Kaufman County Homestead Exemption: Rules & Savings
Kaufman County homeowners file residence homestead exemptions with the Kaufman Central Appraisal District (KCAD), not with the Kaufman County Tax Office and not with the Texas Comptroller. The main application is Texas Form 50-114, listed by KCAD as the Residence Homestead Exemption Application under Tax Code Section 11.13.
The 2026 savings picture is more than one number. Kaufman County school districts show a $140,000 school homestead exemption and a $60,000 over-65 / disability school exemption, while local city, county, road-and-bridge, college and MUD exemptions vary by taxing unit. This guide explains the form, deadline, late filing, local exemption amounts, five-year audit rule, office roles and practical filing steps.
Where Do You File the Kaufman County Homestead Exemption?
File the Kaufman County residence homestead exemption with Kaufman Central Appraisal District. KCAD’s office is listed at 3950 S Houston St, Kaufman, TX 75142-3718, with mailing address PO Box 819, Kaufman, TX 75142, phone 972-932-6081, and exemption email exemptions@kaufman-cad.org.
Correct Filing Office
KCAD determines appraised value, exemption eligibility, homestead cap status, appraisal records and ARB protest matters. A residence homestead exemption should be filed with KCAD because the appraisal district applies the exemption to the appraisal roll.
Start here: KCAD → CAD Forms → Residence Homestead Exemption Application.
Required ID and Proof
Form 50-114 commonly requires identification and property information. If your name is not clearly shown on a recorded deed, heir-property or ownership-not-of-record affidavits may be required. Special exemptions may need age, disability, VA or surviving-spouse documentation.
Tip: Update your Texas ID address before filing if it still shows a prior home.
No KCAD Filing Fee
KCAD states there is no charge or fee associated with receiving or filing an exemption application with the district. Be careful with third-party mailers or websites that charge to submit a free government form.
Best practice: use KCAD or Texas Comptroller forms directly.
Kaufman County Homestead Exemption Form: What to Fill Out
KCAD’s CAD Forms page lists the Residence Homestead Exemption Application for Tax Code Section 11.13. The current KCAD PDF is a Form 50-114 residence homestead application. Use the form as a legal certification, not as a casual worksheet.
| Form Area | What It Means | Kaufman County Filing Tip | Mistake to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax year | The year for which you are claiming the homestead exemption. | Use the year you owned and occupied the home as your principal residence. If filing after April 30, ask KCAD how the late filing rule applies to that exact tax year. | Filing for the current year when you meant a prior eligible year. |
| Exemption requested | General residence homestead, age 65 or older, disability, 100% disabled veteran residence homestead and certain surviving-spouse categories. | Select only the categories you can document. Over-65, disability and veteran categories may change the savings calculation and documentation review. | Checking every box because it looks like more savings. |
| Property identification | Appraisal district account number, property address, manufactured home details if applicable and residence information. | Search the KCAD property database first and copy the account number exactly. New subdivisions near Forney, Crandall, Terrell and Kaufman may require alternate searches if the address is new. | Using a mortgage number, escrow number or tax-payment receipt number instead of the KCAD account number. |
| Ownership information | Whether you are identified on a deed or other recorded ownership instrument. | If inherited property, trust ownership, life estate or manufactured home ownership is involved, review Form 50-114-A affidavits before submitting. | Submitting a basic application when KCAD needs proof that connects you to the property. |
| Principal residence statement | You must use the property as your principal residence and cannot claim another residence homestead exemption elsewhere. | Make sure your mailing address, ID address and occupancy date do not create avoidable questions. | Trying to claim homestead on a rental, second home or property where you no longer live. |
| Signature / certification | The form is signed under certification that the information is true and the applicant meets Texas requirements. | For paper filing, keep a copy of the signed form and mailing/delivery proof. For portal filing, keep the confirmation and watch for KCAD follow-up. | Submitting an unsigned or incomplete form and assuming it was accepted. |
How to Apply for the Kaufman County Homestead Exemption
Use these steps before filing so the form, account number, ID, ownership documents and deadline all match. This is especially important in fast-growing Kaufman County areas where new construction and ownership transfers can lag behind closing.
Confirm the Property Is in KCAD’s Jurisdiction
Open the KCAD property search and find the property by address, owner name or account number. Confirm the property is within Kaufman County/KCAD records and save the account number before starting the exemption application.
Verify Principal Residence and Ownership
Texas residence homestead rules require an ownership interest and use of the property as the applicant’s principal residence. You must also state that you do not claim a residence homestead exemption on another property in or outside Texas.
Prepare Identification and Supporting Documents
Prepare your Texas driver’s license or state ID, occupancy date, purchase/ownership details and any special-exemption proof. If you are an heir-property owner, not shown on the deed, or applying for a manufactured-home situation without the usual ownership record, review Form 50-114-A affidavits.
Open KCAD’s Residence Homestead Application
Use KCAD’s CAD Forms page and select Residence Homestead Exemption Application. KCAD also has a Taxpayer Portal where property owners can enroll, access property details, opt into electronic communication and manage applications.
Complete the Application by Tax Year
Fill in the account, owner, property, occupancy and exemption sections. If you became age 65, became disabled, inherited property, changed ownership structure or recently bought the home, do not skip sections that explain those facts.
Submit Online, Mail or Deliver to KCAD
Use the KCAD portal where available, or mail/deliver paper documents to Kaufman Central Appraisal District. For paper filing, use the mailing address PO Box 819, Kaufman, TX 75142 or confirm current delivery instructions with KCAD before visiting.
Check the Property Record After Processing
After KCAD processes the application, check the property record for exemption status, capped value and taxable values by jurisdiction. The tax savings can differ by school district, city, county, Road and Bridge, MUD or college district.
Kaufman County Homestead Exemption Deadline
Texas homestead applications are generally filed with the appraisal district between January 1 and April 30 for the year requested. The general deadline is often described as “before May 1.” Texas law also provides a late-filing path for many residence homestead claims.
Traditional tax-year snapshot for many property-tax rules. Ownership, occupancy and exemption status can matter on this date.
Regular filing window for many residence homestead applications. Filing early helps the exemption appear before fall tax bills.
Notice and protest deadlines may appear. If the exemption is missing from a notice, contact KCAD quickly.
Tax statements and payment deadlines are handled by the Tax Office after values and exemptions are certified.
A late general residence homestead application may be accepted if filed not later than two years after the delinquency date.
How Much Can the Kaufman County Homestead Exemption Save?
A homestead exemption lowers taxable value; it does not send a fixed check to the homeowner. The real savings depends on your property value, appraisal cap, tax rates and the exact taxing entities attached to your parcel. KCAD’s 2026 State & Local Exemption Amounts list shows large differences between school, city, county, road-and-bridge, college and special-district exemptions.
School District Taxes
KCAD’s 2026 exemption list shows $140,000 HS and $60,000 over-65 / disabled amounts for listed school districts including Crandall ISD, Forney ISD, Kaufman ISD, Mabank ISD, Kemp ISD, Quinlan ISD, Rockwall ISD, Scurry-Rosser ISD, Terrell ISD and Wills Point ISD.
County and Road & Bridge
For 2026, KCAD’s list shows Kaufman County and Road and Bridge with local-option $15,000 over-65 and $15,000 disabled-person amounts, while the general local-option homestead column is shown as zero for those county entities.
City and Special District Taxes
Local options vary by city and district. For example, the 2026 list shows City of Forney with $65,000 over-65 and $35,000 disabled amounts, City of Seagoville with a 10% homestead option plus $30,000 over-65 and disabled amounts, and City of Terrell with a 10% homestead option plus $5,000 over-65.
| Taxing Entity Type | 2026 Amount Shown by KCAD | What It Means for Homeowners | Where to Verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| School districts | $140,000 HS; $60,000 over-65; $60,000 disabled person. | This is often the largest homestead-related reduction because school tax rates are commonly a major part of the bill. | Check the school district row in KCAD’s 2026 exemption list and your property’s jurisdiction section. |
| Kaufman County | Local option: $0 general HS; $15,000 over-65; $15,000 disabled person. | County taxes may not get a separate general local-option homestead reduction, but qualified senior/disabled homeowners may see extra county taxable-value relief. | Look for entity code KC on the KCAD property record. |
| Road and Bridge | Local option: $0 general HS; $15,000 over-65; $15,000 disabled person. | Road and Bridge taxable value can differ from county taxable value when special exemptions apply. | Look for entity code RB on the KCAD property record. |
| City of Forney | $65,000 over-65; $35,000 disabled person. | Forney homeowners should check city taxable value separately from school and county taxable value. | Look for entity code CF if the parcel is inside City of Forney taxing jurisdiction. |
| City of Seagoville | 10% local homestead; $30,000 over-65; $30,000 disabled person. | A percentage-based city exemption can scale with appraised value, subject to Texas minimum rules. | Look for entity code CG on the KCAD record. |
| City of Terrell | 10% local homestead; $5,000 over-65; $0 disabled person. | Terrell city tax savings may differ from neighboring properties outside city limits or in another district. | Look for entity code CT on the KCAD record. |
| Trinity Valley Community College | $15,000 over-65; $0 disabled person. | College district taxes may have their own taxable value, separate from school district and city values. | Look for entity code TV on the KCAD record. |
| MUD / Fresh Water District examples | Several 2026 rows show $10,000 or $20,000 over-65 / disabled amounts, depending on the district. | Two homes in the same city can have different MUD or FWSD taxable values. Always check your parcel’s exact jurisdictions. | Review the jurisdiction list on the KCAD property record and the 2026 exemption list. |
| Disabled veteran partial exemptions | DV1 $5,000; DV2 $7,500; DV3 $10,000; DV4 $12,000, according to the 2026 KCAD list. | Partial disabled-veteran exemptions are based on service-connected disability rating ranges and can apply differently from the 100% disabled veteran homestead exemption. | Use the correct disabled-veteran application and VA documentation. |
| 100% disabled veteran homestead | KCAD’s 2026 list states the homesteadable value is 100% exempt for qualifying 100% service-connected or unemployable disabled veterans. | This is not the same as the partial DV1-DV4 exemption. KCAD must verify the correct VA documentation and residence-homestead status. | Use Form 50-114 for the applicable residence-homestead disabled-veteran category. |
Kaufman County Homestead Savings Estimator
Use this as a rough education tool only. It does not confirm eligibility, does not include every taxing unit, and does not replace KCAD taxable values or adopted tax rates.
Estimate logic: general school scenario uses $140,000. Over-65 scenario uses $140,000 plus $60,000 for school taxes. Local option scenario adds the amount you enter for a city, county, Road and Bridge, college or MUD exemption. Actual bills depend on appraisal cap, adopted rates, tax ceilings, partial-year qualification, entity-specific exemptions and KCAD approval.
Find Your KCAD Account Before You File
The homestead application works best when you enter the correct KCAD property account. KCAD links to a property search, interactive map and taxpayer portal from its official site.
Search by Address
Start with the property address, but simplify the search if there is no result. Remove apartment/unit details, try only the street number and street name, and avoid punctuation.
Search by Owner
Use owner search if the deed has already been processed into KCAD’s records. If you bought recently, the account may still show the builder, seller or prior owner until records update.
Use the Map When Address Search Fails
For newer areas near Forney, Crandall, Terrell, Kaufman, Talty or subdivisions with new street ranges, the interactive map may help identify the parcel before the address search behaves as expected.
KCAD vs Kaufman County Tax Office: Who Handles What?
Filing delays often happen because homeowners contact the wrong office. KCAD and the Kaufman County Tax Assessor-Collector both touch property taxes, but they do different jobs.
| Question / Problem | Correct Office | Why | What to Prepare |
|---|---|---|---|
| I need to apply for homestead | Kaufman Central Appraisal District | KCAD determines exemption eligibility and applies exemptions to the appraisal roll. | Form 50-114, Texas ID, account number and supporting documents. |
| My exemption is missing from the property record | KCAD | The exemption must appear in KCAD records before taxable value and bills reflect it. | Submission proof, account number, copy of application and ID proof. |
| My tax bill is due or I need to pay | Kaufman County Tax Assessor-Collector | The Tax Office calculates/collects taxes and handles payments, statements and receipts after values are certified. | Tax statement, property ID/account number and payment method. |
| My appraised value is too high | KCAD / Appraisal Review Board process | Value disputes are handled through appraisal protest and ARB procedures, not by the Tax Office. | Notice of appraised value, photos, repair estimates, comparable sales and protest deadline. |
| The deed or ownership record is wrong | KCAD plus County Clerk or legal professional when needed | KCAD records are appraisal records and do not replace recorded deed/title documents. | Recorded deed, closing documents, probate papers, trust/life-estate documents or legal guidance. |
Kaufman Central Appraisal District Address, Phone, Hours and Map
Use KCAD for homestead applications, exemption questions, appraisal records, account corrections, residential appraisal questions, maps/ownership questions and ARB-related appraisal matters.
Kaufman Central Appraisal District
Street address:
3950 S Houston St
Kaufman, TX 75142-3718
Mailing address:
PO Box 819
Kaufman, TX 75142
Phone: 972-932-6081
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Exemption questions: exemptions@kaufman-cad.org
Open KCAD Contact ↗Kaufman County Tax Assessor-Collector
Main tax office:
100 N Washington St
Kaufman, TX 75142
Main phone: 469-376-4596
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM at the Kaufman office.
Use for: property-tax bills, payments, statements, receipts and bill-related questions after KCAD certifies values and exemptions.
Open Tax Office ↗Official Kaufman County and Texas Homestead Links
Use these official action links to file, verify, search and calculate next steps. Each link includes what to do after opening it so this page is not just a link list.
KCAD CAD Forms Page
Official local forms page for the Residence Homestead Exemption Application, affidavits, disabled-veteran forms and related forms.
- Go to the Exemptions section.
- Open Residence Homestead Exemption Application.
- Use the affidavits only if your ownership, heir-property, age/disability or manufactured-home situation requires them.
- Save a copy of the completed form and proof of submission.
KCAD Taxpayer Portal
Official portal for property details, electronic communication election and application management after enrollment.
- Create or access your account.
- Locate your property details.
- Opt into electronic communication only if you are comfortable receiving official notices electronically.
- Manage available applications and keep confirmation records.
KCAD Property Search
Use this before filing to confirm the account number, owner record, situs address, property value and taxing jurisdictions.
- Search by address, owner or account number.
- Open the correct property record.
- Copy the account number for the homestead form.
- Review the exemptions and jurisdictions sections after KCAD processes your application.
KCAD 2026 State & Local Exemption Amounts
Official KCAD PDF listing school, city, county, Road and Bridge, MUD/FWSD and disabled-veteran exemption amounts for 2026.
- Find the entity code that matches your property’s jurisdiction list.
- Compare HS, over-65 and disabled-person columns separately.
- Remember that city, county, school and special-district taxable values may differ.
- Use your actual tax rates for any savings estimate.
Texas Comptroller Property Tax Exemptions
Statewide guidance for homestead eligibility, school exemption amounts, heir property, over-65, disability and veteran categories.
- Open the Residence Homestead section.
- Verify statewide exemption amounts and general eligibility language.
- Use Form 50-114 and Form 50-114-A references when needed.
- Return to KCAD for local filing and approval.
Kaufman County Tax Assessor-Collector
Official county tax office page for property-tax statements, tax payments and tax-collection questions.
- Use this office for tax-payment and bill questions.
- Do not use it as your first filing location for the homestead exemption.
- If KCAD approved an exemption but the bill looks wrong, prepare the KCAD account number and tax statement.
- Check whether you need the Kaufman, Forney, Terrell or Kemp tax-office location for in-person tax-office service.
Common Kaufman County Homestead Exemption Mistakes
These mistakes are common because Kaufman County has fast-growing residential areas, multiple overlapping taxing entities and separate appraisal/tax-collection offices.
Filing With the Tax Office
The Kaufman County Tax Office handles bills and payments. Homestead exemption approval belongs with KCAD.
Giving Up After April 30
April 30 is important, but Texas law may still allow a late general homestead application within the late filing period.
New-Subdivision Address Issues
New addresses can be hard to search. Try partial address, owner/builder name, property map or account number from closing documents.
Using Seller’s Tax Bill
A seller’s exemptions, cap and tax ceiling may not transfer to the buyer. New owners should file their own homestead application.
Paying for a Free Filing
KCAD states there is no fee to receive or file an exemption application with the district.
Ignoring KCAD Audit Requests
KCAD says homesteads are subject to periodic verification under SB 1801. Respond to any official review notice before the deadline.
What Should You Do Next?
Choose the path that matches your situation today.
If you have never filed
Search your KCAD property record, copy the account number, prepare ID and ownership documents, then complete Form 50-114 through KCAD’s form or portal process.
If your deadline passed
Ask KCAD whether the late residence homestead rule applies to your tax year. File quickly if you qualified and are within the allowable late period.
If your exemption is missing
Check the KCAD property record first. If it is missing there, contact KCAD with your account number, application copy and submission proof.
If the bill is wrong after approval
Confirm the exemption and taxable value on KCAD, then contact the Kaufman County Tax Office with the tax statement and KCAD account details.
Kaufman County Homestead Exemption FAQs
Where do I file a Kaufman County homestead exemption?
File with Kaufman Central Appraisal District. KCAD handles homestead exemption approval, appraisal records and taxable-value changes. The Kaufman County Tax Office handles tax statements and payments after values and exemptions are certified.
What form do I use for the Kaufman County homestead exemption?
Use the Residence Homestead Exemption Application, Texas Form 50-114. KCAD lists it on the CAD Forms page under Residence Homestead Section 11.13.
What is the Kaufman County homestead exemption deadline?
The regular filing window is generally January 1 through April 30 for the tax year requested. A late general residence homestead application may still be accepted if filed not later than two years after the delinquency date for the taxes on the homestead.
How much is the 2026 school homestead exemption in Kaufman County?
KCAD’s 2026 exemption list shows a $140,000 homestead exemption for listed school districts and a $60,000 over-65 or disabled-person school exemption. Your exact savings depends on your school district tax rate and taxable value.
Does Kaufman County offer extra over-65 or disabled-person exemptions?
KCAD’s 2026 exemption list shows Kaufman County and Road and Bridge with local-option $15,000 over-65 and $15,000 disabled-person amounts. Cities and special districts can have different local-option amounts, so check the taxing entities on your parcel.
Do I need to apply for homestead every year?
A homestead exemption generally does not need to be refiled every year while the property and owner continue to qualify, but KCAD says SB 1801 requires periodic review of each residence homestead at least every five years. Respond to any official KCAD verification notice.
Is the Kaufman County homestead exemption free to file?
Yes. KCAD states there is no charge or fee associated with receiving or filing an exemption application with the district.
What if I inherited the home?
Heir-property owners may need Form 50-114-A affidavits and supporting documents such as ownership affidavits, a death certificate, utility bill or available court-record citation. Review KCAD’s affidavit form and contact KCAD if your name is not clearly shown on a recorded deed.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with Kaufman Central Appraisal District, Kaufman County Government, the Kaufman County Tax Assessor-Collector, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts or any taxing unit.
Homestead eligibility, exemption approval, taxable value, appraisal-cap treatment, tax ceilings, protest rights, refund handling and final tax bills are determined by the responsible official agencies. Verify current requirements directly with KCAD before filing.