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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Kaufman County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Kaufman County, TX. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by location, typically 2.0-2.8% combined rate (county, school district, and special districts)
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Kaufman County, Texas operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, school districts, and special purpose districts. Property taxes in Kaufman County fund essential services including public education, law enforcement, road maintenance, emergency services, and county administration. The county follows Texas Property Tax Code requirements, with assessments based on market value as of January 1st each year.

Property tax rates in Kaufman County vary significantly by location due to the combination of different taxing entities serving each property. A typical property may be subject to taxes from the county, a school district, a city or municipal utility district, and various special districts for services like emergency services, water, or community college districts. The total effective tax rate typically ranges from 2.0% to 2.8% of assessed value, depending on which taxing jurisdictions serve your specific property location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The following rates apply to Tax Year 2024 (Fiscal Year 2025):

ComponentRate per $100Description
Kaufman County$0.415113County general services, roads, law enforcement
School Districts$1.00-$1.40Varies by district (e.g., Forney ISD, Kaufman ISD)
Cities$0.40-$0.70Municipal services (e.g., City of Forney $0.405240)
Special Districts$0.05-$0.25Emergency services, MUDs, hospital districts
Total Typical Range$1.86-$2.80Combined rate depending on location

Note: Actual tax rates vary significantly within Kaufman County based on your specific location and which special taxing districts serve your property. Rural areas may have different combinations of districts than incorporated cities. Contact the Kaufman County Appraisal District for your property's specific tax rate combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Kaufman County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Jan 31
Delinquent after Dec 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Kaufman County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership or improvements that increase assessed value. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers that trigger reassessment, or the discovery of previously unreported improvements or structures.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference. The supplemental tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year after the change occurred. For example, if a $50,000 addition is completed in July and the total tax rate is 2.5%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $625 ($50,000 × 0.025 × 6/12 months remaining). Property owners typically receive supplemental tax bills 30-60 days after the triggering event, with payment due within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $200,000
  • Tax Rate (2.2%): $4,400 annually
  • Monthly Payment: $367

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $500,000
  • Tax Rate (2.2%): $11,000 annually
  • Monthly Payment: $917

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $900,000
  • Tax Rate (2.2%): $19,800 annually
  • Monthly Payment: $1,650

Note: Homestead exemptions require annual application and only apply to your primary residence. Additional exemptions may be available for seniors, disabled veterans, or disabled persons but require separate applications with specific deadlines.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Kaufman County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender will estimate annual property taxes, divide by 12, and collect this amount with your monthly mortgage payment. The lender typically maintains a 2-month cushion in the escrow account to ensure sufficient funds are available when tax payments are due.

Property taxes in Kaufman County are typically paid in two installments: the first payment due by October 5th and the final payment due by April 30th of the following year. However, many property owners choose to pay the full annual amount by September 30th to avoid multiple payment processing. Your lender will make these payments directly to the Kaufman County Tax Assessor-Collector on your behalf. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing the account activity and any adjustments needed for the following year based on current tax assessments.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Kaufman County for the current tax year? A: For Tax Year 2024, the first payment is due October 5, 2024, and the second payment is due April 30, 2025. Full payment can be made by September 30, 2024.

Q: What is the homestead exemption and how do I apply? A: The homestead exemption provides a $100,000 reduction in assessed value for school district taxes on your primary residence and caps annual assessment increases at 10%. You must file an application with the Kaufman County Appraisal District by April 30th following the year you establish homestead.

Q: Are there additional tax credits available? A: Yes, tax credits requiring application include: senior citizen exemption (65+), disability exemptions, disabled veteran exemptions, and agricultural/timber exemptions. All require separate applications with specific deadlines, typically by April 30th.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File a protest with the Kaufman County Appraisal Review Board by May 15th (or within 30 days of receiving your notice). You can protest online, by mail, or in person.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Penalties begin February 1st at 6% of unpaid taxes, increasing to 12% after June 1st, plus 1% interest monthly. Additional attorney collection fees may apply.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, the Kaufman County Tax Office accepts online payments through their official website, typically with a small processing fee for credit/debit card payments.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts (MUDs, emergency services, hospital districts) add separate line items to your tax bill. These rates vary by location and can add $0.20-$0.60 per $100 of assessed value.

Q: When will I receive my 2024 tax bill? A: Tax bills for Tax Year 2024 are typically mailed in September 2024, with values based on the January 1, 2024 assessment date.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
Tax Doc
Tax Rates | Forney, TX - Official Websiteforneytx.gov
02
County
County Rates and Levies (XLSX)comptroller.texas.gov
03
Tax Doc
TEXAS SALES AND USE TAX RATES – January 2026comptroller.texas.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Law Deadlines - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
05
State
REAL ESTATE CONTRACT FOR EXCHANGE OF ...forneytx.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Today - Texas.govcomptroller.texas.gov
07
Residence Homestead Exemption Affidavits - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
08
H:\Data2\WP9\opinions\Tinsley Homestead Opinion.wpdtxnb.uscourts.gov
09
County
Kaufman County Property Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
10
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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