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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bexar County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Bexar County, TX. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

8 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
2.0% to 2.8% of assessed value
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Bexar County, home to San Antonio, operates under Texas's property tax system where local jurisdictions levy taxes to fund essential services including schools, county operations, municipalities, and special districts. Property taxes in Bexar County are administered by the Bexar Central Appraisal District (BCAD) for assessment and valuation, while the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector handles payment collection. The county offers extensive payment plan options, including the only 10-month payment plan for senior citizens in Texas.

Property tax rates in Bexar County typically range from 2.0% to 2.8% of assessed value, depending on your specific location and the various taxing entities that serve your property. Texas law provides significant protections for homeowners, including a $100,000 homestead exemption for school district taxes and a 10% annual cap on appraisal increases for primary residences. The Bexar Central Appraisal District is committed to providing accurate and equitable property valuations while maintaining transparency and exceptional customer service for all county property owners.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate Rate (per $100)Description
School District$1.00 - $1.30Funds local independent school districts (varies by district)
County$0.31Bexar County general operations and services
City$0.40 - $0.70Municipal services (varies by city, San Antonio ~$0.56)
Community College$0.12 - $0.15Alamo Community College District
Hospital District$0.15 - $0.20University Health System
Special Districts$0.05 - $0.25MUDs, PIDs, emergency services, other local districts
Total Combined Rate$2.03 - $2.75Varies significantly by specific location

Note: Rates shown are approximate and vary by specific taxing jurisdictions serving each property. Your actual rate depends on which school district, city, and special districts serve your address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Bexar County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Jan 31
Delinquent after Dec 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Bexar County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there's a change in property ownership, completion of new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value mid-year. These taxes cover the difference between what was previously assessed and the new assessment, prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: purchasing a home, completing room additions or major renovations, adding structures like pools or garages, or removing exemptions due to change in use. The calculation takes the new assessed value minus the previous assessed value, multiplied by the combined tax rate, then prorated from the effective date through December 31st.

Example: If you purchase a $500,000 home in July that was previously assessed at $400,000, and your combined tax rate is 2.5%, your supplemental tax would be: ($500,000 - $400,000) × 0.025 × (6 months ÷ 12 months) = $1,250. This supplemental bill would be issued in addition to the regular annual tax bill.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home (with homestead exemption)

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • School District Exemption: -$100,000
  • Taxable Value: $200,000 (school) / $300,000 (other entities)
  • Tax Calculation: ($200,000 × 0.0125) + ($300,000 × 0.0125) = $6,250
  • Annual Tax: $6,250
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$521

$600,000 Home (with homestead exemption)

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • School District Exemption: -$100,000
  • Taxable Value: $500,000 (school) / $600,000 (other entities)
  • Tax Calculation: ($500,000 × 0.0125) + ($600,000 × 0.0125) = $13,750
  • Annual Tax: $13,750
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,146

$1,000,000 Home (with homestead exemption)

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • School District Exemption: -$100,000
  • Taxable Value: $900,000 (school) / $1,000,000 (other entities)
  • Tax Calculation: ($900,000 × 0.0125) + ($1,000,000 × 0.0125) = $23,750
  • Annual Tax: $23,750
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,979

Calculations use estimated 2.5% combined rate for illustration. Actual rates vary by location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Bexar County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12th of your annual property taxes with each monthly mortgage payment. Your lender analyzes your tax history annually and adjusts your escrow payment to ensure sufficient funds are available when taxes become due on January 31st. Lenders typically pay your property taxes directly to the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector in late January before the deadline.

It's important to verify that your lender has paid your taxes correctly and on time. You can check your payment status and print tax receipts online at https://www.bexar.org/tax using your property ID number. If you notice any discrepancies or if your taxes haven't been paid by February 1st, contact your lender immediately to avoid penalties and interest charges.

Property owners with escrow accounts will receive their tax statements for informational purposes, but should not pay them directly as this would result in double payment. If you pay off your mortgage or refinance, remember to make arrangements for direct tax payments, as Bexar County offers multiple payment plans including installment options to help manage the annual tax burden.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Bexar County? A: Property taxes are due January 31st annually, with no split payment option for the main bill. However, Bexar County offers various payment plans including a unique 10-month plan for senior citizens.

Q: How do I apply for a homestead exemption? A: Apply online through BCAD at https://www.bcad.org/ or visit their office. You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence by January 1st. The $100,000 school district exemption can save most homeowners $1,000-$1,300 annually.

Q: What is the 10% assessment cap and how does it work? A: Texas law limits annual appraisal increases to 10% for homestead properties. If market value increases more than 10%, your assessed value can only increase by 10% from the previous year.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File a protest with BCAD by May 31st (or within 30 days of receiving your notice if later). You can protest online, by mail, or in person. Gather comparable property sales and evidence supporting your position.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Penalties begin February 1st: 6% in February, 7% in March, 8% in April, 9% in May, 10% in June, 11% in July, and 12% in August and after, plus 1% interest monthly.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, visit https://www.bexar.org/tax to pay online using your property ID. Multiple payment methods are accepted including credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks.

Q: What payment plans are available? A: Bexar County offers multiple payment plans including installment options and a special 10-month plan exclusively for senior citizens, which is unique in Texas.

Q: How do I look up my property information? A: Use the property search tool at https://www.bcad.org/ to find your property details, assessed values, tax history, and exemption information using your address or property ID.

Q: Do I need to reapply for exemptions annually? A: No, most exemptions like homestead continue automatically. However, you must notify BCAD if you no longer qualify (sell property, change primary residence, etc.).

Q: What if I disagree with a supplemental tax assessment? A: You can protest supplemental assessments within 30 days of receiving the notice. Contact BCAD to understand the reason for the assessment and file a formal protest if you believe it's incorrect.

Verified Sources

Backed by 8 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
Bexar County Tax Collectorbexar.org
02
County
Bexar County Assessorbcad.org
03
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REQUEST FORMhelotes-tx.gov
04
Tax Doc
2025 Property Tax Helpsanantonio.gov
05
Tax Doc
New and Additional Tax Rate Changes - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
06
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
07
200 6 - 04- 1-3 -0465webapp1.sanantonio.gov
08
City Council Regular Meeting September 23, 2021helotes-tx.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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