How To Get An Ag Exemption – Part 2

Once you have decided on a course of action for getting your Ag Valuation, you must begin documenting. Some CAD offices might give you credit for clearing land or building fences. In that case, document with pictures and receipts. You will need to prove it! Keep copies of lease agreements, livestock purchases, seed or fertilizer purchases, and anything else relating to your Ag valuation.

I also recommend speaking with the CAD office beforehand to find out their documentation requirements. Get something in writing too. That same person who says I will give you credit for building fences might not be there in five years. You might apply for Ag each year, at least the first year, as that gives them notice.

The application for Ag is made with form 50-129. “Application for 1-d-1 (Open-Space) Agricultural Use Appraisal.” It is available on your local CAD website or the Texas Comptroller’s Office.

The timeline, simplified: basically for the first five years you will be doing Ag activities, but you will not receive the Ag valuation. Year six is the big year – assuming you’ve documented properly and met requirements, you will be granted an Ag Valuation and your taxes will reflect that!

Wildlife Management – with your Ag Valuation in hand (or in the bank!), you can now choose to maintain that by managing your property for native Texas wildlife. That application can be made in year seven.

In summary, yes the process is arduous. They do not make it easy. Maybe the law will change some day when schools are flush with money but don’t count on it. Please do consult with your local CAD. In person works best. Keep in mind they are understaffed so you might have to schedule an appointment, or at least call ahead!