Brewster County CAD Property Search Appraisal District

Brewster County and Big Bend Property Guide

Search Brewster County Property Records, Read the 2026 Appraisal and Protect Your Big Bend Land, Home or Business

Brewster County property is unusually diverse. The same appraisal system covers Alpine homes, Marathon businesses, Terlingua cabins, Study Butte rentals, remote desert tracts, mountain-view acreage, ranches, minerals, pipelines and land that may have no conventional street address.

This guide shows how to locate the correct account, use the GIS map, understand Brewster CAD’s 2026 reappraisal work, apply for exemptions, protect agricultural value, file a protest, pay taxes and research deeds dating back to the county’s earliest record books.

The official appraisal district domain is brewstercotad.org. Brewster CAD is separate from the Brewster County Tax Assessor-Collector and County Clerk.
Chief Appraiser Bill Gonzalez, Interim
Appraisal District 432-837-2558
2026 standard protest date June 20, 2026
CAD office 1604 W. Highway 90, Alpine

Corrections the Existing Brewster County Article Needs

Existing Information Correct 2026 Information Why the Difference Is Important
brewstercad.org The official appraisal district website is brewstercotad.org. The former article uses the wrong official-domain format.
esearch.brewstercad.org The current official search is esearch.brewstercotad.org. Users need the correct county tax-appraisal portal.
May 15, 2026 protest deadline Brewster CAD published June 20, 2026 as its standard timely filing date. Brewster’s mailed-notice date created a county-specific deadline later than the generic statewide date.
Every owner received the May notice Brewster CAD reported that some notices mailed May 20 did not reach their intended recipients. Some affected owners received a waiver of the standard June 20 deadline.
Office is open continuously from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Current posted hours are 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office closes for lunch.
CAD handles property-tax payments The Brewster County Tax Assessor-Collector handles tax payments at 107 W. Avenue E in Alpine. The appraisal district determines value; the tax office collects the bill.
The property map shows legal boundaries The GIS map and CAD acreage are research tools and must be verified before legal use. Remote tracts often need a recorded deed, access documents and professional survey.
All Brewster County land is searched the same way The official system separates Real, Personal, Mineral, Auto and Mobile Home accounts and supports abstract, subdivision, neighborhood and protest filters. A Terlingua tract, mineral interest or mobile home may not appear through a simple address search.
Agricultural rollback covers five years A current 1-d-1 change-of-use rollback generally covers the previous three years. Older guides can significantly overstate or misdescribe the current calculation.
Online land records cover the county’s entire history in one system The Clerk provides current land records from 1998 forward and a separate index-book system for 1877-1998. Older ranch, mining, railroad and mineral history can require the historical index.
Do not keep the old May 15 deadline or incorrect brewstercad.org links. They could send owners to the wrong website or provide the wrong filing advice.

Brewster County Property Offices: Who Does What?

Brewster County Appraisal District Searches, January 1 market values, property characteristics, exemptions, agricultural appraisal, maps, ownership updates, appraisal limitations and protest administration.
Appraisal Review Board Formal hearings involving market value, unequal appraisal, exemptions, ownership, agricultural qualification and other protestable CAD decisions.
Tax Assessor-Collector Current tax bills, payments, receipts, payment posting, collection questions and consolidated taxes for Brewster taxing units.
Brewster County Clerk Deeds, deeds of trust, liens, easements, mineral records, assumed names, plats, probate-related records and certified copies.
Flood Administrator and permit offices Floodplain development, septic, utility crossings and other county permitting questions.
Taxing-unit governing bodies Brewster County, City of Alpine, hospital district and school districts set their own tax rates.
Surveyor and title company Boundaries, legal access, easements, mineral reservations, encroachments, title defects and closing protection.
Property-tax attorney Complex protests, arbitration, court appeals, tax sales, rollback disputes and legal ownership issues.
Simple rule: Use Brewster CAD to identify and value the account, the Tax Assessor-Collector to pay taxes and the County Clerk to prove the recorded document history.

Choose the Correct Brewster County Property Route

Best Search Method for Brewster County Property Types

Property Situation Best Search Details to Match
Alpine residence Address or owner name Street number, owner, City of Alpine and Alpine ISD.
Marathon property Owner, address or Geographic ID Marathon ISD, legal description and surrounding acreage.
Terlingua or Study Butte tract Property ID, subdivision, owner or map Tract, block, section, acreage and Terlingua CSD.
Remote desert acreage Abstract, Geographic ID or interactive map Survey, abstract, access, size and adjoining tracts.
Business in Alpine Doing Business As or Personal property type Business owner, location and business-personal-property account.
Mineral interest Mineral property type and owner Owner name, legal description and recorded mineral documents.
Manufactured home Mobile Home type or mobile-home park Owner, location, serial information and land ownership.
Protest or hearing research Protest status, informal date or hearing date Account, owner, formal date and board information.

How to Read a Brewster CAD Property Record

Record Field Plain-English Meaning What You Should Check
Property ID The appraisal district’s identifier for the account. Use it on calls, forms and protests.
Geographic ID A structured identifier linked to the parcel’s geographic record. Compare it with prior records and map results.
Owner The owner currently shown in the CAD system. Compare it with the newest County Clerk deed.
Mailing address Where appraisal and tax correspondence is sent. A mailing address can be far from the physical property.
Legal description The CAD’s description of the lot, tract, survey, abstract or subdivision. Use the recorded deed for legally controlling wording.
Acreage Land size used in appraisal records. Verify through the deed and survey before purchase or construction.
Market value The district’s January 1 estimate of market value. Location, access, topography, utilities, views, improvements and restrictions.
Appraised value Value after an applicable homestead or non-homestead limitation. Whether a cap or circuit-breaker limitation applies.
Taxable value Value remaining after exemptions for a taxing unit. Taxable values can differ by county, school, city and hospital district.
Improvement information Building size, age, construction, quality, condition and features. Square footage, roof, exterior, bathrooms, air conditioning and condition.
Land class The land category and valuation treatment. Market land, homesite, agricultural value and non-qualifying acreage.
Exemptions Approved homestead, age, disability, veteran or organizational relief. Confirm every expected exemption and entity.
Deed history Transfer references used in appraisal maintenance. Open the actual document through the County Clerk.
Legal warning: Brewster CAD states that legal descriptions and acreage are provided for appraisal research and should be verified before use in legal documents.

Using the Brewster County Interactive Property Map

The map is especially useful in a county where many parcels have no ordinary house number. It can help connect a Property ID with roads, subdivisions, neighboring ownership and aerial imagery.

Good for General parcel location, adjoining accounts, aerial review, rural context and preliminary access research.
Not proof of Exact boundaries, legal road access, easements, mineral ownership, water rights or buildability.
Verify with Recorded deed, plat, access easement, title commitment, survey and county permit records.
1
Search the account first.

Copy the Property ID, owner, acreage, subdivision and legal description.

2
Open the interactive map.

Search the same account and confirm that the selected polygon matches the record.

3
Inspect adjoining parcels.

Look for separate access strips, neighboring lots, common ownership and landlocked areas.

4
Check the road type.

A visible trail, ranch road or dirt route does not automatically mean the parcel has legal access or county maintenance.

5
Compare terrain and development.

Note slope, arroyos, nearby structures, utility corridors and visible land-use changes.

6
Use a survey for final action.

Do not build, fence or purchase solely from the CAD polygon.

Big Bend access warning: A parcel can appear close to a road while still lacking recorded access. Confirm the deed, easements and road-maintenance responsibility.
Final map action: Open the official Brewster CAD Interactive Map.

What Brewster CAD Is Reappraising in 2026

Brewster CAD’s adopted 2025–2026 reappraisal plan explains how the district updates approximately 20,000 real and personal-property accounts using deeds, photographs, surveys, maps, property sketches, field inspections and computer-assisted mass appraisal.

2025 field focus Rural parcels in Terlingua Common School District were scheduled for personal inspection and record updating.
2026 field focus Alpine ISD properties were scheduled for inspection using the district’s neighborhood and rural field-review process.
Annual review Real property is reviewed each year, while business personal property, minerals and utility property are appraised annually.

What field appraisers review

  • New construction and additions
  • Demolished or removed improvements
  • Building condition
  • Exterior construction
  • Roof type and covering
  • Living and auxiliary square footage
  • Bathrooms, fireplaces and air conditioning
  • Commercial inventory and visible equipment
  • Land access, size, topography and utilities
  • Photographs and property sketches
Alpine owner tip: Because Alpine ISD is the scheduled 2026 inspection area, review your square footage, improvement details, photographs and condition rating carefully.
Terlingua owner tip: A 2026 change can reflect information gathered during the 2025 Terlingua rural inspection cycle, later deed changes or new appraisal evidence.
Final reappraisal action: Read Brewster CAD’s current plan through the official Tax Information page.

How Brewster County Land Characteristics Affect Value

The district’s reappraisal plan identifies location, size, topography and other market-recognized factors as important parts of rural land analysis.

Land Characteristic Possible Value Effect Evidence to Review
Legal and physical access All-weather legal access normally differs from an informal trail or uncertain easement. Deed, easement, road agreement, survey and title commitment.
Topography Steep, rocky or heavily dissected land may have different utility than level acreage. Topographic map, survey, photographs and site inspection.
Scenic views Mountain, desert and national-park views can influence market demand. Comparable sales with similar view quality and access.
Utilities Electricity, water, septic feasibility and communications can materially affect value. Utility letters, well information, septic review and connection costs.
Flood and arroyo influence Drainage channels and flood hazards may reduce usable acreage or raise building costs. FEMA maps, elevation information and county floodplain review.
Parcel size Price per acre often changes with tract size. Sales of genuinely comparable acreage ranges.
Restrictions and easements Recorded limits, conservation provisions and access burdens can affect use. Recorded instruments and title documents.
Water availability A productive well or reliable water source can be significant in remote areas. Well records, tests, agreements and hauling costs.

Market Value, Appraised Value, Taxable Value and Tax Rate

Estimated Property Tax = Taxable Value × Tax Rate ÷ 100
Term What It Means Common Mistake
Market value Brewster CAD’s estimate of January 1 market value. Treating it as a guaranteed sale price.
Appraised value Value after an applicable appraisal limitation. Assuming every property receives a cap.
Taxable value Value after exemptions for an individual taxing unit. Assuming all entities have the same taxable value.
Tax rate Rate adopted by each local taxing unit. Blaming the appraisal district for adopting the rate.
Tax due Taxable value multiplied by adopted rates, plus applicable charges. Using an old statement when penalty and interest have increased.

Residence homestead appraisal limitation

A qualifying residence homestead’s appraised value generally cannot increase by more than 10% over the preceding year’s appraised value, plus the market value of new improvements.

The limit normally begins on January 1 of the year after the owner first qualifies for the residence homestead exemption.

2026 non-homestead circuit breaker

Qualifying real property that is not a residence homestead may receive a 20% appraisal limitation in 2026 when its market value is $5,320,000 or less.

The temporary limitation excludes property receiving certain special appraisals, including agricultural and timber land, and is scheduled to expire after December 31, 2026 unless Texas law changes.

Do not confuse market and capped values. The account can show a higher market value while taxes are calculated from a lower limited appraised value.

Latest Published Brewster County Tax Rates

The latest complete local rate workbook available from Brewster CAD at editorial verification was for tax year 2025. These numbers are prior-year reference rates and should not be presented as final 2026 rates.

Taxing Entity 2025 M&O 2025 I&S 2025 Total Rate
Brewster County 0.352263 0.017744 0.370007
Big Bend Regional Hospital District 0.073713 Not separately listed 0.073713
City of Alpine 0.417159 0.007578 0.424737
Alpine ISD 0.755200 0.215000 0.970200
Marathon ISD 0.755200 Not separately listed 0.755200
San Vicente ISD 0.682200 Not separately listed 0.682200
Terlingua Common School District 0.666900 Not separately listed 0.666900
Your entity combination matters: An Alpine city property may include the city, county, hospital district and Alpine ISD. Remote acreage outside Alpine will have a different combination.
Final rate action: Review the newest local files through Brewster CAD’s Tax Information page and the Brewster County Truth-in-Taxation portal.

Brewster County Residence Homestead Exemptions for 2026

A residence homestead exemption reduces taxable value on an owner’s principal residence and can activate appraisal limitations and tax ceilings.

Benefit 2026 State Requirement Main Qualification
General school homestead exemption $140,000 school-district exemption. Ownership interest and principal-residence use.
Age 65 or older school exemption Additional $60,000 school exemption. Qualifying owner is at least 65.
Disabled-person school exemption Additional $60,000 school exemption. Owner meets the statutory disability definition.
School tax ceiling Limits qualifying school taxes after age or disability approval. Continued ownership and homestead qualification.
Homestead appraisal cap Generally limits appraised-value growth to 10%, plus new improvements. Normally begins after the first qualifying year.
Local-option exemption A taxing unit may adopt additional relief. Depends on the entity’s adopted exemption.

Application steps

1
Find the correct property account.

Confirm the Property ID, owner and legal description.

2
Confirm principal-residence use.

The home must be the applicant’s primary residence, not only a vacation cabin or short-term rental.

3
Complete Form 50-114.

Use the current Residence Homestead Exemption Application.

4
Attach identification.

Provide the driver’s license, Texas identification or alternative evidence required by law.

5
Explain an address difference.

Remote mail delivery, post-office boxes or rural addressing may require additional documentation.

6
Add age, disability or survivor evidence.

Complete the applicable sections and provide the required documentation.

7
File by April 30 when possible.

Residence homestead applications also have statutory late-filing rights, generally up to two years after the original deadline.

8
Verify approval on the account.

Review every taxing-unit taxable value after processing.

Vacation-home warning: A cabin or rental near Terlingua, Marathon or Big Bend does not qualify merely because the owner uses it occasionally. It must meet principal-residence requirements.
Final homestead action: Download the application from the official Brewster CAD Forms page.

Heir Property and Unrecorded Family Ownership

Texas provides a special homestead application route for qualifying heir-property owners whose names may not appear in a conventional recorded deed.

  • Residence homestead application
  • Affidavit establishing an ownership interest
  • Prior owner’s death certificate
  • Recent utility bill
  • Available probate or court records
  • Authorization affidavits from other occupying heirs when required
  • Applicant identification
  • Proof that the property is the principal residence
Practical point: A family title problem does not automatically make the owner ineligible. Ask Brewster CAD which heir-property affidavits are required.

Disabled Veteran and Survivor Exemptions

Qualification General Exemption Evidence
10%-29% disability rating $5,000 partial exemption on one property. VA or qualifying military documentation.
30%-49% disability rating $7,500 partial exemption. VA or qualifying military documentation.
50%-69% disability rating $10,000 partial exemption. VA or qualifying military documentation.
70%-100% disability rating $12,000 partial exemption under the general veteran program. VA or qualifying military documentation.
100% disabled veteran homestead Total exemption for a qualifying residence homestead. Qualifying VA rating or individual-unemployability determination.
Qualifying surviving spouse Certain veteran, military or first-responder exemptions may continue. Marriage, death, service, occupancy and remarriage documentation.
Final veteran action: Choose the correct application from the Brewster CAD exemption forms.

Brewster County 1-d-1 Agricultural and Wildlife Appraisal

Open-space appraisal values qualifying land according to agricultural productivity instead of unrestricted market value. It is not a complete exemption.

Qualification Area What Must Be Demonstrated Useful Evidence
Principal agricultural use The land is principally devoted to a qualifying agricultural use. Livestock, lease, production, expense and management records.
Degree of intensity The operation meets local standards for ranching or another agricultural use. Stocking, grazing, fencing, water and land-management information.
Five-of-seven-year history The land generally had qualifying use during five of the preceding seven years. Prior leases, receipts, affidavits, tax schedules and photographs.
Wildlife management Previously qualified land is actively managed through approved wildlife practices. Wildlife plan, maps, activity records and annual report.
Homesite separation Residential and non-agricultural areas are separately identified. Map, survey, acreage breakdown and use description.
Change of use The owner reports conversion to non-agricultural use. Development plan and requested rollback estimate.

How to prepare the application

1
Identify every tract.

List each Property ID, legal description and acreage included in the operation.

2
Separate the homesite.

Do not include the residence, yard or non-qualifying commercial area as agricultural acreage.

3
Complete Form 50-129.

Describe land use, history, operator, acreage and management accurately.

4
Provide operation evidence.

Include livestock, grazing leases, feed, veterinary, water, fencing and sales records where relevant.

5
File by April 30.

Request an extension in writing when good cause exists and the law permits it.

6
Keep annual proof.

Continue maintaining records after approval because the land can be reviewed again.

7
Ask before changing the use.

Contact Brewster CAD before creating homesites, commercial rentals, storage areas or subdivisions.

Rollback warning: A current 1-d-1 change to non-agricultural use generally creates rollback tax for the three previous years of tax savings.
Final agricultural action: Download the 1-d-1 and wildlife documents from the official Brewster CAD Forms page.

Brewster County Business Personal Property Renditions

Businesses may need to report inventory, furniture, equipment, machinery and other taxable personal property used to produce income.

Rendition Event 2026 Timing Owner Action
Property ownership date January 1, 2026 Report taxable business property owned or managed on January 1.
Normal deadline April 15, 2026 Deliver the completed rendition to the chief appraiser.
Automatic extension Generally to May 15 after a timely written request Request the extension before April 15.
Additional extension Up to 15 more days for good cause Provide a written reason.
Failure to render Penalty can apply Contact CAD immediately rather than ignoring the account.
Short-term rental owners: Furniture and equipment used to produce rental income can create separate appraisal questions. Hotel-occupancy tax duties are handled separately through Brewster County.
Final rendition action: Download the business-personal-property form and 2026 depreciation schedule through Brewster CAD Tax Information.

Brewster County CAD Protest Guide for 2026

County-specific 2026 deadline: Brewster CAD published June 20, 2026 as the standard timely filing deadline. This replaced the generic May 15 date shown in the existing article.
Undelivered notice waiver: Brewster CAD reported that some notices mailed May 20, 2026 did not reach owners. When a notice was mailed but not received, the district waived the standard June 20 deadline and asked owners to file as soon as possible.
No-notice distinction: When no notice was required because value did not increase and ownership did not change, the district states that the June 20 deadline still applied.
Protest Issue Evidence That Helps Weak Argument
Excessive market value Comparable sales, professional appraisal, condition evidence and corrected property data. The tax bill is too expensive.
Unequal appraisal Comparable appraised properties adjusted for location, access, size, condition and use. Comparing unrelated Alpine and Terlingua properties.
Incorrect building record Measurements, photographs, plans, permits and demolition documents. A verbal estimate of square footage.
Remote-land value Access documents, survey, utilities, topography, flood evidence and comparable sales. Comparing inaccessible desert acreage with a serviced homesite.
Agricultural denial Use history, livestock, leases, receipts, water and management documentation. The parcel is rural and undeveloped.
Exemption denial Ownership, identification, occupancy, age, disability or veteran documents. The owner uses the property only for vacations.
Mineral account dispute Recorded mineral instruments, division orders, production and royalty records. Surface ownership proves mineral ownership.

How to complete the protest

1
Open the 2026 account.

Confirm the proposed value, property details and exemptions.

2
Determine whether the June 20 waiver applies.

Ask Brewster CAD whether a notice was mailed and returned or otherwise not delivered.

3
Select the correct protest reasons.

Include value, unequal appraisal, exemption, ownership or agricultural issues that actually apply.

4
File online or submit Form 50-132.

Use the official eProtest system or the property-owner protest form.

5
Save filing proof.

Keep the confirmation, certified-mail receipt, fax report or stamped copy.

6
Request the district’s evidence.

Review appraisal worksheets, sales, photographs and property characteristics.

7
Try an informal resolution.

A documented factual correction can sometimes be resolved before the ARB hearing.

8
Organize evidence by issue.

Use separate pages for value, equality, access, condition, agricultural use or exemption evidence.

9
Attend the ARB hearing.

Explain the requested value and connect every conclusion to evidence.

10
Review further appeal rights.

Depending on eligibility, an owner may use binding arbitration, SOAH or district court.

Tax-payment protection: A pending protest or appeal usually does not allow the owner to leave the tax unpaid after the delinquency date.
Final protest action: Open the official Brewster CAD Online Protest.

Late Protest and Record-Correction Options

Possible Remedy When It May Apply Critical Condition
Brewster notice-delivery waiver A May 20, 2026 appraisal notice was mailed but not received. File promptly and confirm eligibility with CAD.
Good-cause late protest The owner missed a deadline for a qualifying reason. File before ARB approval of the appraisal records.
Failure-to-receive-required-notice protest A legally required notice was not delivered. File before delinquency and keep taxes current.
One-fourth correction A homestead was appraised at least one-fourth above correct value. Pay the undisputed tax and satisfy statutory requirements.
One-third correction A non-homestead property was appraised at least one-third above correct value. Pay the undisputed tax and satisfy statutory requirements.
Ownership or clerical correction The roll contains an ownership, multiple-appraisal or clerical error. Use the correct motion and supporting documents.

How to Pay Brewster County Property Taxes

The Brewster County Tax Assessor-Collector collects taxes for the county, City of Alpine, hospital district and the county’s four school districts.

Tax Event Normal Timing Owner Action
Proposed tax information August and September Review proposed rates, hearings and estimated taxes.
Tax statements Usually October Check account, entities, exemptions and mailing address.
Regular payment deadline January 31 in most cases Pay the full amount or arrange an eligible installment option.
Delinquency begins February 1 in most cases Request an updated payoff including penalty and interest.

Safe payment process

1
Confirm the property account.

Match the owner, Property ID, legal description and tax year.

2
Review every taxing unit.

Confirm the school district, county, hospital district and City of Alpine where applicable.

3
Check older years.

Do not assume paying the current statement clears a prior delinquency.

4
Start from the official county payment page.

The county’s card-payment instructions use Official Payments.

5
Use jurisdiction code 6696 when required.

The county’s official payment sheet lists this code for telephone and processor payments.

6
Review the service fee.

The payment provider charges a separate convenience fee.

7
Save the confirmation.

Keep the Property ID, tax year, amount, date and confirmation number.

8
Confirm posting.

Contact the Tax Office before submitting a duplicate payment.

Telephone payment: The county’s official instructions list 1-800-272-9829 and jurisdiction code 6696.
No-statement warning: Failure to receive a tax bill generally does not cancel the tax, delinquency date, penalty or interest.
Final payment action: Start at the official Brewster County Tax Payment page.

Installments and Homestead Tax Deferral

Four installments Qualifying age-65, disabled, veteran and surviving-spouse homestead owners may be eligible for four installments.
Age or disability deferral A qualifying owner may defer certain homestead-tax collection, but the tax remains a lien and interest continues.
Value-increase deferral Some homeowners may defer part of a tax increase caused by substantial appraised-value growth.
Installment Typical Deadline Action
First quarter Before February 1 Pay one-fourth and give written installment notice.
Second quarter Before April 1 Pay the second one-fourth.
Third quarter Before June 1 Pay the third one-fourth.
Final quarter Before August 1 Pay the remaining one-fourth.
A deferral is not an exemption. Deferred taxes remain attached to the property and can become due after sale, death or loss of qualification.

How to Search Brewster County Deeds and Land Records

The County Clerk maintains Brewster County’s official recorded-document history. Modern and historical records use different online systems.

Record Period Official Search Route Important Detail
1998 to present Brewster County Public Search or CountyFusion Search and purchase current land-record images online.
1877 to 1998 Historical Index Book search Call the Clerk to purchase documents connected to the index-book entries.
Certified or complete copy County Clerk office Online indexes are guides and may not show the complete official record.

Document-search steps

1
Save the CAD details.

Copy the owner, legal description, Property ID and approximate transfer date.

2
Choose the correct date range.

Use the modern system for 1998 forward and the historical index for older documents.

3
Search every name variation.

Try individuals, trusts, estates, companies, married names and spelling variations.

4
Filter by document type.

Look for deeds, deeds of trust, releases, liens, easements, mineral records, plats and probate-related documents.

5
Compare the legal description.

Owner names alone are not enough when one person owns several large tracts.

6
Follow referenced instruments.

A current deed may refer to older reservations, access easements, plats or restrictions.

7
Order an official copy when needed.

Use a certified or complete Clerk copy for title, probate, lender or legal requirements.

In-person recording change: Effective September 1, 2025, a person presenting a real-property document in person must show photo identification to the County Clerk.
Title-search warning: The online index is similar to a catalogue. It does not replace review of the actual document or a professional title examination.
Final deed action: Begin at the official Brewster County Clerk page.

Flood, Septic and County Permit Checks

CAD approval or a parcel map does not prove that land is suitable for construction. Remote Brewster County development can involve flood, septic, road and utility questions.

Floodplain review Confirm whether construction requires a county floodplain development permit or elevation information.
On-site sewage Septic installation requires the county’s on-site sewage facility process and inspection.
Road and utility work Utility crossings, boring or trenching in a county road can require a separate permit.
  • FEMA flood map and panel
  • County floodplain determination
  • Site elevation and drainage
  • Septic feasibility and permit
  • Well or hauled-water plan
  • Electric-service cost
  • Driveway and road access
  • Utility-crossing permission
  • 911 address
  • Emergency-service limitations
Final permit action: Review Brewster County’s official Permits and Procedures page.

Remote Big Bend Land Investigation

Cheap acreage can carry expensive limitations. Before buying a desert tract, investigate more than the CAD value and map.

Access and roads
  • Recorded access easement
  • Physical route to the parcel
  • Road surface and seasonal condition
  • Gate and key arrangements
  • Private-road maintenance
  • Emergency-vehicle access
Water and utilities
  • Well feasibility
  • Water-hauling distance
  • Storage requirements
  • Electric-line extension
  • Solar system cost
  • Internet and phone coverage
Land and title
  • Surveyed boundaries
  • Mineral reservations
  • Easements and restrictions
  • Subdivision documents
  • Tax liens and deeds of trust
  • Probate or heirship issues
Building feasibility
  • Flood and arroyo location
  • Septic suitability
  • Slope and foundation cost
  • Material-delivery access
  • Fire and EMS response
  • County permit requirements
Remote-land rule: “Near a road,” “utilities nearby” and “mountain views” are not legal or engineering conclusions. Verify each claim in writing.

Brewster County Buyer Due-Diligence Checklist

CAD account
  • Correct Property ID
  • Correct owner
  • Legal description
  • Acreage
  • Market and taxable values
  • Exemptions and agricultural status
Tax investigation
  • Every taxing unit
  • Current tax statement
  • Prior delinquent years
  • Penalty and interest
  • Installment or deferral
  • Tax lawsuit or sale status
Recorded title documents
  • Current deed
  • Deeds of trust and releases
  • Access easements
  • Mineral reservations
  • Restrictions and plats
  • Probate and heirship documents
Physical investigation
  • Survey
  • Road condition
  • Flood and drainage
  • Water and septic
  • Utilities and communications
  • Emergency access
Buyer tax warning: The seller’s homestead exemption, agricultural appraisal, tax ceiling, deferral or appraisal limitation does not automatically continue after transfer.

Brewster County Local Property Scenarios

Local Property Checks That Matter Why They Matter
Alpine residence City, Alpine ISD, 2026 inspection data, living area, condition and homestead. Alpine ISD is the scheduled 2026 field-inspection area.
Alpine commercial property City tax, income, vacancy, business personal property and improvement condition. The real estate and business equipment can have separate accounts.
Marathon home or lodging property Marathon ISD, rental use, furniture, water, septic, access and lodging-tax duties. Residential, commercial and short-term-rental uses create different records and obligations.
Terlingua cabin 2025 inspection data, Terlingua CSD, access, utilities, improvements and rental use. A small cabin may sit on a much larger or separately described tract.
Study Butte property Legal description, subdivision, road, commercial influence, utilities and flood risk. Location near tourism activity can affect value and use.
Remote Terlingua Ranch tract Tract number, access, road maintenance, water, survey and deed restrictions. The CAD polygon alone does not prove usable access or development feasibility.
Ranch acreage Agricultural history, stocking, water, fencing, topography and rollback exposure. Large acreage does not automatically qualify for productivity appraisal.
Mineral interest Mineral account, deeds, reservations, assignments, production and ownership decimal. Surface and mineral ownership can be completely separate.
Land near park or protected acreage Actual ownership, access, restrictions, boundaries and permitted use. Being near federal or state land does not create access through that land.

How to Correct a Brewster CAD Record

Problem Start Here Prepare This Evidence
Wrong mailing address Brewster CAD change-of-address form and Tax Office Property ID, owner information and correct mailing address.
Recent deed not reflected County Clerk, then Brewster CAD Recorded instrument number, date and deed copy.
Acreage or description appears wrong County Clerk, surveyor and Brewster CAD Deed, survey, plat and GIS printout.
Building details are incorrect Brewster CAD Measurements, photos, plans, permits or demolition records.
Homestead is missing Brewster CAD Form 50-114, identification and occupancy documents.
Agricultural value is missing Brewster CAD Form 50-129, use history, lease and production evidence.
Mineral owner is wrong County Clerk and Brewster CAD Mineral deed, assignment, division order and probate documents.
Tax payment is missing Tax Assessor-Collector Receipt, account, year, payment method and confirmation.
2026 appraised value is disputed Brewster CAD and ARB Protest confirmation and property-specific valuation evidence.
Online address correction: Brewster CAD provides an official electronic Change of Address form.

Brewster County Property Office Contacts

Office Current Contact Details Main Property Tasks
Brewster County Appraisal District Interim Chief Appraiser: Bill Gonzalez
1604 W. Highway 90
Alpine, TX 79830
Phone: 432-837-2558
Fax: 432-837-3871
Email: appraisaldistrict@brewstercotad.org
Monday-Friday:
8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Searches, appraisals, exemptions, agricultural use, maps, corrections and protests.
Brewster County Tax Assessor-Collector Tax Assessor-Collector: Sylvia Vega
107 W. Avenue E
Alpine, TX 79830
Office: 432-837-6200, extension 209
Email: tax.assessor@co.brewster.tx.us
Mail payments to:
107 W. Avenue E #1
Alpine, TX 79830
Tax statements, payments, receipts, posting and collection questions.
Brewster County Clerk County Clerk: Sarah Lujan
Brewster County Courthouse Annex
201 W. Avenue E
Alpine, TX 79830
Phone: 432-837-6200, extension 202
Fax: 432-837-6217
Email: svasquez@co.brewster.tx.us
Monday-Friday:
8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Deeds, liens, easements, minerals, plats, probate-related records and certified copies.
Different locations: Brewster CAD is on West Highway 90. The Tax Office is at 107 W. Avenue E, and the County Clerk is in the Courthouse Annex at 201 W. Avenue E.

Brewster County Appraisal District Map

The map below points to the Brewster County Appraisal District office at 1604 W. Highway 90 in Alpine.

Top 12 Brewster County CAD Property Search FAQs

1. What is the official Brewster County Appraisal District website?

The official website is brewstercotad.org. The property search is hosted at esearch.brewstercotad.org.

2. How can I search a Brewster County property?

Search by owner, address, Property ID or Advanced Search. Advanced filters include abstract, subdivision, property type, business name, Geographic ID, neighborhood and protest information.

3. Can I search remote Terlingua or Big Bend land without an address?

Yes. Use the Property ID, owner, abstract, subdivision, Geographic ID or interactive map. Many rural parcels do not have a conventional street address.

4. What property types are included in the official search?

The Brewster CAD Advanced Search lists Real, Personal, Mineral, Auto and Mobile Home property types.

5. What was the Brewster County 2026 protest deadline?

Brewster CAD published June 20, 2026 as the standard timely filing deadline.

6. What if my May 20, 2026 appraisal notice never arrived?

Brewster CAD states that the standard June 20 deadline is waived for affected owners when a notice was mailed but not received. File promptly and confirm the account with the district.

7. What is the 2026 school homestead exemption?

The mandatory school-district residence homestead exemption is $140,000.

8. What is the 2026 age-65 or disabled school exemption?

Qualifying homeowners receive an additional mandatory $60,000 school-district exemption.

9. What area was scheduled for Brewster CAD field inspection in 2026?

The adopted reappraisal plan states that Alpine ISD was scheduled for the 2026 personal-inspection cycle. Rural Terlingua ISD parcels were scheduled for inspection in 2025.

10. Does Brewster CAD collect property taxes?

No. Brewster CAD appraises property and administers exemptions. The Brewster County Tax Assessor-Collector handles tax payments.

11. Where can I search Brewster County deeds?

The County Clerk provides online land records from 1998 forward and a separate historical index-book search covering 1877 through 1998.

12. Are Brewster CAD parcel lines and acreage legally exact?

No. CAD maps, legal descriptions and acreage are research tools and do not replace a recorded deed, title examination, access review or professional survey.

Independent Editorial Notice

County-CAD.us is an independent informational website. It is not affiliated with Brewster County Appraisal District, the Brewster County Appraisal Review Board, Brewster County Tax Assessor-Collector, Brewster County Clerk, City of Alpine, any school district, Big Bend Regional Hospital District or the State of Texas.

Appraised values, protest waivers, exemptions, agricultural requirements, tax rates, balances, payment fees, officeholders, hours, forms and procedures can change. Verify time-sensitive information directly with the responsible official office.

Editorial verification: July 15, 2026. This article was rebuilt using the official Brewster CAD property search, 2026 notice announcement, GIS map, forms, 2025–2026 reappraisal plan, 2025 rate workbook, Brewster County Tax Office payment instructions, County Clerk modern and historical land-record systems and current Texas Comptroller property-tax guidance.

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.