Just closed on a home in San Antonio? One simple step can lower your property tax bill every year. If your new place is your primary residence, the Texas homestead exemption can reduce the taxable value that your local taxing units use to calculate your bill. That means real savings you keep. In this guide, you will learn who qualifies, when and how to file in Bexar County, what documents to gather, and what to expect after you apply. Let’s dive in.
What the homestead exemption does
The residence homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary home. It does not change the appraised value on the roll. It lowers the portion used to compute your tax bill.
Different taxing units may offer exemptions. School district exemptions are especially important because they affect the school portion of your tax bill. Some homeowners also qualify for larger benefits based on age or disability. You can review the full overview on the Texas Comptroller’s residence homestead page.
If you qualify, the local appraisal district applies the exemption after you file. For San Antonio properties, that is the Bexar Central Appraisal District.
Who qualifies in Bexar County
To qualify, your home must be your principal residence. The key test is January 1 of the tax year. If you own and occupy the home on January 1, you may qualify for that year’s exemption. If you buy and move in after January 1, you will generally be eligible the next tax year.
You can only have one residence homestead at a time. Common qualifying property types include single-family homes, condos, and manufactured homes that are recorded as real property.
Special categories may offer larger benefits:
- Age 65 or older
- Disabled (as defined by law)
- Disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses
For definitions and details, use the Texas Comptroller’s residence homestead page.
If you bought before January 1
If you closed and moved in before January 1, you can file for that tax year. Submit your application by April 30 to have it applied to that year’s bill.
If you bought after January 1
If you closed after January 1, you typically apply now for the exemption to begin the next tax year. You can still file promptly so your paperwork is in place.
How to file your exemption in San Antonio
You file with the Bexar Central Appraisal District. Do not file with the tax collector. The appraisal district handles ownership records and exemptions. The Bexar County Tax Office issues bills and collects payments once exemptions are applied.
Follow these steps:
- Confirm your eligibility
- Did you own and occupy the home on January 1? If yes, you can file for that year.
- If no, prepare to file for the next tax year.
- Gather your documents
- Government-issued photo ID from Texas. Ideally your Texas driver’s license or state ID shows the property address you are claiming.
- Proof of ownership if requested. A deed, closing statement, or current tax bill showing you as owner is common.
- Additional proof of primary residence if your ID address does not match appraisal records. A utility bill, voter registration, or vehicle registration may be requested.
- Age or disability documentation for over-65 or disabled exemptions. Veterans will need VA rating documentation for disabled veteran benefits.
- Get the application
- Use the statewide Residence Homestead Application from the property tax forms library. Bexar Central Appraisal District may also provide a local version. Either way, the appraisal district processes your filing.
- Submit to the appraisal district
- Most appraisal districts accept applications by mail, in person, and sometimes online. Check Bexar Central Appraisal District for current options and hours.
- Keep copies of everything you submit and note the date.
- Watch for confirmation
- The appraisal district will send an approval or denial notice. If approved, confirm the exemption appears on your next statement.
Important deadline
File your application by April 30 for it to apply to that tax year. If you miss the deadline, the exemption typically begins the following tax year. Ask the appraisal district about any late-filing options or exceptions.
What to expect after you file
You should receive a letter confirming approval or explaining a denial. If your exemption is granted after your bill was issued, you may qualify for an adjusted bill or refund. Coordinate with the Bexar County Tax Office about any changes to billing or refunds. Always verify that the exemption appears on your next tax statement.
Local tips for San Antonio buyers
- File with Bexar Central Appraisal District for San Antonio properties. They maintain property records and exemptions.
- Pay your property taxes to the Bexar County Tax Office. The tax office issues bills and collects payments after exemptions are applied.
- At closing, taxes are often prorated between buyer and seller based on the closing date. Your homestead exemption affects the taxable value going forward, not the seller’s prior year.
- Title companies and agents often remind buyers about homestead filings, but the responsibility to file is yours.
Common scenarios and how to handle them
- You closed on December 20 and moved in right away. Since you owned and occupied on January 1, file by April 30 and the exemption should apply to that year.
- You closed on January 10. Because you did not own and occupy on January 1, file now but expect the exemption to start the next tax year.
- You turned 65 this year. You may qualify for an additional over-65 exemption and a school-tax ceiling that limits future school-tax increases. Confirm details with the appraisal district.
- You are a disabled veteran. You may qualify for separate exemptions or percentage reductions based on your disability rating. Application requirements differ from the standard residence homestead form.
Quick checklist for Bexar County homeowners
- Confirm if you owned and occupied on January 1.
- Gather proof of ownership and a Texas photo ID that matches the property address. Add utility, voter registration, or vehicle registration if needed.
- Include any age, disability, or VA documentation if applying for those benefits.
- Complete the Residence Homestead Application from the property tax forms library.
- File with the Bexar Central Appraisal District by April 30.
- Keep copies, track your confirmation, and verify on your next tax statement.
- If approval comes after billing, contact the Bexar County Tax Office about a refund or adjusted bill.
When to ask for help
If you receive a denial, you should get a notice explaining why. You can provide additional documentation or protest to the appraisal review board. For definitions, forms, and statewide guidance, start with the Texas Comptroller’s residence homestead page.
Have questions about timing your filing with a move or relocation? Need a checklist tailored to your closing date? Reach out to Kelly Jo Gonzalez for friendly, local guidance and move coordination across San Antonio and the Hill Country.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the Texas homestead exemption in Bexar County?
- You must own and occupy the home as your principal residence on January 1 of the tax year, and you can only claim one residence homestead at a time.
When is the filing deadline for the current tax year?
- File your application with the appraisal district by April 30 for it to apply to that tax year.
Where do I file my homestead exemption in San Antonio?
- File with the Bexar Central Appraisal District, which handles exemptions and ownership records for Bexar County properties.
What documents do I need to apply?
- A Texas photo ID with the property address, proof of ownership if requested, and additional residence proof if your ID address does not match appraisal records.
What if I bought my home after January 1?
- You can submit your application now, but the exemption will generally begin the next tax year because you did not own and occupy on January 1.
How do over-65 or disabled exemptions work?
- Over-65 and disabled homeowners can receive additional exemptions and a school-tax ceiling; check requirements and forms with the appraisal district or the Texas Comptroller.
Do disabled veterans receive different benefits?
- Yes. Disabled veterans may qualify for separate exemptions or percentage reductions based on their VA disability rating, with different application requirements.
What happens if my exemption is approved after I receive a tax bill?
- You may receive a revised bill or a refund; coordinate with the Bexar County Tax Office to process adjustments.
Can I protest my property value if I claim a homestead exemption?
- Yes. The exemption reduces taxable value but does not limit your right to protest the appraised value through the appraisal review board.
