San Antonio Homestead Exemption Timeline

Buying or settling into a new home in San Antonio and wondering when your homestead exemption actually reduces your tax bill? You are not alone. Property taxes are a big part of your monthly housing cost, and timing your exemption right can make a real difference. In this guide, you will learn the key dates in Bexar County’s tax calendar, who qualifies, how to file, which documents you need, and how timing affects your bottom line. Let’s dive in.

San Antonio property tax calendar

Key annual dates to know

• January 1: Taxable-status date. Appraisals reflect ownership and property condition as of this date for the tax year.
• April (typical): Appraisal notices are mailed. Your Notice of Appraised Value shows the market value used for taxes.
• May 15: Typical deadline to file a protest with the Appraisal Review Board, or within 30 days of your notice date, whichever is later. See statewide guidance from the Texas Comptroller’s property tax resources.
• July 25: Appraisal roll certification. Certified values go to taxing units to set rates.
• August–September: Local taxing units hold hearings and adopt tax rates.
• October–November: Tax bills are typically mailed for that tax year’s levy.
• January 31 (following year): Payment due date before taxes become delinquent. Penalties and interest apply after this deadline.

Why these dates matter for homestead

• Filing your exemption before certification on July 25 increases the chance your savings apply to the current year.
• The January 1 status date determines whether you both owned and occupied your home as your principal residence for that tax year.

What a homestead exemption does

Basics and savings

A residential homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your principal residence. Lower taxable value means a lower property tax bill. Your exact savings depend on the combined tax rates of all taxing units that levy taxes on your property. State law also provides additional exemption categories, which vary by taxing unit.

Who typically qualifies

• You own and occupy the home as your principal residence.
• The ownership and occupancy conditions are measured as of January 1 for the tax year.
• Special categories, such as over-65, disabled, or disabled veteran, require extra documentation.

Important notes

• You must apply for the exemption. It is not automatic when you buy a home.
• Once granted, the exemption typically continues as long as you remain eligible. If you move or no longer qualify, you must notify the appraisal district.

How to file in Bexar County

Where to apply

Homestead exemptions are processed by the Bexar County Appraisal District (BCAD). Find local forms, guidance, and contact information on the BCAD website.

Step-by-step filing process

1. Confirm eligibility: You owned and occupied the property as your principal residence on January 1 of the tax year in question.
2. Gather documents: See the checklist below.
3. Get the application: Download or request the homestead application from BCAD.
4. Submit your application: Follow BCAD’s accepted methods, which may include online options, mail, or in-person delivery. Check BCAD for current instructions.
5. Watch for confirmation: BCAD will notify you if your exemption is approved and which year it applies to.
6. If needed, protest: If your application is denied or your value seems incorrect, consider filing an Appraisal Review Board protest by May 15 or within 30 days of your notice date.

Documents checklist

• Completed and signed homestead exemption application.
• Proof of ownership: deed, warranty deed, or closing statement.
• Proof of principal residence: Texas driver’s license or state-issued ID, voter registration, vehicle registration, or other government documents showing the property address. Many appraisal districts prefer an ID that matches the property address.
• If applying for special categories: proof of age for over-65, disability documentation, or VA disability rating letter, as applicable.

Always verify BCAD’s exact requirements before submitting, as local documentation rules and accepted proofs can change.

Submission and processing tips

• Apply as soon as you qualify to maximize the chance your exemption is included before certification.
• Keep copies of everything. If you mail your application, consider using certified mail.
• If you do not receive confirmation well before tax bills are mailed, contact BCAD to check status.

Timing and your tax bill

How timing affects savings

Filing early can help your exemption appear on the certified roll by July 25. When the exemption is on the certified roll, your taxable value is lower for that tax year. If you file after certification, the exemption may not affect the current year’s bill and instead begin the next tax year, delaying savings by about a year.

Simple savings example (hypothetical)

• Assumptions: Market value is $300,000 and the combined local tax rate is 2.5%.
• If an exemption reduces taxable value by $20,000, the taxable value becomes $280,000.
• At 2.5%, tax on $280,000 is $7,000 versus $7,500 without the exemption, a savings of $500 for that year.
• If the exemption is not applied until next year, you wait roughly 12 months to see that $500 savings.

This example is for illustration only. Actual exemption amounts and tax rates vary by taxing unit.

Escrow considerations

If you have a mortgage escrow account, a lower tax bill can reduce future escrow contributions. Your mortgage servicer reviews prior bills to set escrow, so any savings may adjust your monthly payment after your next escrow analysis.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Waiting to update ID: If BCAD requires ID that matches your property address, update it early to avoid delays.
• Missing the protest window: If your appraised value seems high, mark the May 15 or 30-days-from-notice deadline on your calendar.
• Assuming it is automatic: File your application. Do not wait for it to appear on its own.
• Filing too late: Submitting after July 25 can push your savings to the next tax year.
• Not confirming approval: If you expected to see the exemption but did not, contact BCAD before tax bills go out.

Helpful resources

• For local forms, instructions, and contact details, visit the Bexar County Appraisal District.
• For statewide guidance on exemptions, protests, and timelines, see the Texas Comptroller’s property tax resources.

Plan ahead with a local guide

Your homestead exemption is one piece of your total housing cost. If you are planning a move, weighing a sale, or budgeting for next year’s taxes, you deserve a clear plan and a trusted local team. For friendly, expert guidance tailored to San Antonio’s premium neighborhoods, connect with Monique Cardenas. Want to understand where your home stands in today’s market? Get a Free Home Valuation.

FAQs

Do I need to reapply for a Bexar County homestead exemption each year?

• Typically no. Once granted, the exemption continues while you remain eligible, but you must notify the appraisal district if you move or no longer qualify.

I bought a San Antonio home midyear. Can I claim the exemption now?

• Eligibility is based on January 1 ownership and occupancy for that tax year. If you purchased after January 1, you will generally qualify for the next tax year.

What if my driver’s license does not show my San Antonio home address?

• Many appraisal districts accept several proofs of residence, but some prefer an ID that matches the property address. Check BCAD for acceptable documentation.

Can a Bexar County homestead exemption be applied retroactively?

• Exemptions typically apply in the year they are granted and forward. Options for prior years are limited and depend on timing and local rules, so contact BCAD for guidance.

Will a homestead exemption reduce my mortgage escrow in San Antonio?

• Indirectly. A lower tax bill can reduce future escrow contributions after your servicer completes its next escrow analysis.