Bexar Property Tax Guide: Pay, Search, Due Dates & Exemptions
Bexar property tax is easier to handle when you know which office does what. The Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector collects taxes and manages statements, payments, refunds, payment plans and tax account help. The Bexar Central Appraisal District, often called BCAD, handles property values, ownership records, exemptions, appraisal notices and protests.
Use this guide to understand your bill before taking action. It explains how to search a Bexar County tax account, pay online or by phone, read due dates, avoid penalties, check exemptions, handle mortgage escrow, review payment plans, and know when to contact BCAD instead of the Tax Office.
Quick Answer
For Bexar property tax, search your tax account first. Confirm the 12-digit tax account number, owner name, property address, taxing units, year, amount due, payment status, mortgage company activity, and any penalties or interest before you pay.
If the issue is payment, statement, refund, tax certificate, payment plan, or delinquent balance, start with the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector. If the issue is market value, appraised value, exemption status, owner record, property description, or protest, start with BCAD.
Before You Pay Bexar Property Tax
Do not pay from memory, an old PDF, or a mailed statement without checking the current account. Bexar County tax accounts can change because of posted payments, mortgage escrow activity, refunds, corrections, delinquency, penalties, or appraisal updates.
How to Search Bexar County Property Tax
The Bexar County property tax search is for accounts whose taxes are collected by Bexar County. It helps you check balance, statement information, payment status, and account details before paying.
For appraisal value, property characteristics, ownership corrections, exemptions, or protest information, use BCAD property search instead. The Tax Office and BCAD are connected in the property tax process, but they do different jobs.
| Search Type | Use It For | Office | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property tax search | Tax statement, amount due, payment status, paid or unpaid tax years, and overpayment clues. | Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector | Using appraisal search when you need a payment balance. |
| BCAD property search | Appraised value, market value, property description, owner record, exemptions, and protest details. | Bexar Central Appraisal District | Trying to pay property taxes through BCAD. |
| Overpayment refund search | Accounts with possible overpayments where Bexar County collects the taxes. | Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector | Assuming a refund exists without checking the official account. |
- Open the Bexar County property tax information page.
- Use the official property tax search link.
- Search by account, property address, or owner details if available.
- Confirm the account before paying or saving a statement.
- Check payment status and current amount due.
How to Pay Bexar Property Tax Online or by Phone
Bexar County offers online property tax payment by major credit card or electronic check. Payments can also be made by phone. Electronic payments may remain pending until they clear from the bank account, and final processing can take several days.
| Payment Method | What to Know | What You Need | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| eCheck online | Bexar County says there is no charge for electronic check payments. | 12-digit tax account number, checking account number, and bank routing number. | Users who want to avoid card convenience charges. |
| Credit card online | Card payments are processed through JetPay, the authorized agent, with a 2.10% convenience charge. | 12-digit tax account number and major credit card information. | Users who need card payment and accept the fee. |
| Pay by phone | Bexar County lists phone payment at 1-888-852-3572. | Tax account number and card or checking account details. | Users who prefer phone payment instead of online checkout. |
| Mail or office payment | Use the current statement and correct tax account details. | Statement, coupon, account number, check or accepted payment method. | Users who need paper records or in-person help. |
- Search your tax account first.
- Confirm the 12-digit account number and amount due.
- Choose eCheck, card, phone, mail, or in-person payment.
- Review any convenience charge before submitting payment.
- Allow processing time for online payments to clear and post.
- Save the confirmation email or payment receipt.
Important electronic payment note: Bexar County says credit card and eCheck payments can take 3 to 5 business days to process and post, but the payment is posted as of the date of the online transaction. Save the confirmation email before closing the payment page.
Bexar Property Tax Due Dates
Bexar County tax statements generally begin mailing in October. Property taxes are due January 31 of the year following the year the taxes were imposed, except for certain split, half-payment, quarter-payment, or eligible payment plan accounts.
Failure to receive a tax notice does not remove the tax, due date, penalty, interest, lien, or collection process. If your statement does not arrive, search online or contact the Tax Office before the deadline.
| Date | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Taxable value and certain exemption qualifications are generally determined for the tax year. | Check ownership, property use, residence status, and exemption eligibility. |
| April 30 | Common deadline for many exemption applications with the appraisal district. | File homestead or other exemption applications with BCAD when eligible. |
| May 15 or later rule | Common protest deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the notice is mailed, whichever is later. | File protest with BCAD if value, exemption, ownership, or property data is wrong. |
| October | Tax statement mailing generally begins. | Check online if the statement does not arrive or mortgage company may receive it. |
| January 31 | Last day to pay most property tax bills without penalty and interest. | Pay or confirm eligible installment-plan status before the deadline. |
| February 1 | Unpaid accounts can begin accruing penalty and interest. | Search the updated balance before paying late. |
- Open the Bexar County tax calendar.
- Confirm the tax year shown on your statement.
- Check if your account is normal, half-payment, quarter-payment, or another plan type.
- Use the next-business-day rule when a deadline falls on a weekend or legal holiday.
- Save the calendar link with your tax records.
Bexar County Property Tax Payment Plans
Bexar County offers several payment options, but not every plan applies to every taxpayer. Some plans are tied to age, disability, disabled veteran status, surviving spouse status, or residence homestead status.
Read your statement and official instructions carefully. Missing a payment-plan deadline can add penalties, interest, or attorney-fee risk depending on the account and timing.
| Plan | Who It May Help | Key Timing | Watch Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-payment | Taxpayers who want to split the current-year base tax into two payments. | First half is due by November 30; remaining half by June 30. | The correct amount is shown on the original tax bill. |
| Quarter-payment | Qualified homestead owners who are disabled, age 65 or over, or totally disabled under SSI. | Payments are normally due January 31, March 31, May 31, and July 31. | Late quarter payments can trigger penalty and interest. |
| 10-month payment plan | Eligible residential homestead owners with disabled person, age 65 or over, disabled veteran, or qualifying surviving spouse status. | Payments run from October through July when properly set up. | Eligibility and enrollment timing matter; do not assume automatic approval. |
| Military deferral | Certain active-duty military taxpayers during war or national emergency conditions. | Specific Tax Code rules apply after discharge or return events. | Requires proper application and supporting military orders. |
- Find your current statement and tax account number.
- Check whether your property is a residence homestead.
- Confirm age, disability, veteran, surviving spouse, or military status if relying on special plans.
- Read the official payment-plan rules before missing the January 31 deadline.
- Contact the Tax Office if you are unsure which plan applies.
Bexar Property Tax Exemptions
Property tax exemptions are handled by the Bexar Central Appraisal District, not the Bexar County Tax Office. Exemptions can reduce taxable value, change tax ceilings, or affect how much you owe after rates are applied.
The most common homeowner issue is missing or incorrect homestead exemption status. New owners should check this early because prior owner exemptions, caps, and records may not match the new owner’s situation.
| Exemption Topic | Who Should Review | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Residence homestead | Owners who occupy the property as their principal residence. | Can reduce taxable value and support later homestead-related protections. |
| Age 65 or over | Homeowners who turn 65 or buy a residence after age 65. | May provide additional exemption treatment and tax-ceiling benefits for some jurisdictions. |
| Disabled person | Homeowners who meet disability qualification rules. | May affect exemption amount, ceilings, deferral, or payment-plan eligibility. |
| Disabled veteran | Veterans with qualifying disability ratings or surviving spouse situations. | Can reduce taxable value; some 100% disabled veteran homesteads may qualify for full exemption. |
| Temporary disaster damage | Owners whose property suffered qualifying disaster damage. | May reduce value or taxable impact for a qualifying period when official rules apply. |
- Search your BCAD property record.
- Check which exemptions currently appear.
- Gather ownership, occupancy, ID, age, disability, veteran, or disaster documents as needed.
- Use the BCAD online services portal or official form route.
- Do not pay a company just to file a basic homestead exemption if the official route is available.
Homestead warning: Bexar County’s Tax Assessor-Collector warns homeowners that applying for a residential homestead exemption is free through the official process and cautions against companies charging a processing fee for this exemption.
Bexar Property Tax Value Protest and Appeal
If you disagree with the property value, file with BCAD. The Tax Office does not set or raise property values or tax rates. It collects taxes on behalf of taxing jurisdictions after values and rates are applied.
The common protest deadline is May 15 of the tax year, or 30 days from the date printed on the Notice of Appraised Value if the notice was mailed after April 15, whichever is later. You can still file a protest even if you did not receive a notice, but the deadline is not extended while waiting for an Owner/Agent ID or PIN.
| Protest Issue | Use When | Helpful Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Market value too high | BCAD’s January 1 market value is higher than realistic value. | Comparable sales, appraisal, closing statement, photos, repair estimates. |
| Unequal appraisal | Similar properties are appraised lower than yours. | Comparable assessed values, equity grid, similar property records. |
| Wrong property data | Square footage, land size, condition, improvements, pool, class, or use is wrong. | Survey, floor plan, photos, permits, inspection, contractor records. |
| Exemption issue | Homestead, over-65, disability, veteran, or other exemption is missing or removed. | Application, ID, deed, occupancy proof, disability/veteran documents. |
- Search your BCAD property record.
- Review the Notice of Appraised Value and deadline.
- Use the BCAD Online Services Portal when possible.
- Enter the Owner/Agent ID and PIN exactly as shown if required.
- Submit the protest before the deadline.
- Upload or prepare evidence for informal review or ARB hearing.
Mortgage Company, Escrow and Missing Statement Issues
If your mortgage company is supposed to pay the tax, do not assume payment has posted. Bexar County says if a tax bill is mailed to an authorized agent such as a mortgage company, it is not necessary to mail a bill to the owner, though statements may be mailed as a courtesy.
You may forward your tax statement to your mortgage company if your taxes are paid from escrow. Still, the safest step is to check the live tax account before the deadline.
- Search the Bexar County tax account.
- Check whether the mortgage company requested or received the statement.
- Compare the tax account with your escrow statement.
- Look for a posted payment before paying personally.
- If the due date is close and no payment appears, contact your mortgage servicer.
- Save the Tax Office payment-status page and escrow correspondence.
Duplicate payment risk: If both you and your mortgage company pay, you may need to use refund or overpayment tools. Always check official payment status before sending a personal payment.
Overpayment Refunds, Duplicate Payments and Tax Certificates
Overpayments can happen when a taxpayer and mortgage company both pay, a payment is duplicated, a correction changes the amount, or an account receives adjustment activity. Bexar County provides an overpayment refund search for accounts whose taxes it collects.
A tax certificate is different from a refund. Bexar County explains that a tax certificate shows the current status of taxes and, if delinquent, shows penalty and interest due according to tax records.
| Need | Use This | What to Keep |
|---|---|---|
| Possible duplicate payment | Tax account search and overpayment refund search. | Both payment receipts, bank record, escrow statement, and tax account screenshot. |
| Refund status | Official overpayment refund search or Tax Office contact route. | Account number, owner name, payment date, and proof of overpayment. |
| Tax certificate | Tax certificate request process. | Certificate receipt and current tax status document. |
| Delinquent balance | Current tax account search before paying. | Updated balance, penalty/interest details, and payment proof. |
- Open the Bexar property tax information page.
- Use the overpayment refund search link.
- Search by the official account details.
- Compare refund results with your payment records.
- Contact the Tax Office if the overpayment is unclear.
If You Just Bought or Sold Bexar County Property
Property tax can confuse buyers and sellers because ownership, closing credits, appraisal values, mailed statements, escrow setup, and exemptions may not update at the same time. The person who owned the property on January 1 can remain personally liable for that tax year, and the tax lien follows the property.
A seller credit at closing is not the same as a posted tax payment. New buyers should search both the Tax Office account and BCAD appraisal record soon after closing.
- Search the Bexar County tax account.
- Search the BCAD property record.
- Compare owner name, mailing address, legal description, and exemptions.
- Check if prior-owner exemptions or caps may change.
- Confirm whether your mortgage company will pay from escrow.
- Save closing statement, tax statement, appraisal notice, and payment proof together.
Common Bexar Property Tax Mistakes to Avoid
Most property tax problems start with the wrong office, wrong account, missed deadline, or unverified payment status. These mistakes are easy to avoid if you check the official record first.
Always confirm the current tax account, amount due, and year before submitting payment.
BCAD does not accept property tax payments. Use the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector for payment issues.
The Tax Office does not set or raise property values. Use BCAD for appraisal value and protest issues.
Failure to receive a notice does not remove the tax obligation, due date, penalty, interest, or lien.
Review the 2.10% convenience charge before using a major credit card.
Search the tax account before the deadline and confirm the mortgage company payment posted.
Bexar County Tax Office and BCAD Contact Details
Use the Tax Office for tax statements, payment questions, payment plans, refunds, tax certificates, and collection issues. Use BCAD for value, exemptions, protests, property description corrections, ownership records, and appraisal notice questions.
| Office | Address / Phone | Use For |
|---|---|---|
| Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector | Vista Verde Plaza Building, 233 N. Pecos La Trinidad, San Antonio, TX 78207. Phone: 210-335-2251. | Tax statements, payments, account balance, payment plans, refunds, tax certificates, and delinquent tax questions. |
| Bexar Central Appraisal District | 411 N. Frio St, San Antonio, TX 78207. Mailing: P.O. Box 830248, San Antonio, TX 78283-0248. Phone: 210-242-2432. | Values, exemptions, protests, property records, owner information, and appraisal notices. |
Related Property Tax Guides on This Site
These internal guides can help you understand property tax basics before you take final action through Bexar County or BCAD official pages.
Official Bexar Property Tax Links
Use these official sources only when you are ready to search, pay, check a balance, request a refund, file an exemption, protest a value, or verify account-specific details.
Bexar Property Tax FAQs
Where do I search Bexar property tax?
Use the official Bexar County property tax search route for tax accounts whose taxes are collected by Bexar County. Use BCAD search when the issue is value, property records, exemptions, or protests.
How do I pay Bexar property tax online?
Search your tax account, confirm the 12-digit account number and amount due, then use the official Bexar County online payment page for eCheck or major credit card payment.
Is Bexar County eCheck payment free?
Yes. Bexar County states there is no charge for electronic check payments. You need your 12-digit tax account number, checking account number, and bank routing number.
What is the Bexar County credit card fee?
Bexar County says credit card payments through JetPay include a 2.10% convenience charge added by JetPay to cover processing cost.
Can I pay Bexar property tax by phone?
Yes. Bexar County lists phone payment at 1-888-852-3572. You need your 12-digit tax account number and card or bank account details.
When are Bexar property taxes due?
Most Bexar property taxes are due January 31 of the year after the tax year. Special payment plans, split accounts, or quarter-payment accounts can have different deadlines.
What happens if I do not receive a Bexar tax notice?
Failure to receive a tax notice does not remove the tax, due date, penalty, interest, lien, or collection process. Search online or contact the Tax Office if the statement does not arrive.
When are Bexar property tax statements mailed?
Bexar County says tax statements are generally mailed in October to the owner and address of record if the notice is not requested by a mortgage company or agent.
Who sets Bexar property values?
The Bexar Central Appraisal District sets property values, handles ownership and exemption records, and manages appraisal protest processes. The Tax Assessor-Collector does not set values.
Can I pay property tax through BCAD?
No. BCAD states it does not accept property tax payments. Use the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector for payment questions and tax account balances.
How do I file a Bexar property value protest?
Use the BCAD Online Services Portal or official protest form route. The common deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the notice date if mailed after April 15, whichever is later.
Can I protest if I did not receive an appraisal notice?
BCAD says you can still file a protest even if you did not receive a Notice of Appraised Value. Check your property value online and file before the applicable deadline.
Where do I file a Bexar homestead exemption?
File homestead exemption applications with BCAD, not the Tax Office. BCAD online services can be used for residential homestead exemption filing.
What is the Bexar homestead exemption deadline?
BCAD public notice says homestead exemption applications should be filed by April 30 at the appraisal district office. Late-filing rules may apply under Texas law for some exemptions.
Does Bexar County offer payment plans?
Yes. Bexar County lists half-payment, quarter-payment, and a 10-month payment plan for eligible residential homestead owners with certain exemptions or qualifying status.
What is the 10-month payment plan?
Bexar County describes a 10-month plan for eligible residential homestead owners with disabled person, age 65 or over, disabled veteran, or qualifying surviving spouse status.
What if my mortgage company pays my Bexar taxes?
Search the tax account before the deadline and confirm the mortgage company payment posted. Escrow collection does not always mean the county payment has posted.
Can I get a refund for overpaid Bexar property taxes?
Possibly. Bexar County provides an overpayment refund search for accounts whose taxes are collected by Bexar County. Keep payment receipts and escrow records.
Is CountyPropertyTaxes.us the official Bexar tax office?
No. CountyPropertyTaxes.us is an independent informational guide. Use official Bexar County, BCAD, and Texas Comptroller sites for final account-specific action.
Bottom Line
For Bexar property tax, use the Tax Assessor-Collector for search, payment, statements, refunds, payment plans, and delinquent balances. Use BCAD for property value, exemptions, owner record corrections, appraisal notices, and protests. Always verify the official account before paying.
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