Bees for Agricultural Tax Exemption in Texas
2,000+ hives managed across 40+ counties — qualifying Texas hundreds of landowners for ag exemptions year after year.
How Much Will a Bee Ag Exemption Save?
Most qualified landowners cut the property tax on their acreage by 90% or more!
Why Landowners Choose Us
Full Service Program
Completely hands-off for you — we provide the bees, place the hives, maintain them all season, replace any dead-outs, and hand you a detailed packet to submit at the end of the year.
Loss Protection
We replace losses at no extra cost — if a colony fails, we make it right, so your hive count and your valuation stay protected.
2,000+ Hives Managed
Local and experienced — based in Greenville, caring for over 2,000 hives across 40+ Texas counties in the Dallas, Austin, and Houston regions.
Filing Assistance
We walk you through the filing process, provide everything your county asks for, and stand behind you if a denial ever needs to be protested.
Appraisal District Compliance
We keep you compliant — proper hive counts, healthy colonies, and the documentation your appraisal district wants to see.
Hundreds of Properties Qualified Yearly
We've been at this a while. We know the counties, we know what they want, and we'll guide you through the whole process from first hive to approved valuation.
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FAQ
Who owns the hives?
Timber Creek Bees owns and manages the hives. Our beekeepers handle all maintenance, and if a hive fails, we replace it at no extra cost.
Who keeps the honey?
Bees often need their honey to survive winter, so we usually leave it for them. Any surplus belongs to us, but we like to gift landowners a little as a thank-you.
How much does it cost to maintain the bees on my land?
Costs vary depending on how many hives you need for your Ag Exemption and how far your property is from us. A quick call will give you an exact quote.
Who files the Agricultural Valuation forms?
The landowner files the tax forms, but we’ll guide you through the process and answer questions. Think of us as your beekeeping and paperwork helpers.
How do I find out if I qualify?
Call us and we will confirm your eligibility. If we can't confirm immediately, we will call your local tax office to confirm eligibility. In most counties, 5–20 qualifying acres (not including your homestead) and active agricultural use—like bees—are required.
How much will I save on my taxes?
Savings depend on your county, but it’s often thousands of dollars a year. Land that might be valued at $10–70k per acre can drop to just a few hundred when under ag valuation.
Does it affect my other exemptions?
No. Your homestead, over-65, veterans, or other special exemptions stay the same—you just can’t stack multiple ag exemptions at once.
When is the best time to get started?
The sooner the better — your qualifying use history starts when the bees do, not when you file. Applications are due to your county appraisal district by April 30; late filings are accepted with a penalty until the appraisal records are approved (usually around mid-July). Miss that, and this year is gone — but starting bees now still builds your history for next year. Some offices will still award the year even if it is several months past the late filing deadline if they see the proper documentation
What about the bee setup?
We work with you virtually to identify the hive location. Once we have a location identified, we deliver the equipment the soonest available date we have for delivery. This time frame will be decided upon when you sign up with our services.
Curious about hive duration?
Our bees live on your property about seven months each year. This allows for protection of hives during winter. Also, during off months, some hives may be relocated for pollination services.
How many hives will I need?
Most counties require at least 5 acres and a minimum of 6 hives, with an additional hive for every additional 2.5 acres. Requirements can vary, so we always double check with the published county requirements.
Why does the Ag Exemption exist?
Texas created this program to support agriculture by lowering property taxes. Beekeeping qualifies because bees are essential for pollination, biodiversity, and food production.
Additional info!
Unlock Your Texas Agricultural Ag Exemption with Beekeeping!
Transform your property with an agricultural tax exemption by keeping honey bees on your land. Under the Texas Tax Code, the state permits a 1-d-1 Open Space special land valuation—commonly known as the "Ag Exemption"—if your property meets specific farm or ranch use requirements.
Key Details:
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Local Standards Apply: Each local appraisal district sets its own criteria for beekeeping valuations. Call us or check with your local tax office to understand the specific requirements in your area.
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Hive Requirements: Most counties require a minimum of six hives for the first 5 acres, with additional hives needed per extra qualifying acre (up to 20 acres).
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Switch with Ease: If you currently qualify for an Ag Exemption through livestock, transitioning to beekeeping is straightforward. Enjoy the benefits of reduced property management while enhancing your land’s ecological value!
Optimize your property tax savings and contribute to a healthier environment by switching to agricultural beekeeping. Discover how simple it is to qualify for a Texas Agricultural Exemption today!