-map users to gis.bisclient.com/kaufmancad.
1
Search the property record first.

Copy the Property ID, Geographic ID, acreage and legal-description clues.

2
Open the official BIS map.

Locate the parcel through the current map link published by KCAD.

3
Match the exact parcel polygon.

Confirm the Property ID and legal description instead of clicking only the nearest house.

4
Open adjoining accounts.

Compare acreage, property use, neighborhood, access and improvements.

5
Check every connected tract.

A farm, lake-area holding or development tract may be split into several appraisal accounts.

6
Save a dated map image.

Label it with the Property ID before using it in a correction request, protest or buyer file.

The GIS can help with
  • General parcel location
  • Neighboring appraisal accounts
  • Subdivision and road context
  • Rural tract orientation
  • Comparable-account research
The GIS cannot prove
  • Exact boundary monuments
  • Legal road access
  • Flood-zone status
  • Easement rights
  • Clear title or mineral ownership
Do not build, fence or purchase from the GIS line alone. Use the recorded deed, title work and a professional survey when boundaries or access matter.
Official current map: Open Kaufman CAD GIS.

Kaufman County Property Situations That Need Extra Checking

Property Situation Important Checks Common Hidden Issue
Forney-area home Actual city limits, Forney ISD, MUD or special district, homestead, new improvements and lot data A Forney mailing address does not guarantee the property is inside the city or free of special-district taxes.
Crandall growth-corridor property 2026 reappraisal inspection, Crandall ISD, development status, utilities and new construction Recently completed improvements may be added or updated during field review.
Terrell home or commercial site 2026 reappraisal activity, city jurisdiction, Terrell ISD, commercial use and BPP account Land, building and business equipment may have separate appraisal accounts.
Kaufman or Scurry rural acreage Agricultural history, legal access, water, fencing, survey and homesite acreage A residence or nonagricultural area must be deducted from qualifying acreage.
Kemp or Mabank-area property County line, school district, lake influence, flood research, access, septic and deed restrictions A Mabank postal address can be associated with different counties and appraisal districts.
Cedar Creek Reservoir-area land Water access rights, subdivision restrictions, flood zone, shoreline rules and survey Lake proximity does not prove legal access, dock rights or buildability.
Manufactured home Home account, land account, title, ownership, location and taxes The home and land may have different owners.
Farm, hay or beekeeping land Five-of-seven-year history, operation intensity, receipts, lease, photographs and acreage Token activity or hobby use does not qualify for productivity appraisal.

2026 Kaufman CAD Reappraisal and Homestead-Cap Updates

Crandall and Terrell field inspections: KCAD says properties in the Crandall and Terrell school-district areas are included in the 2026 reappraisal plan. Other county properties may also be inspected when the district believes a review is needed.
Verify the appraiser Ask for identification and contact KCAD when a person’s identity or purpose is uncertain.
Check changed characteristics Compare square footage, condition, additions, outbuildings, pool, garage and land use after an inspection.
Preserve January 1 evidence Value and property condition generally relate to January 1, so keep dated construction or damage photographs.
New-buyer cap warning: KCAD’s 2026 homepage states that a person who purchased a home after January 1, 2026 will not receive the homestead appraisal cap until 2028.
The exemption and cap are different. A qualifying new owner may receive a residence-homestead exemption for the applicable ownership period, but the appraisal cap has a separate effective date.
Five-year homestead audit: KCAD periodically verifies each residence-homestead exemption. An owner generally does not need to reapply unless requested, but should respond promptly to an official audit letter.

Market Value, Appraised Value and Taxable Value

Market Value → Cap, Circuit Breaker or Productivity Appraisal → Exemptions → Taxable Value
Market value KCAD’s estimate of what the property would sell for under normal market conditions as of January 1.
Appraised or assessed value Value after an applicable homestead cap, circuit-breaker limitation or agricultural productivity appraisal.
Taxable value The amount each taxing entity uses after its applicable exemptions and limitations.
Residence-homestead limitation: After the cap becomes effective, annual appraised value is generally limited to the prior appraised value plus 10% and the market value of new improvements.
2026 circuit breaker: Qualifying non-homestead real property valued at $5,320,000 or less may receive a temporary 20% appraisal limitation. Agricultural and other excluded specially appraised property does not qualify.
A successful appeal may not change taxable value immediately. KCAD explains that taxable or assessed value changes only when the reduced market value falls below the capped or otherwise limited assessed value.

How to Use the Kaufman CAD Taxpayer Portal

The taxpayer online protest has moved. The separate eProtest page now directs property owners to the Taxpayer Portal. Agents continue to use the separate Agent Appeal system.
Portal uses: Review property details, receive electronic communication, access important documents, manage applications and file supported online appeals.
1
Open portal.kaufman-cad.org.

Select Sign Up when you do not already have an account.

2
Use an email address you monitor.

Approval, document, appeal and password messages may be delivered electronically.

3
Connect the correct property.

Verify the Property ID, owner and legal description before managing an application or appeal.

4
Review the electronic-communication election.

An election to receive official communication electronically remains active until rescinded in writing.

5
Upload readable documents.

Use complete files with visible names, signatures, dates and property information.

6
Save every confirmation.

Keep screenshots, submission numbers, uploaded documents and correspondence.

Approval Pending is possible. Do not wait until the last day of a deadline to create a portal account or connect property.
Taxpayer forms and appeals: Open Kaufman CAD Taxpayer Portal.
Authorized tax agents: Open Kaufman CAD Agent Portal.

Kaufman County Homestead and Related Exemptions

Current school exemptions: Texas school districts provide a mandatory $140,000 general residence-homestead exemption. Qualifying age-65 or disabled homeowners receive an additional mandatory $60,000 school exemption.
General residence homestead For the owner’s principal residence when ownership and occupancy requirements are satisfied.
Age 65 or older May provide an additional exemption, school-tax ceiling, installment option and possible deferral.
Disabled person May provide additional exemption relief, a school-tax ceiling and installment or deferral options.
Disabled veteran Relief depends on the qualifying disability percentage and statutory exemption category.
Heir property An inherited homeowner may qualify using permitted affidavits and ownership documentation.
Fire-destroyed homestead Current Texas law provides a temporary exemption route for a qualifying improvement completely destroyed by fire.

Practical Filing Workflow

1
Search the property account.

Confirm the owner, Property ID, address and current exemption information.

2
Use the portal or current KCAD form.

Start from the official forms page instead of a paid exemption-filing advertisement.

3
Attach identification.

KCAD states that homestead applications must include the applicant’s driver’s license or other information required by the Texas Property Tax Code.

4
Add special affidavits when needed.

Heir property, trust ownership, manufactured homes and identification exceptions can require additional documents.

5
Save proof of filing.

Keep the complete application, portal confirmation, mailing receipt or hand-delivery evidence.

6
Verify approval later.

Submitting the form does not prove the exemption was approved and applied.

Exemption applications are free. KCAD states that it does not charge a fee to receive or file an exemption application.
Official exemption forms: Open Kaufman CAD Forms.

2026 Kaufman County Agricultural Productivity Appraisal

Agricultural appraisal is not an acreage-only exemption. The land must be currently and actively devoted principally to agriculture, operated at the locally typical degree of intensity and used with an intent to produce income.
Regular deadline File before May 1, normally by April 30.
Historical use The land generally needs agricultural use in five of the preceding seven years.
Homesite deduction Homesites, commercial land and nonagricultural acreage must be removed from the qualifying acreage.
Inspection KCAD may verify acreage and use through aerial photography or an on-site review.

Evidence KCAD Says Can Support an Application

  • Two notarized history affidavits
  • At least three current agricultural receipts
  • Current property photographs
  • Schedule F tax filings
  • Active lease agreements
  • Crop purchase or sale proof
  • Livestock records
  • Fencing and water documentation
  • Equipment or feed invoices
  • Other current evidence of actual use
Contiguous leased land: When leased acreage is used to meet a minimum, KCAD requires a current signed and dated lease addressing the lease fee and responsibilities such as fencing, maintenance and fertilization.

Local 2026 Degree-of-Intensity Standards

Operation Kaufman County Starting Standard Important Detail
Livestock grazing Nine contiguous acres supporting at least three animal units The property must be fenced and have a water source.
Additional grazing acreage One additional animal unit for each additional eight acres Actual forage, water and carrying capacity must still support the animals.
Animal-unit calculation One cow or horse equals one unit; five goats or sheep equal one unit Token livestock kept mainly for tax relief does not qualify.
Hay production Nine contiguous acres Normally two cuttings, fertilization and no grazing during growing season.
Orchard or vineyard Three contiguous acres 100 non-irrigated fruit trees, 120 irrigated fruit trees, 20 pecan trees or 550 grape vines per acre.
Truck farm, vegetables or horticulture Nine contiguous acres Proof of wholesale produce sales is expected.
Christmas-tree farm Nine contiguous acres and 400 trees per acre Yearly trimming is required.
Catfish farm Nine contiguous acres The operation should maintain sale records.
Dry or irrigated crop Nine contiguous acres Only a 10% allowance is provided for wooded or non-planted land.
Timber production Not treated as a viable agricultural utilization by KCAD Do not assume wooded Kaufman County land qualifies as timberland.
Late filing: A qualifying application may be submitted before the appraisal roll is approved by the ARB, usually in July, but a statutory penalty can apply.
Change-of-use tax: Physically changing qualified agricultural land to a nonagricultural use can create additional taxes for prior years. Obtain current written guidance before developing the land.
Official revised 2026 agriculture guidelines: Open Kaufman CAD Agricultural Forms and Guidelines.

Kaufman County Beekeeping Agricultural Appraisal

Minimum acreage Five acres.
Maximum acreage Twenty acres.
Starting hive count Six colonies on five acres.
Additional acreage One additional hive for every additional 2.5 acres.
Qualifying Acreage Minimum Hives
5 acres 6
7.5 acres 7
10 acres 8
12.5 acres 9
15 acres 10
17.5 acres 11
20 acres 12
Seven-month rule: KCAD’s revised 2026 guide says the hives must be located on the property for at least seven months of the year, maintained and kept alive.

Required Supporting File

  • Five-of-seven-year agricultural history
  • At least three current beekeeping receipts
  • Current hive photographs
  • Branding information when applicable
  • Landscape and forage plan
  • Bee, box, queen and feeding receipts
  • Honey or product-sale records
  • Evidence that colonies remain alive
Homestead acreage cannot be counted. KCAD’s guide says acreage receiving a homestead exemption cannot be used for beekeeping agricultural history or productivity appraisal.

Kaufman County Wildlife Management Use

Prior qualification Land must have received open-space agricultural or qualifying timber appraisal in the preceding year.
Local acreage standard KCAD’s revised guide states a 12.5-acre minimum for wildlife-management designation.
Application period Submit the application and wildlife-management plan between January 1 and April 30.

Complete at Least Three Qualifying Practices Each Year

Habitat controlManage vegetation and habitat for target wildlife.
Erosion controlProtect soil, water and habitat.
Predator controlUse lawful practices that benefit target wildlife.
Supplemental waterProvide and maintain wildlife water sources.
Supplemental foodAdd food beyond natural production.
Supplemental shelterCreate nesting, breeding or escape cover.
Census countsMeasure wildlife population and results.
Annual report: KCAD may require Texas Parks and Wildlife Form PWD-888-W7000 explaining how the management plan was implemented during the previous year.
Wildlife presence or recreational hunting alone does not qualify. Wildlife management must be the land’s primary use and must be actively documented.

Business Personal Property and 2026 Renditions

Regular rendition deadline: Most business-personal-property renditions are due April 15. A timely written extension normally moves the deadline to May 15.
Common reported assets Inventory, furniture, fixtures, computers, machinery, tools, vehicles and equipment used to produce income.
2026 exemption threshold Income-producing tangible personal property valued at $125,000 or less in a taxing unit may qualify for exemption.
Local depreciation schedule KCAD publishes a 2026 BPP depreciation schedule with its current local forms.

Useful Business Filing File

  • January 1 asset list
  • Original cost and acquisition year
  • Inventory totals
  • Physical location
  • Disposed or relocated assets
  • Depreciation schedule
  • Purchase invoices
  • Condition or obsolescence evidence
  • Lease or ownership documents
  • Proof of filing or extension
Business-personal-property contact: Call 972-932-6081 and request extension 121.
Business closed, sold or moved? Notify KCAD and document the exact closure, sale, relocation or disposal date. Do not assume the appraisal account closes automatically.
Official BPP forms and 2026 depreciation: Open Kaufman CAD Business Forms.

How to Prepare a Kaufman CAD Property Protest

The ordinary 2026 protest deadline has passed for most owners. KCAD’s calendar lists May 15 or the 30th day after delivery of the appraisal notice, whichever is later. Follow the date printed on the actual notice.
1
Save the appraisal notice and property record.

Record the Property ID, proposed value, exemption status and printed deadline.

2
Select every applicable protest ground.

Examples include excessive market value, unequal appraisal, incorrect property data, denied exemption or denied agricultural appraisal.

3
File through the Taxpayer Portal or an accepted paper route.

The separate eProtest site now directs taxpayers to the current portal.

4
Save proof of timely filing.

Keep the portal confirmation, stamped copy or trackable mailing record.

5
Request KCAD’s hearing evidence.

Use the official Property Owner’s Request of Evidence form before the hearing.

6
Build property-specific evidence.

Use dated photographs, repair estimates, measurements, closing statements, surveys, comparable accounts, leases or asset records.

7
State one requested result.

Show the KCAD value, your requested value or correction and the evidence supporting it.

8
Attend the informal review.

A clear error or well-supported value may be resolved before a formal ARB hearing.

9
Prepare for the ARB when unresolved.

Organize the evidence in presentation order and follow the adopted local hearing procedures.

10
Read the written ARB order immediately.

Further appeal deadlines depend on the property and selected review route.

Postal proof: Because USPS postmark timing changed nationally, obtain a counter receipt, Certificate of Mailing or Certified Mail proof for a deadline-sensitive paper filing.
Taxpayer online appeals: Open the Taxpayer Portal.
Protest forms and procedures: Open Kaufman ARB Information.

Evidence That Helps by Property Type

Property Type Useful Evidence Weak Argument
Subdivision home Comparable sales, dated condition photos, repair estimates, measurements and closing documents. The tax bill increased without showing a value or data error.
New construction January 1 completion percentage, permits, builder records and unfinished-item photos. Using the later move-in date without showing January 1 condition.
Rural land Legal access, utilities, soil, drainage, tract shape, restrictions, survey and adjusted land sales. Comparing remote acreage with serviced development land.
Agricultural land Five-of-seven history, livestock, crops, fencing, water, leases, production and sales records. Assuming rural acreage automatically qualifies.
Lake-area property Actual water access, flood risk, restrictions, slope, view, utilities and comparable lake influence. Treating all property near Cedar Creek Reservoir as waterfront.
Business personal property Asset list, original cost, age, condition, inventory, depreciation and obsolescence support. An unsupported lump-sum opinion.

Possible Remedies After a Deadline

Possible Remedy When It May Apply Immediate Step
Good-cause late protest A qualifying reason prevented timely filing and the appraisal records remain at the correct stage. Contact KCAD immediately and explain the reason with documentation.
Failure to receive required notice KCAD or the ARB failed to deliver a legally required notice. Ask about the applicable notice-hearing procedure before taxes become delinquent.
Late homestead application The owner qualified but missed the regular application date. File promptly within the statutory late-filing period.
Late agricultural application The land qualified but the owner missed April 30 and the statutory late period remains open. File immediately and ask how the late penalty will be calculated.
Appraisal-roll correction A qualifying clerical, ownership, multiple-appraisal or statutory over-appraisal issue exists. Identify the exact Tax Code correction ground instead of filing a normal late value complaint.
Late relief is not automatic. A high value or missed reminder alone does not create a right to a late hearing.

How to Search and Pay Kaufman County Property Taxes

Pay the Tax Office—not Kaufman CAD. KCAD determines taxable value. Tax Assessor-Collector Teressa Floyd’s office calculates bills, accepts payments and issues receipts.
1
Open the official Kaufman County tax system.

Use actweb.acttax.com/kaufman or the Pay Taxes Online link from the county Tax Assessor page.

2
Search the correct tax account.

Use the Property ID, owner name, property address or available tax-search fields.

3
Verify owner, address and tax years.

Review every unpaid year before adding a payment.

4
Check penalty and interest.

Taxes are normally due upon receipt and must be paid by January 31 to avoid delinquency charges.

5
Review the credit-card fee.

The county currently lists a 2.29% fee with a $1 minimum.

6
Save the confirmation.

Keep the account, tax year, amount, transaction date and confirmation number.

7
Verify posting later.

Recheck the tax account and retain the official receipt for closing, escrow or personal records.

Telephone payment Call 1-866-549-1010 and use Bureau Code 5499044.
Tax Office help Call 469-376-4596 for account, statement or payment questions.
Delinquency cost: Penalty and interest begin at 7% on February 1 and increase monthly. The county warns that attorney fees of 15% to 20% may be added July 1.
Missing statement is not a defense. Failure to receive a tax notice does not cancel the tax, deadline, lien, penalty or interest.

Tax Office Locations

Location Address and Phone Published Hours
Kaufman 100 N. Washington St., Kaufman — 469-376-4596 Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Forney 200 E. Main St., Forney — 469-376-4600 Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Terrell 408 E. College St., Terrell — 469-376-4728 Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Kemp 103 N. Main St., Kemp — 469-376-4626 Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; closed noon–12:30 p.m.
Official Tax Assessor information: Open Kaufman County Tax Office.

Truth in Taxation: Appraisal Value and Tax Rate Are Different

Use KCAD for appraisal Protest market value, unequal appraisal, property characteristics, exemption denial or agricultural qualification.
Use governing bodies for tax rates County, city, school, college, emergency-service and water-district officials adopt budgets and tax rates.
Use the transparency database Review proposed taxes, public hearings and rate-adoption information during August and September.
Do not protest a tax rate through the ARB. The ARB reviews appraisal matters, not an elected governing body’s tax-rate decision.
Official local tax transparency: Open Kaufman County Truth in Taxation.

How to Search Kaufman County Deeds, Liens and Recorded Documents

1
Collect KCAD clues first.

Save the current owner, prior owner, Property ID, abstract and legal description.

2
Open the official Property Public Records Search.

Use the Tyler-hosted system linked directly by the Kaufman County Clerk.

3
Search grantor and grantee separately.

Try current owners, prior owners, spouses, trusts, estates, lenders and businesses.

4
Search relevant document types.

Review deeds, deeds of trust, releases, liens, easements, restrictions, plats and mineral instruments.

5
Match the legal description.

A matching owner name is not enough when the person owns several tracts.

6
Follow referenced documents.

A current deed may refer to an older easement, restriction, plat, mineral reservation, lien or release.

7
Order the needed copy.

Contact the Clerk with the instrument number, volume and page or other index information.

8
Register for Fraud Notify.

The free county service sends email alerts when a document is recorded using registered personal or property information.

Current Published Recording and Copy Fees

Service Published Fee
Real-property recording, first page $25
Each additional or partial page $4
Copy of a record $1 per page
Certified paper $6 certification charge plus applicable page charges
Fee-date note: The Clerk’s currently linked land-recording fee schedule is labeled effective January 1, 2024. Confirm the amount before filing or ordering copies in 2026.
Kaufman County Clerk Laura Hughes
1902 E. US Highway 175
Kaufman, TX 75142
469-376-4730
Land-record contact Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
countyclerkrequests@kaufmancounty.net
Title warning: A KCAD account and basic Clerk search do not guarantee clear title, legal access or the absence of liens. Use a title company or attorney when legal certainty matters.
Official land-record search: Search Kaufman County Property Records.

Kaufman CAD Data Exports and Mapping Files

2026 preliminary full roll Useful for proposed or developing 2026 appraisal research when clearly labeled preliminary.
2026 certified full roll KCAD now lists a certified 2026 full-roll download.
Prior certified rolls Certified 2025 and 2024 files remain available for historical comparison.
2025 parcel shapefile KCAD’s mapping page currently lists a 2025 parcel layer containing Property ID information.
Road and city-limit files Separate street and city-boundary layers are available for GIS users.
Technical-support warning KCAD does not provide support for loading or manipulating independent data exports.
Dataset labeling matters. Do not describe a preliminary value as certified, and do not treat appraisal shapefiles as a legal survey.
Appraisal exports: Open Kaufman CAD Public Info.
Mapping downloads: Open Kaufman CAD Mapping Data.

Kaufman County Buyer and Owner Verification Checklist

Appraisal account
  • Correct Property ID
  • Owner and mailing address
  • Legal description
  • Land and improvement data
  • Exemptions and value history
Tax account
  • Every unpaid tax year
  • Penalty and interest
  • Credit-card fee
  • Escrow status
  • Official receipt
Recorded documents
  • Current vesting deed
  • Deeds of trust and liens
  • Releases
  • Easements and restrictions
  • Mineral reservations
Fast-growth subdivision
  • Actual city limits
  • Correct school district
  • MUD or special district
  • New-improvement status
  • Developer restrictions
Rural or agricultural land
  • Legal access
  • Survey and acreage
  • Water and fencing
  • Agricultural history
  • Change-of-use tax risk
Future tax estimate
  • Remove seller-only exemptions
  • Apply buyer’s cap timing
  • Include every taxing entity
  • Account for new improvements
  • Use adopted rates
Buyer warning: Do not estimate future taxes by copying the seller’s bill. Seller exemptions, capped value, agricultural appraisal and special-district treatment may not continue after closing.

2026 Kaufman County Property Deadline Board

January 1 General appraisal date for ownership, condition, use, value and many exemption questions.
April 15 Normal deadline for most business-personal-property renditions.
April 30 Regular deadline for many exemptions and agricultural or wildlife applications.
May 15 or later Normal protest deadline or the 30th day after notice delivery, whichever is later.
Before ARB roll approval Certain late agricultural filings or good-cause remedies require action before appraisal-record approval.
August–September Taxing entities update proposed rates, hearings and estimated-tax information.
January 31 Normal last day to pay current taxes without penalty and interest.
February 1 Unpaid current taxes generally become delinquent.
Follow the actual notice, application or tax statement. Later notices, weekends, holidays and special statutory procedures can change the operative date.

Current Kaufman County Property Contacts

Office Current Contact Main Tasks
Kaufman Central Appraisal District Chief Appraiser: Sarah Curtis
3950 S. Houston St.
Kaufman, TX 75142-3718
Mailing: P.O. Box 819
Kaufman, TX 75142-0819
972-932-6081
Fax: 972-932-4749
kcad@kaufman-cad.org
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Property search, appraisal, exemptions, agriculture, GIS, BPP, protests and open records.
Taxpayer Liaison Officer Vicki White
tlo@kaufman-cad.org
Procedural assistance, access concerns and taxpayer communication—not changing appraisal values.
Kaufman County Tax Assessor-Collector Teressa Floyd
100 N. Washington St.
Kaufman, TX 75142
469-376-4596
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Tax statements, balances, payments, receipts, penalty, interest and motor-vehicle services.
Kaufman County Clerk Laura Hughes
1902 E. US Highway 175
Kaufman, TX 75142
469-376-4730
countyclerkrequests@kaufmancounty.net
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Deeds, liens, releases, easements, plats, mineral records and certified copies.

Useful KCAD Department Extensions

Residential and land appraisal Extension 101
Homestead, age 65 and disability Extensions 103 or 125
Business personal property Extension 121
Commercial property Extension 119
Maps and ownership Extension 127
ARB hearing rescheduling Extension 124

Map to Kaufman Central Appraisal District

Before visiting: Bring the Property ID, identification, appraisal notice and copies of relevant forms, deeds, photographs, estimates, maps, leases, receipts, crop records or business-asset documents.

Official Kaufman County Property Actions

Search appraisal records Kaufman CAD Property Search
Open the current parcel map Kaufman CAD GIS
Use forms and online appeals Kaufman CAD Taxpayer Portal
Download local applications Kaufman CAD Forms
Review ARB procedures Kaufman ARB Information
Check tax transparency Kaufman Truth in Taxation
Search and pay property taxes Kaufman County Tax Search
Search deeds and liens Kaufman County Property Records
Register for fraud alerts Kaufman County Fraud Notify
Download appraisal data Kaufman CAD Public Data
Contact appraisal staff Kaufman CAD Contact Directory
Review Tax Office locations Kaufman County Tax Assessor

Kaufman County CAD Property Search FAQs

1. What is the official Kaufman County CAD property-search website?

The official free property search is esearch.kaufman-cad.org. It supports Owner, Address, ID, ARB and Advanced Search options.

2. What is the Kaufman Central Appraisal District address and phone number?

Kaufman CAD is located at 3950 S. Houston Street, Kaufman, TX 75142-3718. The main phone number is 972-932-6081.

3. Who is the Kaufman County Chief Appraiser?

Sarah Curtis is listed as the Chief Appraiser of Kaufman Central Appraisal District.

4. What is the current official Kaufman CAD GIS map?

The current official map is the BIS viewer at gis.bisclient.com/kaufmancad. The older TrueAutomation map link should no longer be used.

5. Where do taxpayers file a Kaufman CAD online protest?

Taxpayer online appeals have moved to portal.kaufman-cad.org. The older eProtest page now redirects property owners to the Taxpayer Portal.

6. What is the normal Kaufman CAD protest deadline?

The normal deadline is May 15 or the 30th day after the appraisal notice is delivered, whichever is later. Always follow the date printed on the actual notice.

7. When does a 2026 Kaufman County home buyer receive the homestead cap?

Kaufman CAD states that a buyer who purchased the home after January 1, 2026 will not receive the homestead appraisal cap until 2028.

8. What is Kaufman County’s minimum grazing acreage for agricultural appraisal?

Kaufman CAD’s revised 2026 guide lists nine contiguous acres supporting at least three animal units, with fencing and a water source, as the local starting standard.

9. Where do I pay Kaufman County property taxes?

Use the Kaufman County Tax Office system at actweb.acttax.com/kaufman. The county currently lists a 2.29% credit-card fee with a $1 minimum.

10. Where can I search Kaufman County deeds and liens?

Use the Property Public Records Search linked by the Kaufman County Clerk. Search current and prior owners and match each document’s legal description to the correct KCAD account.

Independent Editorial Notice

County-CAD.us is an independent informational website. It is not affiliated with Kaufman Central Appraisal District, the Appraisal Review Board, Kaufman County Tax Office, Kaufman County Clerk, any city, school district, college district, emergency-service district, water district or the State of Texas.

Property records, certified values, exemptions, agricultural standards, protest procedures, tax balances, convenience fees, office hours, staff and online systems can change. Confirm time-sensitive and account-specific information through the responsible official office.

Editorial verification: July 22, 2026.

Free County CAD Property Tax Assistant

Estimate Taxes, Exemptions, Escrow, Protest Savings and Next Steps

This sitewide tool helps homeowners, buyers, sellers and investors understand property tax numbers before they check the official county appraisal district or tax office. It runs in your browser, does not collect personal data and gives practical next steps after each calculation.

Start Free Tool
8-in-1Calculator, checklist and official-search helper in one widget.
No loginWorks instantly without collecting names, emails or property IDs.
Mobile-firstDesigned for phone users reading county CAD articles.
HelpfulGives next steps, not only numbers.

What are you trying to do today?

Choose your main goal. The tool will guide you to the right calculation or next step.

Best for homeowners

Use Tax, Exemption and Protest tabs to understand your appraisal notice and possible savings.

Best for buyers

Use Buyer Budget and Monthly Escrow before relying only on a mortgage payment estimate.

Property Tax Estimate Calculator

Estimate annual tax using property value, assessment ratio, exemptions and local tax rate.

Homestead and Exemption Savings

Estimate how much a homestead, senior, disabled, veteran or local exemption may reduce annual tax.

Monthly Escrow / Ownership Cost

Estimate monthly property tax, insurance, HOA and reserve cushion. Useful for buyers and homeowners comparing affordability.

Property Tax Protest Savings

Estimate possible savings if your appraised value is reduced after a protest, evidence review or correction.

Appraised Value Growth / Cap Impact

Estimate how a value increase or appraisal cap may affect taxable value. Rules vary by state, county and exemption status.

Home Buyer Monthly Budget Estimate

Estimate a more realistic monthly ownership cost by adding mortgage, property tax, insurance and HOA.

Find Official County CAD and Tax Resources

Enter county and state to create safe search links. This avoids guessing official URLs and helps users find the correct county appraisal district, property search, tax payment and exemption pages.

Why this tool helps your site

It gives visitors an interactive reason to stay on the page, calculate their own numbers and move from general reading to practical action.

Best placement

  • Below county CAD articles
  • Before FAQ section on long posts
  • Inside sidebar or after first major section on desktop

Estimate disclaimer

Values are educational estimates. Visitors should confirm final values, exemptions, tax rates, payment status and deadlines with official county resources.