Agricultural & Timber Tax Exemption in Gonzales County, Texas

Agricultural Exemption Requirements in Gonzales County

Gonzales County is located in the Post Oak Savannah ecoregion of Texas. The Post Oak Savannah is a transitional region between the Blackland Prairie and Pineywoods. Cattle grazing and hay production are primary agricultural uses, with some timber operations in the eastern portions. Post oak woodland management is common.

To maintain an agricultural tax valuation (1-D-1 special appraisal) in Gonzales County, property owners must:

• Use the land primarily for agriculture, timber, or a qualifying agricultural purpose
• Meet the Gonzales County Appraisal District's intensity standards for their specific land use (stocking rates, crop production minimums, etc.)
• Have been in qualifying agricultural use for at least 5 of the preceding 7 years
• File the appropriate application or renewal with the Gonzales County Appraisal District
• Maintain documentation of agricultural activities, expenses, and production records

Qualifying Agricultural Uses in Gonzales County

The following agricultural uses typically qualify for 1-D-1 special appraisal in Gonzales County:

• Livestock Grazing — Cattle, goats, sheep, horses, exotic livestock
• Crop Production — Row crops, grain, vegetables, cotton
• Hay Production — Coastal bermuda, native hay, alfalfa
• Beekeeping — Minimum 6 hives on 5-20 acres in most counties
• Orchard / Vineyard — Fruit trees, pecans, grapes
• Aquaculture — Fish farming, crawfish production

Each use type has specific intensity requirements set by the Gonzales County Appraisal District. Contact them directly for current stocking rates, minimum acreage, and production requirements in Gonzales County.

Timber Valuation (1-D-1T) in Gonzales County

Some properties in this ecoregion carry timber (1-D-1T) valuations, particularly in the eastern portions. Timber management plans and Form 50-167 filing may apply.

• An active timber management plan prepared by a registered professional forester
• Active timber management activities (planting, thinning, harvesting, prescribed burning)
• Filing Form 50-167 (Application for 1-D-1 Open-Space Timberland Appraisal) with the Gonzales County Appraisal District
• Ongoing documentation of all timber management activities and expenses

LandComply tracks timber management plan requirements, logs harvest and reforestation activities, and helps prepare Form 50-167 for the Gonzales County Appraisal District.

Gonzales County Appraisal District Contact Information

Intensity Standards in Gonzales County

Each county appraisal district sets its own intensity standards — the minimum level of agricultural activity required to qualify for special appraisal. Native pasture typically requires 1 AU per 8-12 acres. Improved pasture requires 1 AU per 5-8 acres. Some timber activity exists in eastern portions.

Contact the Gonzales County Appraisal District at (830) 672-2845 for the exact intensity standards applicable to your property in Gonzales County.

Learn more about intensity standards → · Animal unit equivalents →

What Happens If You Don't Comply in Gonzales County?

Common triggers for rollback taxes include:

• Stocking rate dropping below the county's intensity minimum
• Failing to file required applications or renewals
• Change of use (converting ag land to residential or commercial use)
• Subdividing property below the minimum qualifying acreage
• Ownership transfer without timely reapplication

Learn more about rollback taxes →

Other Counties in the Post Oak Savannah Ecoregion