Beginning September 1, 2013, individuals seeking to apply for a Residence Homestead Exemption will need to comply with a new application process. Applicants must provide a copy of their valid Texas driver’s license or Texas state-issued identification card with their application. The address on these documents must correspond to the address of the property for which you are applying.

Section 23.522 of the Texas Property Tax Code states that the eligibility of open-space land does not end during temporary cessation of agricultural use during a drought. Your land can continue to qualify for open-space agricultural appraisal if the governor declares a drought and the land remains out of production for an extended period, as long as you intend to return the land to its pre-drought level of agricultural intensity. In most cases, the appraisal district will not remove the agricultural appraisal on any property that is currently receiving it. The absence of livestock or hay production will not trigger the removal. Depending on how long the drought lasts will determine what approach will be taken next year.

Any requests for information from the Austin County Appraisal District must be made in writing. Go to TAX INFORMATION and FORMS on this website for an Open Records Request Form. Please be very specific in your request so that the information that we provide to you is accurate. Most requests will be completed within 10 business days from receipt of the request form. Applicable fees will apply. The Open Records Fee Schedule is also located on this website under TAX INFORMATION and FORMS .