A property record card (also called property detail page, appraisal record, or CAMA record) is the detailed breakdown of every characteristic the county used to value your property. It shows square footage, room counts, construction quality, condition rating, age, lot size, and all the data points that feed into your assessed value.
This document is critical for property tax protests because it reveals the county's assumptions. If they have your square footage wrong, or rated your condition as 'good' when it's actually 'fair,' or missed needed repairs—those errors directly inflate your value.
You can usually access your property record card through your appraisal district's website by searching your address or account number.
Your property record card is the foundation of your property tax appeal. Before protesting, review it carefully for errors.
Common errors to look for:
• Incorrect square footage (often includes garage/porches)
• Wrong number of bedrooms/bathrooms
• Overstated quality or condition ratings
• Outdated effective age (doesn't reflect actual condition)
• Features you don't have (pool, fireplace, etc.)
• Garage/storage area included as living space
How to get your record card:
1. Visit your appraisal district's website
2. Search by address or account number
3. Look for 'Property Detail,' 'Record Card,' or 'CAMA Data'
4. Print or screenshot for your records
Every error you find is potential protest ammunition. Document what's wrong and bring corrections to your hearing.
What's on your property record card:
Property identification:
• Parcel/account number
• Legal description
• Property address and ownership
Land information:
• Lot size and dimensions
• Zoning and use code
• Land value
Improvement details:
• Square footage (living area)
• Year built and effective age
• Construction type and quality
• Number of bedrooms, bathrooms
• Garage, porch, patio areas
• Special features (pool, fireplace, etc.)
Valuation data:
• Improvement value
• Total value breakdown
• Depreciation applied
• Neighborhood factor
• Condition and quality ratings
Visit your county appraisal district's website and search for your property by address or account number. Look for links labeled 'Property Details,' 'Record Card,' 'CAMA,' or similar. Most Texas districts make these publicly available online.
Document the error with evidence (floor plans, photos, original building permits, etc.) and file a property tax protest. Bring your documentation to the hearing and request they correct the data. Even small corrections can significantly reduce your value.
Usually not regularly. Mass appraisal relies on exterior observations, aerial photos, and assumed interior characteristics based on your property type. The county may have never been inside your home, which is why errors about interior condition are common.