How the Bexar County Homestead Exemption Works

Are you leaving property tax savings on the table in Bexar County? If you own and live in your San Antonio home, the residence homestead exemption can lower your taxable value and reduce your annual bill. It is straightforward once you know the eligibility date, what to file, and how to apply online. This guide breaks down how it works, who qualifies, when to file, and the exact steps to submit your application with the Bexar County Appraisal District. Let’s dive in.

Homestead exemption basics

A residence homestead exemption lowers the taxable value of your primary home. The Bexar County Appraisal District (BCAD) reviews applications and approves exemptions, then taxing units use that information to calculate your bill. Your appraisal reflects market value, and the exemption reduces the portion used to compute taxes.

The Bexar County Tax Assessor‑Collector and local taxing units, such as the county, city, and school districts, use BCAD’s certified roll to levy and collect taxes. When your exemption appears on the roll, it should be reflected on your tax statements.

Who qualifies on January 1

Eligibility starts with one core rule: you must own and occupy the home as your principal residence on January 1 of the tax year. If you meet that test, you can apply for the general residence homestead exemption.

Several additional exemptions may apply depending on your situation:

• Over‑65 exemption. Homeowners age 65 or older may receive additional savings and protections on school taxes.
• Disability and disabled veteran exemptions. Homeowners with qualifying disabilities or service‑connected disabilities can receive larger or separate exemptions. Documentation is required.
• Surviving spouses. In certain cases, a surviving spouse can continue an existing exemption if specific conditions are met.
• Local or optional exemptions. Cities, the county, school districts, and special districts may offer optional exemptions that vary by taxing unit.

If any of these apply, indicate them on your application and provide the required proof.

When to file in Bexar County

Texas allows you to file a homestead exemption application year‑round, but timing still matters. Your eligibility depends on owning and living in the home on January 1 of that year. Filing early helps BCAD process your application before appraisal rolls are certified and before tax bills go out.

• If you closed and moved in before January 1, file as soon as possible so the exemption can take effect for that tax year.
• If you closed after January 1, expect your exemption to begin the following tax year. You can file as soon as you become eligible.
• Processing may take several weeks to a few months. Check your appraisal record and next tax statement to confirm the exemption appears.
• If you were eligible for a prior year but paid taxes without the exemption, you may be able to pursue a refund through the tax office. Keep your documents and contact the Bexar County Tax Assessor‑Collector for procedures.

What documents you will need

BCAD commonly asks for documents that show who you are, that you own the home, and that it is your principal residence.

• Government photo ID, such as a Texas driver’s license or state ID. If possible, update it to reflect the property address.
• Proof of ownership, such as a deed or closing statement.
• For special exemptions, include supporting documents. This may include proof of age for over‑65, Social Security or medical verification for disability, or VA documentation for disabled veteran status.
• If your ID has your old address, provide other evidence of occupancy, such as a closing statement, voter registration, utilities, or recent mail. Follow BCAD’s instructions.

How to apply online with BCAD

You can apply with BCAD online, by mail, or in person. The online route is fast and helps you upload documents without mailing delays. Here is the general online process:

1. Start your homestead application on the BCAD site and create an account if needed.
2. Enter your property information. You can use your address or the account number on your deed or property record.
3. Provide your ownership and occupancy details, including the date you began living in the home. Select any additional exemptions that apply, such as over‑65, disability, or disabled veteran.
4. Upload your photo ID and proof of ownership. Add any supporting documents needed for special exemptions.
5. Sign and submit the application electronically. Complete any affidavit or digital signature steps shown.
6. Save your confirmation and any receipt number. Keep copies of what you submitted.

If you prefer, you can print and mail the application with copies of your documents or deliver it in person to BCAD. In all cases, keep a complete record for your files.

What to expect after you submit

BCAD may approve your application, request more information, or issue a denial with a reason. Once approved, your homestead exemption will appear on your property record and flow through to your next tax statement.

If taxes were already billed and you qualified for that year, contact the Bexar County Tax Assessor‑Collector about a possible refund or corrected bill. Each situation is unique, so keep all correspondence and confirmations.

Estimate your tax savings

Homestead exemptions reduce the taxable portion of your appraised value. Your bill is calculated as the combined tax rate multiplied by your taxable value after exemptions. That means your dollar savings equal the exemption amount multiplied by your combined rate.

Here is a simple illustration using hypothetical numbers:

• Appraised value: 300,000 dollars
• Homestead exemption: 25,000 dollars (example figure only)
• Combined tax rate: 2.5 percent (0.025 example)
• New taxable value: 275,000 dollars
• Estimated tax with exemption: 275,000 × 0.025 = 6,875 dollars
• Estimated tax without exemption: 300,000 × 0.025 = 7,500 dollars
• Estimated annual savings: 625 dollars

Your actual savings depend on the specific exemptions that apply to your property, your appraised value, and the tax rates of your city, county, school district, and any special districts.

Tips for new San Antonio homeowners

• File as soon as you move in and can document occupancy. Do not wait for your tax bill.
• Update your driver’s license and voter registration to your new address when practical.
• Keep your deed and closing statement handy. These are useful proofs of ownership and occupancy.
• Save copies of everything you submit. Note confirmation numbers and dates.
• If you closed after January 1, set a reminder to file early the next year.

For veterans and seniors

If you are 65 or older, or if you have a qualifying disability, you may be eligible for additional exemptions or protections on school taxes. Disabled veterans with a service‑connected disability can qualify for significant exemptions based on their rating. Bring the proper documentation when you apply, such as proof of age, Social Security or medical verification, or VA letters. If your status changes later, notify BCAD so your records stay accurate.

Common filing mistakes to avoid

• Missing the January 1 occupancy rule. Eligibility hinges on living in the home on that date.
• Waiting too long to file. Year‑round filing is allowed, but earlier is easier for processing.
• Skipping documentation. Incomplete applications slow everything down.
• Forgetting to check your next tax statement. Confirm your exemption appears before you pay.
• Not asking about refunds if you qualified for a prior year and already paid.

Your next steps

If you own and live in your San Antonio home, the homestead exemption is one of the simplest ways to reduce your property tax bill. Gather your ID and closing docs, apply with BCAD online or in person, and verify that the savings show up on your next statement.

If you have questions about timing, documentation, or how your exemption fits into your overall homeownership plan, connect with a local advisor who can help you plan ahead. Reach out to Scott Alexander to talk through your next steps and to Schedule a Free Consultation.

FAQs

What is the Bexar County homestead exemption?

• It reduces the taxable value of your owner‑occupied primary residence, which lowers the property taxes you owe to local taxing units.

Who is eligible in San Antonio?

• You must own and occupy the home as your principal residence on January 1 of the tax year, and you need to file an application with BCAD.

When should I apply for my exemption?

• Apply as soon as you move in and can document occupancy. Filing early helps BCAD process your exemption before appraisal rolls are certified.

I bought my home after January 1. Do I qualify this year?

• Typically no. If you did not own and occupy the property on January 1, your exemption will usually start the following tax year.

Do I need to reapply every year in Bexar County?

• No. Once approved, your homestead exemption stays in place while you own and occupy the home. Notify BCAD if your status changes.

Can I get a refund if I already paid without the exemption?

• Possibly. If you qualified for that tax year, contact the Bexar County Tax Assessor‑Collector to ask about refund or correction procedures.

What documents are required to apply?

• A government photo ID, proof of ownership like a deed or closing statement, and any supporting documents for special exemptions such as over‑65, disability, or disabled veteran status.