Central Texas

Hays County

Property tax exemption requirements and resources for Hays County, Texas. Below you'll find the specific rules for each exemption type, minimum acreage, and your local appraisal district contact information.

Appraisal District

Hays Central Appraisal District

21001 N IH 35, Kyle, TX 78640

Website (512) 268-2522

Available exemptions

Agricultural

Livestock, crops, hay, and general farming operations.

Available

Requirements

  • Minimum 10 acres
  • Apply by April 30

Qualifying uses

Cattle Hay Crops Horses Goats Sheep

Located in Edwards Plateau (Eastern) region. Minimum 5 acres actively managed for agriculture. Intensity standards vary by land type and location.

Wildlife Management

Native habitat management on land with existing ag valuation.

Available

Requirements

  • Minimum 20 acres
  • Requires existing ag valuation
  • 3 management practices required

Minimum 20 acres for stand-alone wildlife tract, or 12.5 acres as part of a larger wildlife management area. Wildlife Use Percentage of 95% adopted by Hays CAD Board.

Beekeeping

Honey bee operations as a qualifying agricultural use.

Available

Requirements

  • Minimum 5 acres
  • Minimum 6 hives

6 colonies minimum on 5 acres. 1 additional hive per 1.5 additional acres (stricter than state guideline). Must register with Texas Apiary Inspection Service and submit landscape/foraging plan.

Timber

Managed timber production on qualifying acreage.

Not applicable

Not a primary timber-producing region.

How to apply

To apply for a property tax exemption in Hays County, contact the Hays Central Appraisal District directly. The standard application deadline is April 30 of each year, though late applications may be accepted until the appraisal review board approves the appraisal records.

The primary application form is Form 1-D-1 (Application for 1-d-1 Agricultural Use Appraisal), available from the Hays Central Appraisal District website or the Texas Comptroller's office .

If your application is denied or your exemption is removed, you may face a rollback tax - the difference between what you paid under the special valuation and what you would have paid at market value, plus 7% interest per year, for the previous 5 years.

Need help with your application?

A qualified consultant can help you navigate the process and ensure your application is complete.

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