Ag valuation follows the land's use, not its Hill Country price

Ag value applies to working land, not the house or other acres that do not qualify. Farm or ranch use must be the land's main use and meet the local level of work. In most cases, the land also needs ag use in five of the past seven years.

Wildlife use is not a quick way into the program. The land must first have 1-d-1 ag value. It then needs a plan with at least three approved wildlife tasks. Hays CAD also has local rules for tract size.

Read the current Hays CAD guide before you change a lease, herd, or wildlife plan. Use Form 50-129 to apply. If the land later leaves a valid use, state law may add tax for past years.