Texas Porch

Mineral Rights

Buying land does not always mean you own the minerals beneath it

In Taylor County and across Texas, mineral rights can be separated from surface rights, so a landowner may not own the oil or gas under their property.

Taylor County Home & Property

In Texas, the surface of land and the minerals underneath can belong to different people. When this happens, it is called a severed mineral estate.

When you buy land in Taylor County, read the deed carefully. If a prior owner sold off the mineral rights, you will not own the oil, gas, or other minerals — even though you own the surface.

A separate mineral owner can hire a drilling company and access what is underground. They do not need your permission. They only have to avoid causing unreasonable damage to the surface.

The Railroad Commission of Texas, known as the RRC, regulates oil and gas operations in this area. Taylor County is in RRC District 7B. The district office is in Abilene.

You can look up existing wells on any piece of land using the RRC's free Public GIS Viewer online. Check the RRC's Land and Mineral Owners page for more resources.

Source to confirm: RRC — Oil & Gas Exploration and Surface Ownership

More Taylor County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two offices handle property taxes here

Taylor County has both an appraisal district and a tax assessor-collector, but the county tax office does not collect property taxes — the appraisal district handles collection for most taxing units.

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Homestead Exemption

Homestead exemption cuts your school tax bill

Texas law requires every school district to exempt $140,000 of your home's value from taxation, but you must apply through the Taylor County Appraisal District to get the benefit.

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Agricultural Valuation

Farm and ranch land can be taxed on productivity, not market value

Texas allows agricultural land to be appraised on what it can produce rather than what it could sell for, which usually means a much lower tax bill.

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Tax Bill Breakdown

Multiple taxing units appear on your property tax bill

Your Taylor County property tax bill can include charges from up to 18 different taxing units — the county, a school district, and possibly a city or water district.

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