Travis County CAD: Search Property Records, Read Values, File Exemptions & Protest Correctly
Use this Travis CAD guide when you need the official TCAD property search, owner record, address search, account number, DBA search, map search, homestead exemption, exemption verification, business rendition, online protest, ARB evidence packet, or the right office for property tax payment. The article gives the useful answer first, then sends you to the official portal only when you need to search, file, upload, pay or contact the office.
What Travis CAD can help with — and what it cannot
Travis County property owners often mix up appraisal records, tax bills, exemptions and payment. Use the correct office first.
Fast task board
- 1Find owner, address, account or DBA record? Use TCAD property search. TCAD says the database can be searched by owner name, property address, account number or DBA.
- 2Search not working? TCAD says not to use suffixes like St, Dr, Ln, Ave, Rd or Cv. Broaden the search with fewer words or only the first word of the street name.
- 3Need homestead exemption? Apply online, by mail or at TCAD. Prepare driver license or state ID with the same address as the property unless an exception applies.
- 4Value increased by at least $1,000? TCAD says those owners receive a Notice of Appraised Value. Protest by May 15 or 30 days after the notice mailing date, whichever is later.
- 5Need to pay taxes? Use Travis County Tax Office. TCAD does not calculate or distribute tax bills and does not accept property tax payments.
Official live-task links
Search TCAD record
Find owner, address, account number, DBA, values and exemption clues.
Check values
Separate market value, net appraised value and taxable value.
File form or protest
Use exemption, verification, rendition or protest routes before deadline.
Pay tax bill
Use Travis County Tax Office for bills, payments, receipts and due dates.
How to use Travis CAD property search
TCAD property search is useful for appraisal research, not final payment proof. Current-year data is considered a work in progress, and prior-year data may not exactly replicate values certified to the tax office.
1
Open the official TCAD property search
Use official CAD search before third-party property sites.
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Open TCAD Property Search. Search by owner name, property address, account number or DBA. If you are preparing a protest or form, copy the account number exactly.
2
Use TCAD’s search tips when results fail
Suffixes and too many words can block good results.
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TCAD says not to use suffixes such as St, Dr, Ln, Ave, Rd or Cv. If you still cannot find a property, broaden the search by entering fewer words. If you do not know the street number, enter only the street name.
3
Confirm the record before using it
Do not trust one matching field only.
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Confirm owner, situs address, account number, legal description, exemptions, market value, net appraised value, taxable value, map/geographic information and tax year. For legal, closing or survey work, verify legal descriptions outside the CAD search.
| Search Field | Best Use | Smart Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Owner name | Finding a property by person/entity | Try last name only if full name fails. |
| Property address | Homeowner lookup | Remove suffixes like St, Dr, Ln, Ave, Rd and Cv. |
| Account number | Exact record lookup | Best for forms, protest, evidence and office calls. |
| DBA | Business-name search | Useful for business personal property accounts. |
| Map search | Parcel/location review | Use map for location context, not as legal survey proof. |
Market value, net appraised value and taxable value
TCAD’s protest page identifies three values on a Notice of Appraised Value. Read them correctly before filing a protest or estimating a bill.
Market value
TCAD describes this as the value based on what your property would sell for as of January 1.
Net appraised value
This is the reduced property value after limitations such as homestead or circuit breaker limitation are applied.
Taxable value
This is net appraised value minus exemption amounts. Taxing units use this value to calculate taxes.
| If You See This | What It Means | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Market value jumped | TCAD believes Jan. 1 sale value changed | Compare sales, condition, size, location and property details. |
| Net appraised value is lower | A limitation may be reducing appraised value | Check homestead/circuit breaker limitation and eligibility. |
| Taxable value lower than net | Exemptions are reducing taxable base | Confirm every eligible exemption appears. |
| Tax bill still high | Rates and taxing entities drive final bill | Use Travis County Tax Office and Truth in Taxation resources. |
| Current year is work in progress | TCAD warns current-year data can change | Use notice/portal deadlines and official final records for decisions. |
Travis County homestead exemption: what to prepare before filing
TCAD’s exemption pages give several details users often miss: ID address match, 90-day action timing, over-65 tax ceiling, disability proof, veteran documentation, five-year audit and verification consequences.
General residence homestead
Available to taxpayers who own and reside at the property as of January 1. TCAD says the application needs a driver license or state-issued ID with the same address as the property.
Prorated possibility
TCAD notes limited circumstances where a new owner may claim an exemption as early as move-in date if the previous owner did not have an exemption and the new owner is not already claiming one for that tax year.
Over-65 exemption
Available the year the property owner turns 65. It also creates a school-tax ceiling, with possible ceiling transfer when moving to a new qualified Texas homestead.
Disabled person exemption
Requires meeting disability standards and submitting documentation such as Social Security disability determination. A school-tax ceiling may apply similar to over-65.
100% disabled veteran
Qualified veterans with 100% service-connected disability or individual unemployability can receive an exemption from taxation of the total appraised value of the qualifying homestead.
Five-year audit
TCAD says appraisal districts must audit exemption records every five years. If TCAD asks for verification and you do not respond, exemptions can be removed.
| Exemption Task | Useful TCAD Detail | User Action |
|---|---|---|
| Apply for homestead | Submit online, by mail or at 850 East Anderson Lane | Use online application and save confirmation. |
| ID match | Driver license or state ID must show the same address as the property for general homestead, unless exception applies | Update ID before filing if needed. |
| Application action timing | Action on application occurs within 90 days from the date received | Check portal/record after submission, not next day. |
| Verification letter | If requested information is not submitted, exemptions may be removed and tax bill can increase | Treat TCAD verification notices as urgent. |
| Exemption help | Exemption Helpline: 512-873-1560 | Call if unsure what documents to submit. |
1
Open TCAD online homestead application
Use online filing when possible for tracking and updates.
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Open TCAD online homestead application / verification or read TCAD Homestead Exemptions. Prepare owner name, property address, account number, driver license or state ID and any special exemption proof.
2
Attach the right proof
Wrong or missing proof slows processing.
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For over-65, prepare proof of age such as Texas driver license, Texas ID or birth certificate. For disabled person exemption, prepare disability documentation. For veteran-related exemptions, prepare current Department of Veterans Affairs documentation or survivor documents as applicable.
3
Save confirmation and re-check the CAD record
Do not assume the exemption applied immediately.
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Save the confirmation screen, email, PDF or mailing proof. TCAD says action can occur within 90 days after receipt. Later, search your property and confirm the exemption appears and taxable value changed correctly.
How to file a Travis CAD protest without missing the evidence window
TCAD’s protest system is designed to move from online filing to evidence upload, appraisal district evidence review, informal meeting and then ARB hearing only if no settlement is reached.
Protest checklist before filing
- 1Deadline: File by May 15 or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later.
- 2Notice values: Review market value, net appraised value and taxable value before deciding what you are actually disputing.
- 3Online filing: TCAD says online protest gives immediate confirmation, evidence upload, TCAD evidence review and settlement offer review.
- 4Portal access: Use property owner ID and PIN from your notice. If you do not have them, contact TCAD Customer Service.
- 5Evidence: Prepare comparable sales, closing statement, photos, repair estimates, incorrect property details, appraisal report or equity evidence.
Online protest lets you
| Protest Path | Official TCAD Detail | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Fastest/easiest method; immediate confirmation; upload evidence; review offer | Most homeowners with owner ID/PIN. |
| By mail | Mail protest to TCAD, PO Box 149012, Austin TX 78714 | When portal access is unavailable; use trackable mail. |
| In person | Drop off at 850 East Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752 during normal business hours | When deadline is close and you need delivery proof. |
| Informal meeting | Eligible after protest is filed and evidence has been submitted/processed | Negotiating value before ARB hearing. |
| ARB hearing | If no settlement, case may be heard by Travis Appraisal Review Board | Formal evidence-based dispute. |
1
Open TCAD protest process page
Read the deadline and portal steps before filing.
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Open TCAD Protest Process. Use TCAD online portal if you have property owner ID and PIN. Save the confirmation immediately after filing.
2
Build evidence around value, not frustration
“My taxes are high” is usually not enough.
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Useful evidence includes recent purchase price, closing disclosure, sales comparables, equity comparisons, property-condition photos, repair bids, wrong square footage, incorrect improvements, flood/damage issues or other data that supports the value you believe is correct.
3
Do not miss ARB hearing rules
A missed hearing can dismiss your protest.
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TCAD says your protest can be dismissed if you do not appear in person, by valid affidavit, by agent or by pre-scheduled telephone hearing. If you miss a formal hearing, you may request reopening by letter within 4 days citing good cause.
Travis CAD renditions: business personal property checklist
If you own a business, TCAD says you are required to report personal property used in your business. A rendition reports taxable business property information used to estimate market value for property tax purposes.
Who files
Owners of tangible personal property used for production of income and owners of tangible personal property where an exemption has been cancelled or denied.
Deadline
TCAD states the rendition filing deadline is April 15.
What is reported
Business name/location, asset descriptions, cost, acquisition dates and opinion of value for business personal property.
Late online limit
TCAD says late renditions will not be accepted through the online portal.
No automatic receipt confirmation
TCAD says it cannot confirm receipt of renditions, extension requests or exemption forms; use a delivery-confirmation method if proof is needed.
Closed business
TCAD FAQ says if you were in business on January 1, you owe taxes for the year; business personal property taxes are not prorated for closing later in the year.
| BPP / Rendition Item | TCAD Detail | User Action |
|---|---|---|
| Deadline | April 15 | File before deadline and save proof. |
| Mailing address | PO Box 141864, Austin, TX 78714-1864 | Use trackable mail if proof is needed. |
| Office/drop box | 850 E Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78752 | Deliver during accepted office/drop-box route. |
| Online form | Online portal confirms submitted status under Online Forms – Status | Screenshot the status page after submission. |
| Assets | Furniture, fixtures, equipment, machinery, computers, inventory, raw materials, finished goods and work in progress may be included | Prepare asset list and acquisition-cost details. |
Where to pay Travis County property taxes
TCAD is not the payment office. TCAD determines values, sends notices, handles protests and administers exemptions/deferrals. Travis County Tax Office calculates/distributes bills and collects payments.
Use TCAD for
Property search, value questions, Notice of Appraised Value, homestead exemptions, exemption verification, deferrals, renditions, protests, map search, evidence packet and ARB-related appraisal issues.
Use Travis County Tax Office for
Property tax bills, payment methods, payment receipts, delinquency, payment plans/installments, prepayments, tax certificates and actual amount due.
| Tax Payment Detail | Official Travis Detail | User Action |
|---|---|---|
| Online payment | Pay online using eCheck, credit/debit card or PayPal | Use the Tax Office shopping cart, not TCAD search. |
| Timely online payment | Online payments made by 11:59 p.m. CST on January 31 are considered timely | Do not wait until the final minutes. |
| eCheck | Must be from a U.S. bank account and costs $1 | Often cheaper than card for large balances. |
| Card / PayPal fee | $3 for balance under $100 or 3% for balance over $100 | Review fee before checkout. |
| Receipt | Online payment gives emailed receipt immediately | Save receipt PDF/email after payment. |
1
Open Travis County online payment instructions
Use this for bills and payment, not TCAD search.
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Open Travis County Tax Office online payment instructions. Go to the Tax Office shopping cart, search by name, street address, account number or six-digit billing number, add the account to cart, choose payment type and save the emailed receipt.
2
Use CAD only if the value or exemption is wrong
Payment office cannot fix appraisal value.
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If your tax bill is high because the value or exemption is wrong, use TCAD protest/exemption routes. If the question is payment posting, receipt, payment option, balance due or delinquency, use Travis County Tax Office.
TCAD forms, map search and public-map notes
TCAD offers online forms for common tasks and a forms database for printable versions. TCAD also provides map resources, but warns that map and current-year information is provided without warranty and current-year information should be considered work in progress.
| Tool / Form | Use It For | Useful TCAD Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Online homestead application | Homestead exemption filing | Online completion provides updates and form-status tracking. |
| Property value protest | Protesting appraised value or related appraisal issue | Online filing gives immediate confirmation and evidence upload. |
| Forms database | PDF forms related to appraisal district business | Forms can be submitted online, in person or by mail depending on form type. |
| Map search | Parcel/location context | Map number uses first 6 digits of Geographic ID for PDF map folders. |
| Accessible maps | Better map access for general users | TCAD says fully accessible maps are online through property search. |
| Data-mining caution | Bulk or automated use | TCAD says data mining is prohibited and complete map sets should be ordered from the district if needed. |
Travis Central Appraisal District contact information
Use TCAD contact for appraisal records, property search problems, exemptions, exemption verification, renditions, map help, protest filing, evidence packet access and ARB-related appraisal questions.
Office
Travis Central Appraisal District
850 East Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78752
Mail / phone / email
Mail: P.O. Box 149012, Austin, TX 78714-9012
Phone: 512-834-9317
Email: CSInfo@tcadcentral.org
Business hours
Mon, Wed, Fri: 7:45 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Tue, Thu: 9:00 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Exemption Helpline: 512-873-1560
Map to Travis Central Appraisal District
Use the map to plan your visit. Confirm holiday closures and special lobby notices on the official TCAD site before going in person.
Official Travis CAD and county resources
Use these for live tasks. The main instructions and official-source facts are already summarized above.
Travis County CAD FAQs
Short answers for property owners searching TCAD records, exemptions, verification letters, protests, renditions and tax-payment next steps.
QWhat is Travis County CAD?▾
Travis County CAD usually means Travis Central Appraisal District. TCAD determines property values, sends Notices of Appraised Value, handles protests and administers exemption/deferral applications.
QHow do I search TCAD property records?▾
Use the official TCAD property search. TCAD says the entire database is searchable by owner name, property address, account number or DBA.
QWhy can’t I find an address in TCAD search?▾
TCAD recommends not using suffixes like St, Dr, Ln, Ave, Rd or Cv. Broaden the search with fewer words, or enter only the street name if you do not know the street number.
QWhat do market, net appraised and taxable value mean?▾
Market value is what TCAD believes the property would sell for as of January 1. Net appraised value is the reduced value after limitations. Taxable value is net appraised value minus exemptions.
QWhat is the TCAD protest deadline?▾
TCAD states the deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later. Use the deadline shown on your notice.
QWhat happens if I miss my ARB hearing?▾
TCAD says your protest will be dismissed if you do not appear in person, through valid affidavit, by agent or by pre-scheduled telephone hearing. You may request reopening within 4 days by letter citing good cause.
QDo I reapply for homestead every year?▾
No, not normally. TCAD says you do not reapply unless the Chief Appraiser requests a new application in writing, you move to a new residence or your qualifications change. TCAD also audits exemption records every five years.
QWhat if I received a homestead verification notice?▾
Respond by the deadline on the notice. TCAD says verification requires a completed form and valid Texas driver license or ID with address matching the property. If you do not verify eligibility, exemptions can be removed.
QWhen is a TCAD rendition due?▾
TCAD states the business personal property rendition deadline is April 15. Businesses report personal property used to produce income, such as equipment, furniture, inventory, computers and other assets.
QWhere do I pay Travis County property taxes?▾
Use the Travis County Tax Office, not TCAD. TCAD does not calculate or distribute tax bills and does not accept property tax payments.
QIs county-cad.us official?▾
No. county-cad.us is an independent informational guide. Always verify property records, forms, exemptions, protest deadlines and payments with official TCAD and Travis County Tax Office websites.
Bottom line
For Travis County CAD, think: search TCAD record → check value/exemption → file form, rendition or protest if needed → pay taxes through Travis County Tax Office. Use TCAD for appraisal records, owner/address/account/DBA search, homestead, exemption verification, renditions, protests, evidence and ARB process. Use Travis County Tax Office for tax bills, payments, receipts and actual balances due.
Independent guide notice: This page is not Travis Central Appraisal District, Travis County Tax Office, a payment processor or legal advice. Official county and CAD sources control deadlines, forms, values, exemptions, payment status and contact details.
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.
What are you trying to do today?
Choose your main goal. The tool will guide you to the right calculation or next step.
Use Tax, Exemption and Protest tabs to understand your appraisal notice and possible savings.
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.