Hays County Appraisal District Hays CAD Guide 2026

by
Hays County, Texas · Property search, exemptions, protests, maps, taxes and deeds

Navigate Hays CAD From I-35 Growth Corridors to Hill Country Acreage

Hays County property records cover fast-growing subdivisions in Kyle and Buda, established neighbourhoods in San Marcos, custom homes near Dripping Springs and Wimberley, mobile homes, commercial corridors and rural tracts identified by surveys or abstracts.

Start with the official Hays Central Appraisal District search, verify the Quick Ref ID and property details, then move to the correct official system for an exemption, protest, tax payment, deed, lien or permit.

Open official Hays CAD search Open the interactive map Fix a missing result
Quick Ref ID Geographic ID Owner name Street name Subdivision or abstract Tax year
I-35 GROWTH CORRIDOR SCANNER MATCHING PROPERTY
SEARCH → VERIFY → SAVE → ACT
Current 2026 status: at the July 29, 2026 review, Hays CAD’s official search still displayed “Preliminary Values for 2026 are now up, these values are subject to change.” Do not assume a July calendar target means the value shown online is already final.
Official district

Hays Central Appraisal District, commonly called Hays CAD.

CAD office

21001 North IH 35, Kyle, Texas 78640.

CAD phone

(512) 268-2522

Chief appraiser

Laura Raven.

Official review

Property tools and local procedures reviewed July 29, 2026.

Start with the task

What do you need from the Hays County property record?

FIND A PROPERTY Search the appraisal account

Use Quick Ref ID, Geographic ID, owner, address, subdivision, abstract or Advanced Search.

Follow the search steps
NEW SUBDIVISION Search broader than the address

Try the builder, prior owner, street name, subdivision, Quick Ref ID or interactive map.

Use the growth-county workflow
HOMESTEAD Apply or answer an audit

Confirm the owner and address, prepare Texas identification and preserve submission proof.

Review homestead steps
VALUE OR PROTEST Verify the property details first

Check land, improvements, caps, exemptions, comparable property and the notice deadline.

Build the protest file
TAX BILL Move to the Tax Office

Search the collection account, check each year, review fees and save the receipt.

Pay and verify taxes
DEED OR LIEN Use the County Clerk

The appraisal owner field is not a complete title search or proof that every lien has been released.

Search recorded documents

Go directly to the Hays County property task

The first sections cover search and account verification. Continue for values, exemptions, protests, taxes, deeds, new construction and local office contacts.

Original interface guide

Recognise the search controls and account verification points

The current article does not contain a relevant Hays CAD screenshot or property-search poster, so no existing-image block is included. The instructional visual below is an original recreation of the search workflow.

Official property search · esearch.hayscad.com

Choose the strongest route

OWNER ADDRESS ID ADVANCED
Best when copied from a notice, bill or prior account
Use a short name or street name first
Subdivision · abstract · condo · neighbourhood · mobile-home park
Confirm 2026 or select an earlier year
Search property
Quick Ref ID: save it before calling
Geographic ID: compare with map and tax records
Legal description: verify subdivision, lot or survey
Market value: not the same as taxable value
HS/CB Cap Loss: explain some appraisal limitations
2026 status: preliminary values remain subject to change
10 essential record attributes

Check these 10 Hays CAD fields before relying on the account

1. Quick Ref ID

The main account reference displayed by Hays CAD. Save it for forms, calls, protests and tax research.

2. Geographic ID

A geographic parcel reference that helps connect appraisal, map and collection records.

3. Owner and Owner ID

The ownership entry used for appraisal administration. It is not a complete title opinion.

4. Situs address

The physical location carried by Hays CAD. It may differ from a mailing, postal or newly assigned address.

5. Legal description

Review the subdivision, lot, block, abstract, survey, tract, condominium or mobile-home information.

6. Market value

The district’s opinion of market value for the appraisal date, before exemptions are applied.

7. Appraised and assessed value

These values can reflect appraisal limitations, agricultural use or other statutory treatment.

8. HS Cap Loss

The difference associated with the residence-homestead appraisal cap when the account qualifies.

9. CB Cap Loss

The account’s displayed circuit-breaker limitation amount for qualifying non-homestead real property.

10. Taxing jurisdictions

The city, county, school, emergency-service, road, water and other units connected to the property.

Search troubleshooting

Fix a Hays CAD search that returns no result

Change one search variable at a time
Problem Likely reason Practical fix
Owner name returns nothing The record may use a spouse, trust, estate, company, builder or prior owner. Use only the first or last name, DBA, owner ID or Quick Ref ID.
New address is missing The subdivision or street may be newly created, or the builder may remain the owner. Search the subdivision, street name, builder, prior owner or map.
Too many street matches appear The road name occurs in more than one city, subdivision or rural area. Add street number, subdivision, neighbourhood, owner or tax year.
Rural tract has no normal address The parcel may be indexed by abstract, survey or legal description. Use the abstract, owner, Geographic ID or interactive map.
Condominium unit is wrong Several units share the same building address. Use the condominium filter and match the unit, Quick Ref ID and legal description.
Recently purchased property shows seller The recorded deed may not yet have completed appraisal-record processing. Confirm County Clerk recording and contact Hays CAD with the document details.
Mobile home is missing The home may have a separate account or be indexed by park and serial information. Use property type, mobile-home park, owner, Quick Ref ID or Advanced Search.
Value differs from mailed notice The online record may have changed, remain preliminary or reflect an accepted correction. Save both records and ask CAD which value and notice date currently control.
CAD and tax account do not match The systems serve different purposes and may update on different schedules. Match Quick Ref ID, Geographic ID, tax year and legal description before calling.
Property-search call script
I am researching tax year [year] for Quick Ref ID [number] or Geographic ID [number]. The property is at [address or legal description]. The portal currently shows [exact issue]. I need help confirming [owner, value, exemption, acreage, property detail or parcel]. Which document or department controls this correction?
Fast-growth county workflow

Search new subdivisions, builder accounts and recently completed homes

Kyle or Buda subdivision

Search the street name and subdivision. A new home may still appear under the builder or a parent parcel.

San Marcos development

Verify the city, subdivision, lot, block, taxing jurisdictions and whether the improvement was complete on January 1.

Dripping Springs or Driftwood acreage

Use the abstract, survey, acreage, road and Geographic ID rather than relying only on the mailing address.

Wimberley custom home

Review land and improvements separately, including construction quality, condition, outbuildings and completion percentage.

Uhland or ETJ property

Do not assume the postal city determines the taxing jurisdictions, permits or zoning authority.

Recently divided tract

Search the parent account, recorded plat, new legal description and map when the new parcel has not fully appeared.

New-home verification sequence

Search the buyer and builder The appraisal account may remain under the builder while the deed and ownership update are processed.
Search the subdivision rather than the full address Open all plausible lots and match the legal description.
Confirm the January 1 completion status A home under construction on January 1 may be appraised using a completion percentage rather than the later finished condition.
Review the following year A property can show a significant later increase when construction completed after the prior appraisal date.
Apply for homestead after qualification Confirm the deed and principal-residence date, then use Hays CAD’s official form or taxpayer portal.
Value interpretation

Understand market, appraised and taxable value

STEP 1 Market value

Hays CAD’s opinion of market value for the appraisal date before exemptions.

STEP 2 Appraised or assessed value

The value after an applicable homestead cap, circuit-breaker limitation or agricultural treatment.

STEP 3 Taxable value

The value remaining after exemptions for each taxing jurisdiction.

Value fields commonly shown on a Hays CAD account
Field What it explains What to check
Improvement Homesite Value Value assigned to qualifying residential improvements. Size, class, age, condition, additions and completion.
Land Homesite Value Value assigned to the homesite land portion. Homesite acreage, subdivision, location and land characteristics.
Non-Homesite Value Land or improvements outside the qualifying homesite category. Acreage, commercial use, additional tracts and property classification.
Agricultural Market Valuation Market value assigned to land receiving agricultural treatment. Acreage, land class and qualifying use.
Agricultural Value Loss Difference between agricultural market value and the lower agricultural-use value. Qualification, land segments and current use.
HS Cap Loss Value excluded through the residence-homestead appraisal cap. Homestead status, prior value and new improvements.
CB Cap Loss Displayed limitation for qualifying non-homestead real property. Property eligibility, prior appraised value and new construction.
Taxable Value The value used by an individual taxing jurisdiction after exemptions. Each jurisdiction separately because exemptions can differ.
Do not estimate the final bill from market value alone. The amount also depends on taxable value, adopted rates, exemptions, ceilings, penalties, prior balances and payment history.
Open Hays County tax-rate notices Review CAD reports
Field review and safety

Know what a Hays CAD appraiser may inspect

Hays CAD states that each parcel is visited and reviewed by an appraiser or data collector at least once every three years. The appraiser reviews exterior property characteristics and changes such as an added or removed structure.
What staff may review

Building size, additions, construction quality, exterior condition, land characteristics, barns, sheds and other improvements.

Interior inspection

Hays CAD states that appraisers do not ask to inspect the interior as part of a normal exterior review.

Hidden interior problem

An owner may provide photographs, repair estimates or arrange a review while the owner is present when interior damage affects value.

Verify an unexpected visitor. Do not provide payment, passwords or sensitive documents at the door. Call Hays CAD at (512) 268-2522 to confirm an employee or field-review activity.
Office routing

Use Hays CAD, the Tax Office or County Clerk for the correct record

Sending the question to the record holder prevents delays
Your question Correct office What to prepare
What is my proposed or appraised value? Hays Central Appraisal District Quick Ref ID, Geographic ID, tax year and disputed field.
Why is a homestead or other exemption missing? Hays Central Appraisal District Application, identification, qualification date and submission confirmation.
How much property tax is due? Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector Tax account, Quick Ref ID, year, statement and payment date.
Did my payment post? Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector Receipt, confirmation number, amount, date and account.
Who legally owns the property? Hays County Clerk or title professional Grantor, grantee, recording period and legal description.
Where can I obtain a deed or lien? Hays County Clerk Records Division Names, instrument details, date range and copy type.
Is the parcel boundary legally correct? Licensed surveyor and title professional Deed, plat, prior survey and CAD map.
Who handles development permits? Applicable city or Hays County Development Services Property location, jurisdiction and project details.
Property-record corrections

Correct the system that owns the inaccurate information

Incorrect owner name Confirm the deed was recorded, save the instrument details and contact Hays CAD’s abstracting or records department.
Incorrect mailing address Use Hays CAD’s online address-change form and preserve the submission confirmation.
Incorrect situs address Determine whether the issue belongs to Hays CAD, local 911 addressing, a city or county addressing authority.
Incorrect acreage or legal description Compare the deed, recorded plat, survey, abstract and CAD map before requesting a change.
Incorrect improvement details Prepare measurements, dated photographs, plans, permits, demolition evidence or repair estimates.
Incorrect tax balance Contact the Tax Office with the account, year, receipt and payment confirmation.
Open online CAD forms Open department contact routes
A correction request does not automatically preserve the protest deadline. File a timely protest when the disputed issue is a protestable CAD action and the correction remains unresolved.
Residence homestead

Apply for homestead and respond to an audit letter correctly

Basic qualification

Own the property and use it as the principal residence. Hays CAD explains that the exemption can be prorated from the move-in date.

Normal filing date

April 30 of the applicable tax year, with statutory late-filing options for qualifying applications.

Identification

Provide a Texas driver licence or Texas ID. The address generally must match the homestead property.

Homestead filing workflow

Open the current property account Verify the Quick Ref ID, owner name, property address and appraisal year.
Confirm the deed and residence date Make sure the ownership record supports the applicant and document when the property became the principal residence.
Open the official application Apply through the Hays CAD online form or download the official state form. Open Hays CAD Homestead Information
Attach the required identification Check the address on the ID before submitting. Use the applicable affidavit when an address exception applies.
Save proof of submission Keep the confirmation, application copy, attachments and date filed.
Recheck the property account Review the exemptions and taxable values after processing. Not every exemption is displayed publicly, so contact CAD when uncertain.

Five-year homestead audit program

Hays CAD states that every granted residence homestead must be periodically reviewed and that its program audits each granted homestead once every five years.
Read every Hays CAD letter promptly
Confirm the Quick Ref ID and owner
Use a valid Texas driver licence or state ID
Make sure the ID address matches the residence
Return the response by the stated date
Keep a copy and proof of delivery
Ignoring an audit letter can place the exemption at risk. Hays CAD says an initial non-response can lead to a termination date and a certified termination-process letter.
Other exemptions

Match the exemption form to the owner’s qualification

Age 65 or older

Review the additional residence-homestead exemption, school-tax ceiling and possible instalment or deferral options.

Disabled person

Prepare qualification documentation and review the related homestead benefits and payment options.

Disabled veteran

Use the correct veteran or survivor application and attach the required VA documentation.

Heir property homestead

Prepare identification, death certificate, ownership affidavit, utility bill and available court information.

Disaster-damaged property

Use the declared-disaster exemption form when an applicable disaster and statutory filing period exist.

Specialised exemptions

Forms are available for charitable, religious, vehicle, Freeport, goods-in-transit and other qualifying property.

Open all Hays CAD forms File supported forms online
1-d-1 open-space appraisal

Review Hays County agricultural land using market and use value

A qualifying agricultural tract can display a high market value and a much lower agricultural-use value. The difference appears as Agricultural Value Loss and does not mean the market value disappeared.

Open the Real property account Verify the acreage, legal description, land segments, market value, agricultural value loss and Ag Use Value.
Confirm the tract on the map Make sure the qualifying acreage belongs to the intended parcel rather than a homesite, adjacent tract or parent account.
Review the official agricultural guidance Use Hays CAD’s 1-d-1 information and state application. Open Hays CAD Agricultural Information
Document the qualifying use Prepare use history, leases, livestock or crop evidence, photographs, maps and other records relevant to intensity and continuity.
Separate the residential homesite A residence and surrounding homesite can be treated differently from qualifying open-space acreage.
Review change-of-use consequences Ask about additional tax exposure before developing the property, changing use or ending qualifying agricultural activity.
A seller’s agricultural appraisal does not guarantee the buyer will keep the same treatment. Verify continued use, new-owner filing requirements and potential change-of-use taxes before closing.
Manufactured housing

Search a mobile-home account separately from the land

Use Advanced Search or property type Search the owner, Quick Ref ID, Geographic ID or mobile-home park.
Open the mobile-home account Verify the park space, serial number, title or label information when displayed.
Check whether land and home are separate The mobile-home owner may lease the site or differ from the land owner.
Compare state ownership records Use the applicable manufactured-housing Statement of Ownership or title documentation.
Review homestead eligibility A qualifying owner-occupied manufactured home can receive exemptions even when the land is separately owned, subject to the rules and documentation.
Hays CAD’s public search can display a mobile-home serial number, title number, label number and park space. Match those details before requesting an ownership correction.
Business personal property

File a rendition that matches the January 1 business account

Hays CAD states that business owners must annually render personal property used to produce income and provides a 2026 depreciation schedule and online Form 50-144 filing route.
Business legal name and DBA
Owner ID and Quick Ref ID
Physical business location
Assets owned or managed on January 1
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
Inventory and supplies
Leased or consigned property
Acquisition dates and original costs
General deadline: most 2026 business-personal-property renditions were due April 15. A timely written extension generally moved the deadline to May 15.
If the business closed or sold before January 1, Hays CAD instructs the owner to complete the first-page information, sign and submit the rendition. If it closed after January 1, the property can remain taxable for the full year.
Open BPP instructions File the rendition online
Appraisal protest

Build a Hays CAD protest around one clear account issue

Usual deadline: Hays CAD states that a protest must generally be filed by May 15 or within 30 days after the Notice of Appraised Value was mailed, whichever is later. The individual notice controls.
Save the property record and notice Keep the Quick Ref ID, Geographic ID, legal description, values, caps, exemptions and deadline.
Identify the exact protest reason Examples include market value, unequal appraisal, incorrect property description, denied exemption, denied agricultural appraisal or another appraisal-district action.
File through one official method Hays CAD accepts online filing, email filing, US mail and in-person filing. Open official protest instructions
Prefer the online portal when available Hays CAD describes online filing as the fastest and most efficient method and allows an appraisal-staff review for possible resolution.
Keep proof of filing Save the portal confirmation, email, certified-mail receipt or stamped copy.
Build focused evidence Use comparable sales, unequal-appraisal examples, photographs, repair estimates, measurements, builder documents, surveys or land-use records.
Review the CAD evidence Compare the district’s property characteristics, sales and calculations with your documents.
Complete the informal review early Hays CAD states that informal reviews are conducted by appraisal staff and must conclude five business days before the scheduled hearing.
Attend the formal hearing unless resolved Hays CAD states that received protests are scheduled for a formal hearing. An accepted informal agreement removes the need to attend.
Read the written ARB order Preserve it and immediately review any arbitration, SOAH or district-court appeal deadline that applies.

Evidence that fits common Hays County scenarios

Match the evidence to the account problem
Scenario Useful evidence Avoid this mistake
Production home in a subdivision Same-builder and same-plan sales, upgrades, lot differences, condition and closing information. Comparing with a larger plan or different subdivision without adjustments.
Custom Hill Country home Construction quality, acreage, topography, access, condition, repair estimates and relevant custom-home sales. Using only nearby median price information.
New construction January 1 completion percentage, permits, builder schedule, photographs and closing documents. Using the home’s later finished condition for the earlier appraisal date.
Agricultural tract Acreage, land class, use history, maps, leases, production and comparable land sales. Arguing only that the final tax bill is high.
Mobile home Serial, title, label, park space, age, size, condition and ownership documentation. Using the land account when the structure has a separate account.
Open online protest portal guidance Download Notice of Protest
ARB hearing preparation

Prepare for the scheduled Hays County ARB hearing

Formal hearing scheduled

Hays CAD states that all received protests are scheduled for a formal hearing unless an earlier agreement resolves the case.

Informal review deadline

Staff informal reviews must conclude five business days before the hearing and are not available on the hearing day.

Remote hearing rules

Follow the notice and video-conference instructions, identify the profile with the owner name or protest reference and remain in the waiting room.

Hearing notice and protest reference
One-page requested-value explanation
Property account and appraisal notice
CAD evidence packet
Comparable table or property-error list
Numbered photographs and estimates
Copy of every submitted document
Tested phone, camera and internet for remote hearing
Do not leave a virtual waiting room after check-in. Hays CAD warns that leaving can result in an administrative dismissal for failure to appear.
Open ARB information
Taxpayer online portal

Use the portal for property documents and electronic communication

Hays CAD’s taxpayer portal allows enrolled owners to access property details, review documents, manage applications and request electronic communications.

Open the official taxpayer portal Open Hays CAD Taxpayer Portal
Create an account using a monitored email Save the password securely and check the spam folder for verification messages.
Complete property enrolment Match the property owner and account information requested by the portal.
Wait for approval when shown The portal can display an approval-pending message while Hays CAD reviews registration.
Confirm the property and year before filing Do not attach an exemption, protest or communication request to the wrong account.
Electronic delivery is an election with a tax official. A request filed with Hays CAD does not automatically cover the County Tax Office or every taxing jurisdiction.
Tax bills, payments and receipts

Use the Hays County Tax Office after verifying the CAD account

Open the official tax portal Open Hays County Property Tax Search
Search the tax account Use the property search and match the owner, address, Quick Ref ID, Geographic ID and tax year.
Review all years and balances Check current, partial, delinquent and prior-year amounts before choosing a payment.
Select Make a Payment Confirm that the payment is being applied to the intended property and tax year.
Review the convenience fee At the July 2026 review, the Tax Office portal published a 2.35% card fee and a $0.50 e-check fee. The live checkout controls.
Save the payment confirmation Keep the account, year, amount, fee, payment method, date and confirmation number.
Verify posting Reopen the account after processing and confirm that the payment was credited to the correct year.
Hays County property-payment options and warnings
Situation Published guidance What to verify
Full or partial payment The Tax Office accepts full or partial payments through supported methods. The remaining balance and future penalty or interest.
Card payment A 2.35% convenience fee was published at the review date. The fee displayed at checkout.
E-check payment A $0.50 fee was published at the review date. Bank details, total and confirmation.
Returned payment The tax portal published a $35 returned-payment charge. Payment status and updated balance.
Quarter payments Qualifying over-65, disabled, disabled-veteran or surviving-spouse homesteads may elect four instalments. Eligibility, first-payment timing and remaining instalments.
Delinquent taxes Penalty and interest accrue, and additional collection costs may apply later. A live payoff and payment-arrangement options.
2026 tax-year timing: January 31, 2027 falls on a Sunday. Under the Texas next-business-day rule, a normal 2026 property-tax payment should generally remain timely on Monday, February 1, 2027. The date printed on the tax statement controls.
Hays CAD cannot accept a protest against the payment fee, tax rate or collection balance. Use CAD for appraised value and exemptions; use the Tax Office for the statement, payment and receipt.
Recorded property documents

Use the Hays County Clerk for deeds, liens and releases

The Hays County Clerk Records Division maintains property records such as deeds and liens. The County Clerk page also provides a Property Records Search and a free Fraud Guard alert service.
Open the official County Clerk page Open Hays County Clerk
Select Property Records Search Use the online-service link published by the Clerk rather than a commercial document site.
Search the grantor and grantee Try current owner, prior owner, spouse, trust, estate, company and common name variations.
Narrow the recording period Use the purchase, refinance, inheritance, lien or release date when known.
Match the legal description Compare subdivision, lot, block, abstract, survey, acreage and instrument details with the CAD account.
Order the correct copy type Ask whether the intended use requires a plain or certified copy and confirm the current fee.
Consider Fraud Guard Register for the Clerk’s free alert service to receive notice when a document matching the registered name is recorded.
The Hays CAD owner field is not proof of clear title. Use a title company or qualified Texas lawyer when ownership, liens, easements, mineral rights or title defects matter.
Buyer and new-owner checklist

Complete these checks before relying on a Hays County record

Confirm the deed was recorded
Save the County Clerk instrument details
Match Quick Ref ID and Geographic ID
Confirm subdivision, lot, block or abstract
Review current and preliminary values
Check land and improvements separately
Review exemptions under the new owner
Check HS Cap Loss and CB Cap Loss
Verify agricultural appraisal and continued use
Search current and delinquent tax balances
Review taxing jurisdictions and permits
Save survey, title, closing and tax records
The seller’s current tax amount may understate the buyer’s future bill. Seller exemptions, homestead caps, tax ceilings, agricultural treatment and appraisal limitations may change after ownership or use changes.
Reports and data

Use Hays CAD data downloads and appraisal reports for deeper research

2026 preliminary data

Hays CAD publishes preliminary export files while the current appraisal roll is being completed.

Certified appraisal data

Certified and supplemental files are available for completed prior appraisal years.

Annual reports

Reports provide countywide appraisal-base, exemption, property-type and operational context.

Reappraisal plans

The 2025-2026 plan explains appraisal activities and review planning for the current cycle.

Mass appraisal reports

Use these reports to understand valuation methods and property classifications.

Partial-exemption reports

These reports provide broader information about exemptions within the appraisal roll.

Open data downloads Open reports and plans
Preliminary exports and individual accounts can change before certification. Record the file date and appraisal year whenever using bulk data.
2026 action calendar

Important Hays County appraisal and tax dates

Appraisal and property-status date Ownership, use, condition, business assets and many exemption qualifications are generally determined as of January 1.
Most 2026 appraisal notices Hays CAD states that a Notice of Appraised Value for most property owners was mailed April 1.
Most business renditions Most 2026 business-personal-property renditions were due, subject to a timely extension request.
Many exemption and agricultural applications The normal application date applied, subject to statutory late-filing provisions.
Most 2026 appraisal protests File by May 15 or within 30 days after the notice was mailed, whichever was later.
2026 ARB hearing period began Hays CAD published a June 1 through July 2 remote-hearing period for its 2026 ARB links. Follow the individual hearing notice.
ARB approval target Hays CAD’s appraisal-cycle information lists July 20 for ARB approval of appraisal records.
Certification target The appraisal-cycle information lists July 25 for certification to taxing jurisdictions.
Tax-rate proposal and adoption Local governing bodies propose and adopt rates, with public information available through the tax-rate notice database.
Tax statements generally begin The Tax Office loads the certified roll and adopted rates and generates tax statements.
Normal 2026 tax payment timing Because January 31, 2027 is a Sunday, payment should generally remain timely on Monday, February 1, 2027. Follow the bill.
Calendar targets do not override the live portal or individual notice. The Hays CAD search still displayed preliminary 2026 values at the July 29 review, so verify the account’s current status before relying on it.
Verified local contacts

Hays County appraisal, tax and recorded-property offices

Hays Central Appraisal District
21001 North IH 35
Kyle, Texas 78640

Main: (512) 268-2522
Alternate: (512) 713-0563
Email: info@hayscad.com

Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Customer-service helpline: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Chief Appraiser: Laura Raven

Taxpayer Liaison Officer

Hays CAD main number:
(512) 268-2522
Direct extension: 225

The TLO helps property owners understand access, procedures and communications with the district and ARB.

Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector

Jennifer Escobar

712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 1120
San Marcos, Texas 78666

Phone: (512) 393-5545
Fax: (512) 393-5547

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM.

Kyle Tax Office Substation
5458 FM 2770
Kyle, Texas 78640

Phone: (512) 268-8024
Fax: (512) 268-2729

Dripping Springs Tax Substation
195 Roger Hanks Parkway
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620

Phone: (512) 858-5105
Fax: (512) 858-9245

Wimberley Tax Substation
200 Stillwater Road
Wimberley, Texas 78676

Phone: (512) 878-6705
Fax: (512) 842-1440

Hays County Clerk

Elaine H. Cárdenas

712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 2008
San Marcos, Texas 78666

Phone: (512) 393-7330
Fax: (512) 393-7735

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM.

Visit warning

The Tax Office normally closes on the third Wednesday of each month for staff development. The County Clerk also posts date-specific closure alerts.

Check the official office page before travelling.

Official action links

Official Hays County property resources

Hays CAD property search

Search by owner, address, ID and Advanced Search criteria.

Open property search
Interactive parcel map

Locate parcels, subdivisions, rural tracts and surrounding property.

Open interactive map
Online forms

File supported homestead, address, agricultural, rendition and other forms.

Open online forms
All CAD forms

Download exemption, protest, agricultural, wildlife and specialised forms.

Open forms library
Protest information

Review deadlines, filing methods, informal review and ARB guidance.

Open protest instructions
Taxpayer portal

Access property documents, applications and electronic communication services.

Open taxpayer portal
Tax search and payment

Check tax statements, balances, payments and receipts.

Open Tax Office portal
Tax-rate notices

Review estimated taxes and local rate-proposal information.

Open tax-rate notices
County Clerk property records

Search deeds, liens, releases and other recorded documents.

Open County Clerk
Data downloads

Review preliminary and certified bulk appraisal data.

Open data downloads
Reports and plans

Review annual reports, reappraisal plans and mass-appraisal reports.

Open reports and plans
Department contacts

Route questions to residential, commercial, agricultural, protest, records or exemption staff.

Open Hays CAD contacts
Hays County answers

10 common Hays County appraisal questions

1. What is the official Hays County Appraisal District website?

The official district is Hays Central Appraisal District, commonly called Hays CAD. Use hayscad.com for official information and esearch.hayscad.com for property records.

2. How do I search Hays County property records?

Search by owner, address, Quick Ref ID or Advanced Search. Advanced filters include abstract, subdivision, condominium, mobile-home park, neighbourhood, owner ID, property type and tax year.

3. Are Hays CAD 2026 property values final?

At the July 29, 2026 review, the official search still stated that 2026 preliminary values were available and subject to change. Verify the current status before relying on the value.

4. Why can I not find a new Hays County address?

New subdivisions, builder-owned lots and recently recorded deeds may use different indexing. Try the street name only, subdivision, builder, prior owner, Quick Ref ID, Geographic ID or map.

5. Does Hays CAD collect property taxes?

No. Hays CAD handles appraisal records, values, exemptions and protests. The Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector handles bills, balances, payments and receipts.

6. How do I pay Hays County property taxes online?

Open Hays County Tax Search, locate the property, confirm the tax year, select Make a Payment, review the fee and save the confirmation.

7. What is the Hays CAD property-tax protest deadline?

Most protests are due by May 15 or within 30 days after the Notice of Appraised Value was mailed, whichever is later. Follow the deadline printed on the individual notice.

8. Why did Hays CAD send a homestead audit letter?

Hays CAD must periodically verify residence-homestead eligibility and states that every granted homestead is reviewed once every five years. Respond by the stated date with the requested identification and documents.

9. Where can I search Hays County deeds and liens?

Use the Hays County Clerk and select Property Records Search. The owner shown by Hays CAD is not a complete title search.

10. Where is Hays Central Appraisal District located?

Hays CAD is at 21001 North IH 35, Kyle, Texas 78640. The main phone number is (512) 268-2522, and published office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Accuracy, ownership and official-use notice

AppraisalDistrict.org is an independent informational resource. It is not Hays Central Appraisal District, the Hays County Appraisal Review Board, Hays County, the Tax Assessor-Collector, the County Clerk or the Texas Comptroller.

Property owners, preliminary values, exemptions, appraisal limitations, agricultural qualification, protest status, tax balances, payment fees, office hours, forms and deadlines can change. Verify the live official record before filing, paying, travelling, buying, selling or making a legal or financial decision.

CAD maps, acreage and legal descriptions are appraisal resources. They should not replace a recorded deed, title examination, professional survey, manufactured-housing ownership record or legal advice.

Official-source review completed July 29, 2026. Sources reviewed include Hays Central Appraisal District, the Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector, Hays County Clerk and Texas Comptroller property-tax resources.

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