All Forum Posts by: Eric Schmalz

I'm moving from Colorado to Austin this spring.  Starting insurance agency as well as continue to invest in real estate.  Any solid referrals for Tax strategist and accounting/CPA firms?  Thanks!

Thank you Michael!  Residential Property taxes in Hays County seem to be around 2% with the national average around 1% (and lower here in Colorado).  I assume this compensates school funds in particular given the lack of revenue from state income tax.     As I look for subdivision lots to build our residence on, they often refer to lower taxes due to 'Ag exemption' (grandfathered from when it was ranchland?) or 'wildlife exemption' (subdivision set up as wildlife preserve).  Some go on to comment about taxing authority viewing 1 acre with the home on it as homestead and paying very low taxes on the remaining 4 acres (using a 5 acre lot as example).   It's a bit confusing to understand!   

Hello, this is a first post to BP.  My girlfriend and I are planning on moving to Texas to start a business in 2019 due to the overall population and business friendly environment, the lack of state income tax in particular is a plus.  We'd like a 'couple acres' and nice home, but do not want to give away the income tax benefit in property taxes!   So looking for tax exemptions like Agriculture or other to mitigate that exposure.    How do Ag tax exemptions work?  Are there good educational resources on the web for this topic?  I'm sure this is a common question for business people in Texas.   Thanks in advance for the any info!