Buying or owning a home in Kaufman County comes with a big question: how can you lower your property tax bill without taking on extra risk or paperwork headaches? If you live in the home you own, the Texas homestead exemption is one of the most important tools available. It is simple in concept, but the rules, documents, and deadlines matter.
In this guide, you will learn what a homestead exemption is, who qualifies in Kaufman County, the key dates to remember, how to apply, and how it affects your tax bill. You will also get practical tips for buyers and sellers so you can plan with confidence. Let’s dive in.
What is a homestead exemption?
A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence for property tax purposes. The appraisal district sets your home’s value. Exemptions then reduce that value for the taxing units that offer them. Lower taxable value usually means a lower annual tax bill.
Texas law sets the framework, and Kaufman County Appraisal District (Kaufman CAD) administers the process locally. Cities, the county, school districts, and special districts each decide what optional exemptions they offer. The result can vary by property, depending on which taxing units serve your address.
Who qualifies in Kaufman County
To qualify in a given tax year, two statewide rules apply:
- You own the property and use it as your principal residence on January 1.
- You file an application for the exemption with the local appraisal district by the deadline.
There are several categories of exemptions in Texas. The ones most Kaufman County homeowners ask about include:
- Residential homestead exemption. For your primary residence. This is the baseline that may reduce taxable value for the units that grant it.
- Over‑65 exemption. Additional relief for homeowners age 65 or older. Many homeowners also receive a tax ceiling that limits school taxes from increasing while they own and live in the home.
- Disability exemption. For homeowners who are totally and permanently disabled. In many cases, this also creates a school tax ceiling.
- Disabled veteran and surviving spouse exemptions. Exemptions vary based on VA disability ratings. Some qualifying veterans receive large or complete exemptions under state rules. Surviving spouses may also qualify under defined conditions.
Exact dollar or percentage amounts depend on which taxing units serve your property and which optional exemptions they adopt. Always confirm the current amounts for your address with Kaufman CAD and your local taxing units.
Key dates and deadlines
Timing is important. Keep these two dates top of mind:
- January 1: Ownership and occupancy test. You must own and occupy the property as your principal residence on this date to qualify for that tax year.
- April 30: Typical application deadline to receive the exemption for that tax year. Applications filed after this date are usually effective the following tax year. Verify current-year deadlines and any late filing options with Kaufman CAD.
If you buy a home after January 1, you normally apply the next year when you meet the test. If you are unsure, ask Kaufman CAD about your specific account and any available relief.
How to apply with Kaufman CAD
In Kaufman County, you file your homestead exemption application with Kaufman County Appraisal District. The tax assessor-collector does not process exemption applications. Here is the basic process:
- Get the current application form. Request it from Kaufman CAD or download the residential homestead form if online access is available.
- Complete the form. Indicate the type of exemption you are claiming, such as general homestead, over‑65, disability, or disabled veteran.
- Gather required documents. See the checklist below. Make sure the name and property address match your application.
- Submit by the deadline. File with Kaufman CAD by the published date for the year you are claiming.
- Keep copies. Save a copy of your application and all documents, plus a record of when and how you submitted them.
There is no fee to file a homestead exemption application.
Documents you will need
Prepare these items before you file:
- Completed homestead application form.
- Proof of ownership, such as a deed or closing statement.
- Proof of identity and occupancy. A Texas driver’s license or Texas ID showing the homestead address is commonly required. If your ID does not yet show the property address, ask Kaufman CAD what alternate documents they accept, such as vehicle registration, voter registration, or utility bills.
- For age-based exemptions. Proof of age, such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport.
- For disability or veteran exemptions. Supporting documentation, such as Social Security disability documents or a VA disability rating letter, depending on the category.
If Kaufman CAD needs more information, the chief appraiser may request additional documents to verify eligibility.
What happens after you file
Once your application is processed and approved, the exemption will appear on your property record and apply to the next tax statement for the current year if you filed by the deadline. Your taxable value will reflect the exemptions granted by each taxing unit. If your application is denied, you will receive notice and you have protest and appeal rights within the timelines set by law.
Keep an eye on your account after filing. If the exemption does not appear as expected, contact Kaufman CAD to follow up.
How exemptions lower your tax bill
Exemptions reduce taxable value. The appraisal district determines the appraised value, then eligible exemptions lower that value to produce the taxable value for each taxing unit. Each unit’s tax rate is applied to the taxable value to calculate the amount owed.
Some homeowners receive extra relief through tax ceilings. If you qualify for an over‑65 or disability exemption, school taxes are often capped at a ceiling amount so they do not increase while you continue to qualify. City, county, and special district taxes may still change unless those units also adopt similar limits or optional exemptions. Always confirm what applies to your specific address.
Buying or selling in Kaufman County
Real estate timing and homestead rules go hand in hand. Here are common scenarios and what to expect:
- Buying after January 1. If you purchase your home during the year and move in, you usually become eligible to apply for the next tax year. You cannot claim multiple residence homestead exemptions at the same time.
- Selling your current homestead. Your exemption stays with the property for that tax year, then the new owner will apply for future years. Remind your title company to prorate taxes correctly at closing.
- Moving to a new primary residence. Your homestead does not automatically transfer. Apply for a new homestead exemption on your new home. For tax ceilings related to over‑65 or disability categories, special transfer rules may apply in certain situations. Ask Kaufman CAD about your options.
- Surviving spouse considerations. Surviving spouses may be able to keep certain exemptions or tax ceilings if they remain in the residence and meet state requirements. Contact Kaufman CAD for the exact steps and documents.
Planning ahead can help you avoid cash flow surprises, especially if you buy late in the year.
Avoid these common mistakes
A few avoidable errors can delay or reduce your savings:
- Waiting past April 30. File by the typical deadline to receive benefits for the current year. Late filings usually start the following year.
- Mismatched IDs and addresses. Make sure your Texas ID shows the homestead address or confirm alternate documents with Kaufman CAD.
- Assuming the exemption changes your appraisal. Exemptions lower taxable value. They do not necessarily reduce the appraised market value.
- Expecting all taxes to be frozen. Over‑65 and disability ceilings often apply to school taxes. Other taxing units may differ.
- Claiming more than one homestead. Texas allows only one residence homestead exemption per owner at a time.
Quick checklist to file in Kaufman County
Use this to stay on track:
- Confirm you owned and occupied the property as your principal residence on January 1.
- Request or download the current Kaufman CAD homestead application.
- Gather documents: proof of ownership, Texas ID with the property address, and any proof for age, disability, or VA status.
- File your application with Kaufman CAD by the published deadline, commonly April 30.
- Keep copies of everything and note the filing date.
- Check your tax account after processing to confirm the exemption appears.
Smart next steps
If you are buying, selling, or planning a move within Kaufman County, build the homestead timeline into your closing plan. Ask early about the January 1 test, the April 30 filing date, and what exemptions your address qualifies for. A few quick checks with Kaufman CAD can save you time and money.
Have questions about how a homestead exemption might affect your sale, purchase, or tax planning this year? Reach out to a local team that tracks these details every day. Connect with The Cole Home Team for practical guidance tailored to your situation.
FAQs
Who handles homestead exemptions in Kaufman County?
- Kaufman County Appraisal District processes applications and maintains exemption records for local properties.
What is the deadline to apply for this year?
- The typical deadline is April 30 for that tax year. Confirm the current year’s deadline with Kaufman CAD.
Do I qualify if I bought after January 1?
- You normally must own and occupy the home on January 1 to qualify for that year. If you purchased later, you usually apply for the following year.
What documents do I need to include?
- A completed application, proof of ownership, and a Texas driver’s license or ID with the homestead address. Add age, disability, or VA documents if you are applying for those categories.
Does a homestead exemption change my appraisal value?
- No. It reduces taxable value for calculating property taxes. The appraised market value may still be reported separately.
How much will I save with an exemption?
- Savings depend on which exemptions your taxing units adopt and their current tax rates. Check your taxable value before and after exemptions to estimate the impact.
Is there a fee to apply in Kaufman County?
- No. There is no fee to file a homestead exemption application with Kaufman CAD.
Can I claim homestead exemptions on two homes?
- No. Texas law allows only one residence homestead exemption per owner at a time.
What if my application is denied?
- You will receive notice and have protest or appeal rights. Follow the instructions and deadlines provided by Kaufman CAD.
