Tarrant County Appraisal District

The Tarrant County Appraisal District, also known as TAD or Tarrant Appraisal District, is a governmental entity responsible for determining the market value of real and personal property within Tarrant County, Texas, for the purpose of ad valorem taxation. It maintains a comprehensive database of property characteristics, ownership information, and applicable exemptions, which it updates annually to reflect changes in the built environment and market conditions. The district provides certified appraisal rolls to the county, cities, school districts, and other local taxing units that rely on these valuations to set tax rates and levy property taxes. In addition to valuation services, TAD administers property tax exemptions and special valuations, such as those for agricultural land, historic properties, and homestead exemptions, and assists property owners with the protest and appeal process when they contest their assessed values. Its operations are guided by the Texas Property Tax Code and overseen by a board of directors appointed by the participating taxing entities.

As a public appraisal district, TAD operates under strict statutory requirements that mandate uniformity, accuracy, and transparency in mass appraisal practices, distinguishing it from private valuation firms. The agency employs computer‑assisted mass appraisal systems, geographic information systems, and data analytics to achieve equitable assessments across a diverse jurisdiction that includes urban, suburban, and rural areas. In March 2024, TAD experienced a ransomware attack that disrupted its network, with attackers allegedly linked to the Medusa group demanding a $700,000 payment to prevent the release of personal information; the district reported the incident to law enforcement, engaged cybersecurity experts, and began restoring systems while allocating up to $235,000 for recovery software and external consultants. This event highlighted the growing cybersecurity challenges faced by local government agencies tasked with safeguarding sensitive property and taxpayer data. While the investigation continued, TAD maintained its core appraisal functions on a limited basis, underscoring its role as a critical component of the county’s fiscal infrastructure.