Ranch Land Is Often Taxed on What It Produces, Not What It Sells For

Texas lets landowners use their land for agriculture — ranching, farming, or wildlife management — and pay taxes based on what the land produces, not what it would sell for. This is called agricultural appraisal. In Schleicher County, ranching and grazing have driven the economy for over a century. For most ranch owners, this means a much lower tax bill.

You apply through the Schleicher County Appraisal District. The appraisal district is the office that decides what your land is worth for tax purposes.

If your land stops being used for agriculture, a rollback tax kicks in. That means you could owe back taxes for the previous three years. Visit schleichercad.org for the current application form. The Texas Comptroller's ag-timber page explains the state rules. Check both before you apply.