What are some exemptions?  How do I apply?

Exemptions reduce the taxable value of your property.  This lowers your tax amount.  Some of these exemptions are:

Residence Homestead Available for all homeowners who occupy and own the residence as of January 1 of the tax year.

Disabled Homestead Can be taken in addition to the homestead exemption; available to those who qualify according to specific guidelines. Generally, this means disabled to the extent that the applicant is unable to obtain gainful employment..

Disable veteran or survivor Can be taken in addition to the homestead exemption in accordance to the applicants disability rating established by the Veterans Administration. This exemption can be taken on any property in Texas; it is not limited to the homestead property.

Age 65 or Older Can be taken in addition to a homestead exemption on their primary residence effective in the year they become 65 years of age or the year they aquire the property.

Some jurisdictions have limitations of taxes on homesteads of the elderly or disbled. These are commonly called "tax freezes." Taxes are limited to the amount paid on the homestead in the qualifying year plus the value of any additions to the property made after the qualifying year.

These limitations currently exist for all school districts.The limitation is also effective for the Flood Control Fund, Alamo Community College, Bexar County, City of San Antonio, Shavano Park, Leon Valley, and Live Oak.

You may defer or postpone paying taxes on your homestead if you are 65 years of age or older or disabled for as long as you occupy the residence. A homeowner must file a deferral affidavit with the Bexar Appraisal District. The deferred status only postpones the liability and therefore does not cancel the tax obligation. Interest accrues at the rate of 8 percent per year. Once a property owner no longer lives or owns the home, past taxes and deferred interest become due after the 181st day.        

The chief appraiser is responsible for administering exemption applications.  A property owner or the owner's authorized agent must file the necessary application before May 1 of the tax year.

When are taxes due?

Taxes are due on OCTOBER 1 of each year.  In order to be timely, payment of taxes must be postmarked on or before the due date.  Taxes are delinquent on FEBRUARY 1 of each year and subject to penalty and interest. Taxes not paid by July 1 are turned over to our delinquent tax attorney for collection and are subject to an enforcement fee of up to 20%.

What if I don't receive a tax statement?

Will a lien be placed on my property if the taxes are paid?

State law AUTOMATICALLY places a tax lien on property on JANUARY 1 of each year to ensure that taxes are paid.

What if I sold my property last year?

The person who owned the property on January 1 of the tax year is personally liable for the tax, even if he/she sold the property during the year. However, let the buyer beware that the lien follows the property.

What if my mortgage company is supposed to pay my taxes?

HB 923 of the 80th regular session of the Texas Legislature stipulates that if an Assessor mails a bill to the authorized agent, i.e., mortgage company, it is not necessary to mail a bill to the owner of record. As a courtesy, tax statements will be mailed to the mortgage company and owner of record.

You may forward your tax statement to your mortgage company if your taxes are paid from an escrow account.

Delinquent and supplemental reminder notices will be mailed only to the owner of the property as shown on the tax records.

Can I get a discount on my taxes if I pay early?

By official order of the Bexar County Commissioner´s Court dated September 9, 2003, tax payment discounts have been discontinued for Bexar County and all 43 taxing jurisdictions that I am contractually obligated to collect..

We urge you to avail yourself of other payment options available such as the split payment option and for those over 65 or disabled, the quarter payment option. These options have deadlines mandated by state law, so please read the back of your statement for more details.

Do I have to pay all my taxes at the same time?

No. You may select one of the payment options to pay your taxes in installments. Payments are accepted; however, the entire amount must be paid on or before January 31 of the following year in order to avoid penalty and interest.

What kind of payment options are available?

SPLIT-PAYMENT OPTION: You may pay the current year base tax in two equal installments without incurring penalty and interest if: (1) you pay at least one-half of the base amount on or before November 30 of the tax year, and (2) you pay the remaining amount on or before June 30 of the following year. The correct amount is shown on the original tax bill for the year.

4-PAYMENT OPTION: This option applies only to property the person occupies as a residence homestead, and only to those persons who are disabled or 65 years of age or considered totally disabled under SSI. If you are QUALIFIED for OVER 65 or DISABLED EXEMPTIONS, you may make your payments in four equal installments without incurring penalty and interest, if paid in the following manner:

1) 1^st payment due on or before January 31;

2) 2^nd payment due on or before March 31;

3) 3^rd payment due on or before May 31; and

4) 4^th payment due on or before July 31.

The deadlines for the payment options are mandated by state law. The U.S. Postal Service postmark is used to determine timeliness of mailed payments. Reminder notices are mailed to the current address on the tax records just prior to the deadlines. Failure to receive a reminder does not extend the deadline for payment.

What is a tax certificate, and how can I obtain one?

A tax certificate is a document showing the current status of taxes; if delinquent, the certificate shows penalties and interest that are due according to tax records.  The fee to obtain a certificate is $10.00 per certificate; prepayment is required.