Ag Exemptions in Lampasas County: A Practical Owner's Guide

Property taxes can make or break your land budget, especially when you’re buying or holding acreage in Lampasas County. If you plan to graze cattle, cut hay, or manage habitat, you might qualify for an “ag exemption” that lowers what you pay each year. Understanding how it works, what counts, and how to apply can help you protect your bottom line.

This guide explains agricultural appraisal in Texas (often called an ag exemption), what qualifies in Lampasas County, how the application works, and what to watch for with new purchases, splits, and homebuilding. You’ll walk away with a practical checklist and next steps. Let’s dive in.

What an ag exemption means in Lampasas County

In Texas, an agricultural appraisal reduces your taxable value by valuing qualifying land based on its productivity rather than full market value. Only the land in active agricultural use qualifies. Homes and most other non‑ag improvements are taxed at market value.

The program is governed by the Texas Property Tax Code and administered locally by the Lampasas County Appraisal District (LCAD), with guidance from the Texas Comptroller. Local practice matters, because LCAD evaluates whether your land use meets Lampasas County standards.

Who qualifies: core tests

Principal agricultural use

Your land must be devoted principally to agricultural use. That means agriculture is the primary use of the land. A common continuity guideline is proof of agricultural use for 5 of the last 7 years before you apply. Some exceptions exist, but plan to document ongoing use over time.

Degree of intensity and county customs

LCAD looks at intensity, not just intent. Your operation should reflect the level of effort typical for productive Lampasas County land. Stocking rates, hay cuttings, planting schedules, and visible management all matter. Profit is not strictly required, but consistent, documented activity is.

Acreage and contiguity

There is no single statewide minimum acreage. Smaller tracts can qualify if they operate as a coherent agricultural unit and meet county‑customary intensity. Contiguous tracts under common operation may be considered together.

Common qualifying uses in Lampasas County

Lampasas County has deep farm and ranch roots. The following uses commonly qualify when managed at county‑typical intensity:

• Livestock grazing: cattle, goats, or sheep.
• Hay production and forage crops.
• Cropland and pasture rotations.
• Horticulture and orchards, including vineyards and nurseries.
• Beekeeping with documented hives and production.
• Aquaculture where applicable.
• Wildlife management under a qualifying plan.

Recreational or hobby activities that are incidental or low intensity often do not qualify. The label you use matters less than the activity you can document.

Wildlife management path

Texas allows a special agricultural appraisal for land managed primarily for wildlife. You will need a written wildlife management plan and proof of targeted practices such as habitat improvement, water development, predator control, brush management, or population surveys. Many owners work with a qualified biologist to meet plan standards and maintain annual records of activities.

How to apply in Lampasas County

File your application with the Lampasas County Appraisal District. The statewide deadline for initial applications is April 30 of the tax year. Confirm current deadlines and any local extensions with LCAD before you file.

Follow these steps:

1. Confirm current status. If you already own the land, review your latest appraisal notice and tax statement. If you’re buying, ask the seller for documentation showing whether the parcel currently receives agricultural appraisal.
2. Map the acreage. Outline the acres in qualifying use. Mark pastures, fields, orchards, beehive locations, or wildlife management areas.
3. Gather documentation. Compile production records and proof of continuity (see the list below).
4. Complete the county’s application. Follow LCAD’s instructions, attach your map and supporting records, and file by April 30.
5. Prepare for inspection. Respond promptly to any follow‑up questions and keep records organized.

Documentation that helps

Strong documentation reduces risk of denial and makes renewals easier:

• Written land use description and an aerial map showing boundaries and treated acreage.
• Production and activity records: hay bale counts, load tickets, sales receipts, livestock inventories and sale records, beekeeping logs, crop receipts.
• Federal tax forms such as Schedule F (helpful but not required in every case).
• Leases: signed grazing or farm leases if a third party operates the property.
• Input purchase receipts: feed, seed, fertilizer, herbicides, fencing materials.
• Infrastructure evidence: fences, cross‑fencing, wells, troughs, corrals, irrigation, orchard plantings with dates.
• Dated photos and calendars showing activity across years.
• Wildlife management: a written plan plus records of implemented practices and surveys.

Inspections and follow up

LCAD staff may conduct site visits. Expect inspectors to look for stocking levels, pasture condition, water sources, fencing, and visible evidence of ongoing management. Keep your records handy to answer questions clearly.

If denied: protests and appeals

If your application is denied, you can file a protest with the Appraisal Review Board. Deadlines are tied to your notice of appraised value. Keep copies of everything you submit and note dates and contacts in case you need to appeal.

Buying land with an ag valuation

If you are shopping for acreage near Lampasas, plan ahead so you do not lose eligibility after closing.

Before you make an offer

Use this quick checklist:

• Obtain the seller’s most recent property tax statements and any LCAD documentation showing agricultural appraisal.
• Ask for maps and legal descriptions showing the acreage under appraisal.
• Confirm whether the parcel was part of a larger qualifying unit and whether it will remain contiguous after closing.
• Contact LCAD to understand local documentation expectations and application timing for new owners.
• Request seller records you can carry forward: production receipts, leases, photos, management logs.
• If wildlife management is in place, request the wildlife plan and proof of completed activities.
• If subdivision or development is part of your plan, consult your tax professional about potential rollback exposure before you proceed.

After closing

A prior ag valuation does not always transfer automatically. As a new owner, file a fresh application with LCAD by April 30 if you intend to continue qualifying use. Keep operations continuous so you can demonstrate the 5‑of‑7 use history over time.

Splits, homes, and changes of use

Dividing a tract can affect eligibility. Parcels that become too small to function as a productive unit or that lose contiguity may no longer qualify. If you plan to split acreage, discuss the layout and intended uses with LCAD before recording plats or deeds.

Building a residence on ag‑valued land does not automatically disqualify the rest of the acreage. The house and homesite are typically appraised at market value, while qualifying acreage can remain under agricultural appraisal. Work with LCAD to map the homesite separately from your pastures, fields, or wildlife areas.

Rollback taxes explained

Changing from a qualifying agricultural use to a non‑qualifying use can trigger rollback taxes and interest for the prior years you received the special appraisal. The exact period and calculations are set by state law and applied locally. Before you stop production, subdivide, or develop, confirm how rollback would apply to your specific property with LCAD and review the Texas Property Tax Code provisions.

Practical management tips

Good recordkeeping is your friend. Here is a simple system:

• Create an annual file with your map, dated photos, receipts, livestock counts, hay production logs, lease copies, and a short farm or range plan.
• Keep a wall calendar or digital log of activities: planting dates, hay cuttings, rotations, equipment repairs, fence work, wildlife practices, and rainfall notes.
• If your operation blends hobby and production, document intensity and continuity carefully so your file reflects county‑typical management.

Local resources to contact

• Lampasas County Appraisal District: applications, deadlines, inspections, and protest procedures.
• Texas Property Tax Code: rules for open‑space agricultural appraisal and rollback provisions.
• Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts: statewide guidance on agricultural valuation.
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension (Lampasas County): stocking rate guidance and local production norms.
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: wildlife management plan standards and best practices.
• USDA Census of Agriculture: context on Lampasas County agricultural activity.

Next steps

If you own or plan to buy acreage in Lampasas County, start by mapping your intended use, gathering records, and speaking with LCAD about application timing. With the right plan and documentation, agricultural appraisal can reduce your carrying costs while you manage productive land.

If you would like local guidance on identifying properties that can support your goals, or you want a second set of eyes on maps and timelines before you buy or sell, reach out to Debbie Stevenson. We help farm, ranch, and lifestyle buyers and sellers navigate the practical details so you can move forward with confidence.

FAQs

What is a Texas ag exemption in Lampasas County?

• It is an agricultural appraisal that values qualifying land based on its productivity rather than market value, which can lower annual property taxes on the land in active agricultural use.

Do I need to show profit to qualify?

• No. The emphasis is on principal agricultural use and intensity consistent with Lampasas County practices, supported by clear documentation over time.

Is there a minimum acreage for Lampasas County?

• There is no statewide minimum; LCAD evaluates whether your tract functions as a productive unit and meets county‑customary intensity, including when part of a larger contiguous operation.

Does the ag valuation transfer automatically to a new owner?

• Not always. New owners should file an application with LCAD by April 30 and maintain continuous qualifying use to protect eligibility.

What happens if I build a house on ag‑valued land?

• The house and homesite are typically taxed at market value, while remaining qualifying acreage can stay under agricultural appraisal if you continue eligible use and map areas correctly with LCAD.

Could I qualify with beekeeping on small acreage?

• Beekeeping can qualify if managed at county‑typical intensity with documented hives and production; consult LCAD about expectations for your tract size and setup.

What triggers rollback taxes in Lampasas County?

• Converting from qualifying agricultural use to a non‑qualifying use can trigger rollback taxes and interest on prior years; confirm specifics with LCAD before changing use or subdividing.

How strict are LCAD inspections?

• Inspectors look for practical evidence of agricultural use such as fencing, water sources, forage or crops, and production records; thorough documentation makes the process smoother.