Please explain Timber exemption

If I buy a piece of property in 2020 and apply for timber exemption ( it is in Piney Woods region ) can I get the exemption for my first year taxes ?

Not an expert, but would say maybe yes, maybe no. If it is currently under Ag Valuation (timber, farm, ranch, etc.), easy to switch/renew under new owner's name, but there is some paperwork to do. If not currently under Ag Valuation this is a much longer process - 5 years at least. Again, how I understand it, you have to prove Ag use for the past 5 of 7 years to successfully apply. Suggest you call the respective county appraisal district for guidance, but this can be a pain. And remember, if the land is under current Ag Valuation, but has not be used as such for past 5 of 7, the NEW owner can be held responsible for the difference in past taxes. It is confusing, but be careful you don't get stuck.

You get exemptions on what you purchase if it meets what they exempt if you have an Ag Timber Exemption. As for county land taxes you may have to prove you are really selling timber. We don't have timber except cedar and I really can't see anyone getting an exemption for that.

Read up on it at the Texas comptroller's website. Several requirements must be met, maintained. My ag exemption was denied because they saw no livestock on the place. I explained pasture rotation to them and provided game camera pics to prove it. Same thing on my hay pasture. I always document agriculture activity. Exemptions were renewed.

Papalote

Depends on if the property is currently property tax appraised as ag/timber/wildlife valuation now, prior to sale / previous owner.

---> TX comptroller, property tax ag-timber-wildlife

Then check with the county CAD.

I bought a property in East Texas in 2018. It had a timber exemption with the previous owner, but it didn't transfer over to me.
I applied for and received the exemption for 2019 by filling out a single form with the county appraisal district. If you aren't sure the county appraisal
district can mail you the form(s), just give them a call.
Be mindful of deadlines, and to be safe contact them after you've applied to make sure they've received everything and don't need any additional info.
It's worth your time, it saved me a lot of money on taxes.

supersixfour - thank you. Makes me feel better. I'm looking around the same area as you. Linden, Hughes Springs, Jefferson

I bought in Cass county in 2017. Just as Supersixfour said, it had a timber exemption in place but I had to fill out a form and send
it in to have transferred over to my name. This year I pay about 2.80 per acre in taxes because of exemption.

This is true if it had a previous exemption but for new propertys trying to get exempt it takes 5 years for wildlife or cattle so I'm sure this is the same.

What county are you looking in? Each county appraisal district has different stipulations. I am in Upshur County. The minimum is 10 acres producing trees. In Wood County, the minimum is 5 acres of pine plantation or 10 acres of natural timber. Both counties require a written Forest Management Plan to be on file with the appraisal district.

This varies county by county, also. In Upshur and Wood counties, as long as the property has been producing trees, they will give the exemption to you. (provided you meet the minimums)

I have found county to county to be different. Did management plan for friend in Harrison Co. who inherited land and was told 5 years. I did one in Upshur Co. and it was no problem.