Agricultural Tax Exemptions in Texas: Longhorns

A few Texas Longhorn cattle may be all you need to meet the requirements for Agricultural Use Exemption in Texas and the sizable benefits that the Texas Tax code offers.

This BLOG is specific to Texas landowners! However, your State may have a similar Tax Code

Owning acreage is a popular dream. Moreover, If you are lucky enough to live this dream, it is often all that you thought it would be, except the part where you pay your property tax! Agricultural Use Exemption goes a long way in offering relief. Here are 5 basic considerations.

5 Considerations for Agricultural Exemptions in Texas

NUMBER 1.

As you may know, some land in Texas qualifies for special methods of valuation that in turn constitute significant tax deductions.

NUMBER 2.

Your rural land may qualify for assessment using an “Open-Space Appraisal“ method even if you are not a full time farmer and your primary income is not a result of your agricultural efforts.

NUMBER 3

Because Open Space Appraisals aim to promote the preservation of open land in Texas, the terminology to qualify revolves around Agricultural Use of the land.

NUMBER 4

The definition of Agricultural Use includes, amongst other things, raising or keeping LIVESTOCK. It is our opinion that raising Texas Longhorn Cattle is not only one of the easiest options in this regard, but it’s rewarding too.

NUMBER 5

Although there are different acreage requirements between counties, there are specific State requirements that your land must fulfill to qualify for Agricultural Exemption in Texas.

Some of these requirements are:

a) land must currently be devoted principally to agricultural use to the degree of intensity generally accepted in your surrounding area

b) it must have been devoted principally to agricultural use for 5 of the last 7 years,

c) As the owner, you must file an application with the Chief Appraisal office before May 1.

Key factor

Penalties for tax roll-backs come into play when land no longer qualifies for reductions in tax appraisal reductions. Understanding the status of land before purchasing it is as important as maintaining tax reduction appraisals.

Nonetheless, if you own acreage which could qualify for tax reductions/exemptions and you don’t own Longhorn cattle YET, consider discussing the benefits with your accountant. What is more, we’ve got you covered when it comes to information regarding the ease of keeping and raising these magnificent longhorn cattle.

Feel free to visit our website at GVRlonghorns.com. for tons of articles about Texas longhorn cattle.

Here are a few examples:-

16 interesting facts – The Texas longhorn cattle breed

15 awesome reasons why ranchers raise Texas longhorn cattle in TEXAS

Where is the value in Texas Longhorn cattle? 5 considerations

10 Reasons to want Texas Longhorn cattle

Additional references:

https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/ag-timber/
https://assets.recenter.tamu.edu/documents/articles/1361.pdf

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Each one of our Longhorn cattle brings something special to the herd. As a community they are fascinating. In essence, learn more about them everyday. In fact, we never imagined how much joy they would bring into our lives. Likewise, we also enjoy hearing from you. Let us know what you think of our blog and if you are also lucky enough to have cattle, do they behave similarly/differently or in ways that stand out?

Thank you for reading our blog. We look forward to hearing from you either via email GVRlonghorns@gmail.com or on Facebook @GVRlonghorns

Disclaimer: The material noted above is based on our hands- on experience as farmers, as well as our observations of our own cattle over the years. We have done and continue to do extensive research in order to maintain our herd‘s optimum health and in order to best manage Green Valley Ranch. We respect our animals and would not approach cattle we do not know. Please use our opinions and statements as guidelines only. We are not trained as specialists in animal behavior, nor are we qualified as veterinarians or accountants and we urge you to consult a specialist with your concerns.