If you claim a sales tax exemption on electricity used in the production of agricultural or timber products, you must renew your exemption by December 31, 2015 through the Office of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Otherwise, SPEC will be required to charge sales tax beginning in January.

The law requires that ag/timber numbers expire every four years on the same date, regardless of when the number was first issued. So even if you just received your exemption certification in the last year or two, you will have to renew it before January 1.

Only one certificate is required for members with multiple qualifying meters.

How to renew exemption certificates

There are three options for renewing your exemption certificate: online, by phone or by mail. Online renewal is the fastest option, as you will receive your confirmation number immediately. If you apply by phone, expect to get your confirmation letter by mail in five to seven days. Those renewing an ag/timber exemption by mail will have the longest wait, as it could take four to six weeks.

You’ll need two things to get started:

• Your current ag/timber number (you can look it up here.)
• Your Social Security number

Online

Visit http://comptroller.texas.gov/webfile/ and click on “Sales Tax”. Login or register as a new user. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the ag/timber renewal. You will receive immediate confirmation and can print your courtesy card from the website.

By phone

Call the comptroller’s office at 1-844-AG RENEW (1-844-247-3639). This telephone line is available for ag/timber renewals 24-hours per day, seven days a week. Once you’ve completed the process it will take two business days for your ag/timber number to be renewed. The comptroller’s office will mail a confirmation letter and courtesy card in about a week. 

By mail

Mail a complete, signed renewal letter to the comptroller’s office by November 30, 2015 to ensure it gets there in time. Be sure to keep a copy of the letter for your records. Keep in mind, you will not receive confirmation for up to six weeks.

Once you’ve updated your ag/timber exemption number, please provide us with a copy with the new expiration date.