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East Texas

|Data last verified: March 2026

Smith County Ag Exemption Requirements

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

Pine forest with stacked timber logs in East Texas

Appraisal District

Smith Central Appraisal District

245 S, SE Loop 323 Tyler, TX 75702

Available exemptions

Agricultural

Livestock, crops, hay, and general farming operations.

Available

Requirements

  • Minimum 10 acres
  • Apply by April 30

Qualifying uses

CattleHayCropsGoatsSheep

East Texas Piney Woods — timber production is a natural and common qualifying use. Strong poultry industry with broiler contract operations. Tyler metro growth increasing scrutiny of small parcels.

Wildlife Management

Native habitat management on land with existing ag valuation.

Available

Requirements

  • Minimum 10 acres
  • Requires existing ag valuation
  • 3 management practices required

Abundant native habitat in pine-hardwood forest supports wildlife management conversions. Prior ag valuation required.

Beekeeping

Honey bee operations as a qualifying agricultural use.

Available

Requirements

  • Minimum 5 acres
  • Minimum 6 hives

6 hives minimum on 5-20 acres. East Texas provides excellent year-round forage (wildflowers, clover, tallow tree). Register with TAIS.

Timber

Managed timber production on qualifying acreage.

Available

Requirements

    Part of the East Texas Piney Woods timber-producing region.

    Learn more about each exemption

    Smith County agricultural profile

    47"annual rainfall
    275day growing season

    Soil & terrain

    East Texas Piney Woods with deep, sandy, acidic soils (Ultisols). Mix of pine-hardwood forest, improved pastures, and small farms. Rolling terrain with creek and river valleys.

    What grows here

    Beef cattle
    Hay
    Timber (pine and hardwood)
    Poultry (broilers)
    Horticulture/nursery
    Horses

    Stocking rates & intensity standards

    East Texas Piney Woods regional rates: approximately 1 AU per 4-5 acres improved pasture, 1 AU per 8-12 acres native/wooded pasture. Contact Smith CAD at (903) 510-8600 for official county rates.

    Smith CAD is at 245 SSE Loop 323, Tyler TX 75702. Phone: (903) 510-8600. Website: smithcad.org. Standard April 30 deadline. Timber production is a well-established qualifying use in this region — the CAD is accustomed to evaluating pine timber operations.

    How to apply

    To apply for a property tax exemption in Smith County, contact the Smith 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 Smith 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.

    Estimated savings in Smith County

    Average tax rate: 1.85% - Market value: $8,475/ac - Ag value: $115/ac

    Calculate savings

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    Need help with your application?

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

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