Save Thousands on Property Taxes in Comal County, Hays County, and Beyond

If you own property—or are thinking about buying—anywhere from Austin to San Antonio, property taxes are likely one of your biggest expenses. But here's the good news: Texas offers several programs that can dramatically lower your tax bill.

Whether you're buying a home in New Braunfels, considering land in Bulverde, or looking at acreage near Canyon Lake, understanding these three tax-saving programs is essential.

The Homestead Exemption: Every Homeowner's Starting Point

This is the single most important tax break for Texas homeowners. If you own a home in Comal County, Guadalupe County, Hays County, or Bexar County, you need this exemption.

What It Does

The Homestead Exemption lowers the taxable value of your primary residence. It's not a complete exemption—you'll still pay taxes—but you'll pay on a reduced value, which means lower bills.

The exemption covers your home and up to 20 acres of land used for residential purposes.

Local Savings in Comal County

Comal County residents get the statewide school tax exemption plus additional local exemptions from the Comal Appraisal District (CAD). These stack together for even bigger savings.

How to Qualify

Three simple requirements:

1. You must own the home and live in it as your primary residence on January 1st of the tax year

2. Your ID must match — Your Texas Driver's License or state ID should show the property address (some exceptions apply)

3. File the paperwork — Submit Form 50-114 to the Comal Appraisal District by April 30th of the year after you buy the home (but apply as soon as possible)

Extra Exemptions = Extra Savings

Once you have the basic homestead exemption, you may qualify for additional exemptions that save even more money and can freeze your school taxes:

- Age 65 or Older: Available the year you turn 65

- Disabled Person: For those receiving federal Social Security disability benefits

- Disabled Veteran: Savings increase based on your service-connected disability percentage

The Agricultural Valuation (The "Ag Exemption")

This program can save landowners thousands of dollars per year—but it has strict requirements you need to understand before buying property.

What It Does

The Agricultural Valuation taxes your land based on what it produces (hay, livestock, etc.) rather than what developers would pay for it. In hot markets like New Braunfels and the Hill Country, this difference can be huge.

Example: A 20-acre tract might be worth $500,000 on the open market, but only $20,000 in agricultural value. You'd pay taxes on the $20,000 instead.

Requirements: Acreage and Active Use

This is the tough part. The Comal Appraisal District (CAD) has specific rules:

Minimum Acreage:

- General agriculture (cattle, crops, hay): Usually 10 acres minimum

- Beekeeping: 5 to 20 acres with a specific number of hives required by Comal CAD

Active Use:

- Land must be used for agriculture for at least 5 of the previous 7 years

- Qualifying activities include raising livestock (cattle, goats, sheep), growing crops, or beekeeping

Important Warning for New Braunfels Homebuyers

If you're buying a regular house in a subdivision or within New Braunfels city limits, you will NOT qualify for the Ag Exemption.

Here's why:

- Too small: Most residential lots are under 5 acres—far below the minimum

- Wrong primary use: Your home and yard are the primary use, not agriculture

- City restrictions: New Braunfels city ordinances often prohibit livestock and poultry in residential areas

Bottom line: Backyard chickens won't get you an Ag Exemption. You need significant acreage outside city limits with legitimate agricultural operations.

The Wildlife Management Exemption

Perfect for Hill Country landowners who want tax savings without running cattle.

If you own 10+ acres near Canyon Lake, in western Kendall County, or anywhere in the Hill Country, this may be your best option.

What It Does

The Wildlife Exemption lets you keep the low agricultural tax rate while managing your land for native wildlife instead of farming or ranching. It's ideal for landowners who want to preserve habitat for deer, birds, and other Texas wildlife.

How to Qualify

Step 1: You must first qualify for the Agricultural Valuation

- You can't jump straight to Wildlife Management—your land must have the Ag Exemption first

Step 2: Switch to wildlife management activities

- Choose and perform at least 3 of these 7 approved activities every year:

- Habitat control (brush management, native plantings)

- Erosion control

- Predator management

- Providing supplemental water sources

- Providing supplemental food

- Providing supplemental shelter

- Conducting wildlife census counts (deer surveys, bird counts)

Submit your Wildlife Management Plan

- Create a written plan and submit it to your local appraisal district (Comal CAD, Hays CAD, etc.)

Your Next Steps: Maximize Your Tax Savings

These three programs can save you thousands of dollars every year—but only if you understand how they work and file correctly.

For Homebuyers in New Braunfels, Bulverde, and Beyond

- Buying a house? Apply for your Homestead Exemption immediately after closing

- Over 65 or disabled? Don't forget your additional exemptions—they freeze school taxes

- Buying acreage? Make sure you understand the Ag Exemption requirements BEFORE you buy

For Landowners in Comal, Hays, Guadalupe, Bexar, and Blanco Counties

- Already have an Ag Exemption? Consider switching to Wildlife Management for easier maintenance

- Thinking about rural land? Factor these tax savings into your budget—they make acreage much more affordable

Calculate Your Real Monthly Payment

When you work with a local lending partner who understands these Texas Hill Country tax programs, you'll know your true costs from day one—no surprises.

Ready to explore your options? Whether you're buying a home in New Braunfels or investing in Hill Country land, let's connect to secure the best financing for your property and maximize your tax savings.

About Steve Tomaselli

Steve Tomaselli is a local mortgage professional serving homebuyers and landowners throughout the Texas Hill Country. With knowledge of the unique property tax landscape across Comal County, Hays County, Guadalupe County, Bexar County, Kendall County, and Blanco County, Steve helps clients understand their true costs of homeownership—including how to maximize exemptions and special valuations.

Whether you're buying your first home in New Braunfels, purchasing Hill Country acreage, or refinancing your current property, Steve provides personalized guidance and competitive financing solutions tailored to the Austin-San Antonio corridor.

Ready to discuss your Texas Hill Country home financing? Contact Steve today to get started.