Ag valuation can sharply cut taxes on rural land

Most rural land in Coke County is ranch land. Ranching produces about 90% of the county's agricultural income, with cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. If you own land used for one of those purposes, you may apply for agricultural special appraisal — often called ag valuation or ag exemption. Under ag valuation, the appraisal district values the land based on what it can produce, not what it might sell for. That can result in a much lower tax bill.

Land used for wildlife management may also qualify if it previously had ag valuation. You apply through the Coke County Appraisal District. There is a rollback tax if you change the land's use away from ag purposes, so understand the rules before you sell or develop. Check with the district at cokecad.org or call 325-453-4528 for the current application deadlines and requirements.