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Wild about Wildlife and Exemptions

It's about more than installing a deer feeder or putting out birdseed, but if you are looking into wildlife exemptions on your land, it could make a substantial difference on your property owners tax bill.

In an effort to preserve open spaces, and avoid large-scale development, the state of Texas passed a law that allows rural properties to maintain an agricultural tax rate without traditional farming or ranching activities taking place on the property. Though technically not an exemption, the tax designation provides substantial savings on the property owner’s tax bill.

To begin qualifying for a wildlife exemption, the property must first maintain an agricultural exemption. Next steps include filing an application, submitting a wildlife management plan and outlining objectives and qualifying practices

The management plan requires “the land propagate a sustaining breeding, migrating, or wintering population of indigenous wild animals for human use, including food, medicine, or recreation.” To meet requirements, at least three of the following seven wildlife management practices must be provided:

1. Supplemental Food

2. Supplemental Water

3. Supplemental Shelter

4. Habitat Control

5. Erosion Control

6. Predator Control

7. Census

To learn more about Texas Wildlife Exemptions, ask a Dripping Springs Elite Real Estate Professional today.