Ag valuation can sharply lower land taxes

Open-space, or 1-d-1, appraisal taxes land by its farm or ranch use instead of its market price as a homesite. In Van Zandt County, that can matter for pasture, hay ground, or other working acreage.

The land must have had agricultural use for at least five of the past seven years. It also has to meet local intensity standards. A token cow is not enough. If the land shifts to non-farm use, rollback taxes can reach back up to three prior years.

File Form 50-129 with the appraisal district. Keep fence records, livestock counts, hay receipts, or other proof of real use.