Ag Valuation

Farm or ranch land in Smith County can be taxed on productivity, not market value

Texas law lets qualifying agricultural land be appraised based on what it can produce rather than what it could sell for.

Smith County Money & Taxes

This is called a 1-d-1 open-space valuation. It can cut the taxable value of farmland or timberland dramatically compared to its market value. The land must have been in agricultural use for at least five of the past seven years.

In Smith County, pine timber, cattle grazing, row crops, and rose production can all qualify. Wildlife management is also an option on previously ag-qualified land. Apply with Smith CAD. If you stop the agricultural use, you may owe back taxes called a rollback tax.

Source to confirm: Texas Comptroller — Agricultural and Timberland Special Appraisal

More Smith County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two offices handle your property tax in Smith County

The Smith County Appraisal District sets your property value; a separate tax office collects what you owe.

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Homestead Exemption

File a homestead exemption to lower your Smith County tax bill

If your home is your primary residence, you can file a homestead exemption with Smith CAD to reduce the taxable value.

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Over-65 Exemption

Turning 65 freezes your school taxes in Smith County

Once you qualify for the over-65 homestead exemption, your school taxes cannot go higher than the amount you paid in your first qualifying year.

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Appraisal Protest

You can protest your property value in Smith County

If you think Smith CAD valued your property too high, you have the right to protest — and the deadline is printed on your appraisal notice.

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