Kaufman County Property Tax Rate: 2025 Rates by Taxing Entity
In Kaufman County's newer developments, Municipal Utility Districts can add 50% or more to a homeowner's total tax bill -- turning a moderate 1.99% base rate into an effective rate above 2.50%. The base rate for a typical Forney homeowner combines taxes from Forney ISD, the City of Forney, and Kaufman County at approximately 1.99% of taxable value, or $1.99 per $100.
A Kaufman County homeowner in Forney with a home valued at $350,000 -- near the area median -- pays approximately $6,951 per year in total property taxes before exemptions. Homeowners in newer developments with Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) can pay significantly more.
Kaufman County Property Tax Rates by Taxing Entity (Tax Year 2025)
Your Kaufman County property tax bill is the sum of taxes levied by every taxing entity that covers your property. Here are the current adopted rates for the major entities serving a typical City of Forney homeowner:
| Taxing Entity | Rate per $100 | Est. Tax on $350,000 Home | Share of Bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forney ISD | $1.2869 | $4,504 | 65% |
| City of Forney | $0.4214 | $1,475 | 21% |
| Kaufman County | $0.2777 | $972 | 14% |
| Total (Typical) | ~$1.99 | ~$6,951 | 100% |
Important: Your exact rate depends on where you live in Kaufman County. Homeowners in Terrell pay a significantly higher city rate (~$0.70), while those in Kaufman and Crandall pay roughly $0.55. Properties in Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) -- which are common in newer Kaufman County developments -- pay additional taxes that can add $0.35 to $1.00 or more per $100 to your total rate.
Forney ISD: The Largest Share
Forney ISD accounts for roughly 65% of a typical Forney homeowner's property tax bill. The tax year 2025 rate of $1.2869 per $100 includes $0.7869 for maintenance and operations (M&O) and $0.5000 for debt service (I&S).
Forney ISD is one of the fastest-growing school districts in Texas, and the I&S rate sits at the $0.50 legal maximum -- reflecting the heavy bond debt needed to build schools for the district's rapidly expanding enrollment. Despite this, Forney ISD lowered its overall rate for five consecutive years through the 2023-24 school year, a total reduction of more than 25 cents.
Other School Districts in Kaufman County
Kaufman County includes several school districts with similar rate profiles:
| School District | 2025 Rate per $100 | M&O | I&S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forney ISD | $1.2869 | $0.7869 | $0.5000 |
| Crandall ISD | $1.2869 | $0.7869 | $0.5000 |
| Kaufman ISD | $1.2552 | $0.7552 | $0.5000 |
All three major ISDs carry the maximum I&S rate of $0.50 per $100, reflecting massive school construction programs driven by explosive residential growth across the county.
MUDs: The Hidden Tax Layer
Kaufman County has numerous MUDs and special districts that add substantially to the tax bill, particularly in newer developments:
| District | 2025 Rate per $100 |
|---|---|
| Forney MMD #1 | $0.3500 |
| Spradley Farms PID | $0.5400 |
| Las Lomas MUD 4A | $1.0000 |
| Ledbetter MUD 1 | $1.0000 |
A Forney homeowner in a development with the Forney MMD #1 pays a total rate of approximately $2.34 per $100, bringing the annual tax on a $350,000 home to roughly $8,176. Homeowners in developments served by Las Lomas MUD 4A or Ledbetter MUD 1 pay an additional $3,500 on a $350,000 home.
How Kaufman County Compares to Other Texas Counties
Kaufman County's total property tax rate without MUDs is moderate for the DFW metro, but MUD rates can push it well above neighboring counties:
| County / City | Approximate Total Rate | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|
| Rockwall County (Rockwall) | ~1.57% | $450,000 |
| Kaufman County (Forney) | ~1.99% | $350,000 |
| Ellis County (Waxahachie) | ~2.05% | $380,000 |
| Dallas County (Dallas) | ~2.10% | $310,000 |
| Kaufman County (Forney + MMD) | ~2.34% | $350,000 |
Without MUDs, Kaufman County's rates are competitive with surrounding DFW counties. But in newer developments with MUD assessments, total rates can exceed any neighboring county. Kaufman County's lower median home values partially offset the higher rates, keeping absolute tax bills moderate.
How Kaufman County Property Tax Rates Have Changed
Kaufman County has reduced its county rate significantly as property values have grown:
| Year | County Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $0.3466 | -- |
| 2021 | $0.3111 | -- |
| 2022 | ~$0.2900 | -- |
| 2024 | $0.2796 | -- |
| 2025 | $0.2777 | Current rate; ~20% reduction since 2020 |
The county rate has dropped from $0.3466 in 2020 to $0.2777 in 2025 -- a reduction of approximately 20%. Forney ISD also lowered its rate for five consecutive years through 2023-24, reducing the overall rate by more than 25 cents during that period.
How Your Kaufman County Property Tax Bill Is Calculated
Each entity applies its rate to your taxable value -- appraised value minus exemptions. Here's the calculation for a Forney homeowner with a $350,000 home and the $100,000 homestead exemption:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Appraised value | $350,000 |
| Less: School homestead exemption | -$100,000 |
| Taxable value (school) | $250,000 |
| Forney ISD tax ($210,000 x 1.2869%) | $2,702 |
| City of Forney ($350,000 x 0.4214%) | $1,475 |
| Kaufman County ($350,000 x 0.2777%) | $972 |
| Total estimated bill | $5,149 |
Important to note: The current $100,000 school homestead exemption is in effect, with a voter-approved increase to $140,000 under SB 4 (Proposition 13) pending implementation. It only reduces the ISD portion. The City of Forney and Kaufman County offer their own exemptions. If your property is in a MUD, add the MUD tax to the total above -- MUD taxes are calculated on your full appraised value with no homestead reduction. Learn more about how appraised value, assessed value, and taxable value work.
Why Your Kaufman County Property Tax Bill May Be Higher Than Expected
Even if tax rates stay flat or decrease, your bill can increase for several reasons:
Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs)
MUDs are the single biggest factor that separates Kaufman County tax bills. A homeowner in a development without a MUD pays roughly $6,951 per year on a $350,000 home. A homeowner in the same city with a $1.00 MUD rate pays $10,451 -- more than 50% higher. If you are buying a home in Kaufman County, check whether the property is in a MUD before making an offer.
All ISDs at Maximum Debt Service
Forney ISD, Kaufman ISD, and Crandall ISD all carry the maximum I&S rate of $0.50 per $100. This rate funds the school construction needed to keep up with the county's explosive growth. Unlike counties where I&S rates can be reduced through bond refinancing, Kaufman County's ISDs have limited room to lower this component until existing bonds are retired.
Rising Appraisals
The Kaufman Central Appraisal District revalues all properties annually. While county-wide values dipped slightly in early 2025, the market heated up by mid-year. Even with the county's rate decrease, rising appraised values can push your bill upward.
How to Lower Your Kaufman County Property Taxes
With every major Kaufman County ISD carrying the maximum $0.50 debt service rate, the homestead exemption is especially valuable here -- and protesting can compound the savings.
1. File for Homestead Exemption
Apply for your homestead exemption if you haven't already. The current $100,000 school district exemption saves a typical Forney ISD homeowner roughly $1,287 per year in school taxes alone, with a voter-approved increase to $140,000 under SB 4 (Proposition 13) pending implementation. Given the high combined ISD rates in Kaufman County, this exemption delivers some of the largest dollar savings in the DFW metro.
The filing deadline is April 30, and you can file up to two years late to claim retroactive savings.
2. Protest Your Appraised Value
Kaufman County's rapid growth means newly built homes are often appraised at or above their purchase price from day one. Protesting your Kaufman County property tax appraisal gives you the chance to present comparable sales showing that market conditions have shifted since your home was valued. This is especially important for homes in MUD-heavy developments where the tax burden is already elevated. File before the deadline after reviewing your Notice of Appraised Value in April or May. Learn how to navigate the Kaufman County protest forms to make sure your filing is complete.
See how Kaufman County compares to all 18 counties we serve in our Texas Property Tax Rates by County comparison.
Get Help With Your Kaufman County Property Tax Protest
In a county where MUD taxes can add 50% or more to your bill and every ISD carries the maximum debt rate, having a professional review your appraisal is one of the few levers you can pull to control costs.
Ballard Property Tax Protest represents homeowners across Kaufman County. We handle the entire protest process -- from filing to informal hearings to ARB representation -- and you only pay if we reduce your appraised value.
No reduction, no fee.
