Bexar County Property Tax Deadlines and Payment Plans
Property taxes in Bexar County run on a predictable calendar, but the consequences of missing dates are expensive and avoidable. For the 2025 tax year, the last day to pay in full without penalty and interest is January 31, 2026. If you do not escrow taxes with a mortgage, your job is to turn a once a year bill into a monthly plan, using the county payment options when they fit your eligibility. This guide shows the exact due dates, the Half Payment, Quarter Payment, and Ten Month plans, and how to protect a purchase or sale with clean prorations and homestead timing.
What this guide covers
This guide explains the Bexar County property tax calendar for the 2025 tax year, the payment plan options, and the practical steps that prevent penalties, escrow surprises, and closing day confusion.
- The must know dates: October mail cycle, January 31 due date, and February 1 delinquency.
- How the Half Payment, Quarter Payment, Ten Month, and Pre Payment plans work locally.
- What buyers and sellers should verify in closing prorations and tax responsibility language.
- Homestead filing timing and why it matters for long term monthly payment planning.
Who this is for
This is designed for homeowners and homebuyers in San Antonio and Bexar County who want a clear execution plan, especially households without a mortgage escrow account or those closing near year end.
- Buyers closing in December or January who want clean tax prorations and no surprise bills.
- Owners paying taxes directly who need a monthly cash flow plan before January.
- Households with homestead, age 65, disability, or Disabled Veteran exemptions exploring installment plans.
2025 tax year deadline snapshot you can anchor to
Treat these dates like a mission calendar. Your goal is to be paid in full by January 31, 2026, or be on a plan that stays current and documented.
- October: tax statement mailing begins for the current year.
- November 30, 2025: first Half Payment due.
- January 31, 2026: last day to pay 2025 taxes without penalty and interest.
- February 1, 2026: taxes become delinquent if unpaid and not protected by a plan.
- June 30, 2026: second Half Payment due, and last day for many arrangements before collection actions.
- July 1, 2026: delinquent accounts can face additional collection fees in many cases.
Official resources and tools worth checking
Start with the county calendar and your account balance, then use official guidance to understand penalties, interest, and plan eligibility.
- Bexar Tax Calendar: confirm the 2025 dates and extensions to the next business day (Bexar County Tax Calendar).
- Account lookup and balance: verify what is due before you schedule payments (Bexar property tax search).
- Payment plan handout: see Half Payment, Quarter Payment, Ten Month, and Pre Payment basics (Bexar County payment plans PDF).
- Penalty and interest chart: use the official month by month math for delinquent payments (Texas Comptroller penalty and interest chart).
- Homestead filing reminder: file by April 30 and confirm what documents BCAD needs (BCAD homestead notice).
- LRG calculators: run realistic monthly payment scenarios that include taxes and insurance (Mortgage calculator, Affordability calculator).
Common questions this guide answers
When are Bexar County property taxes due for the 2025 tax year?
For the 2025 tax year, the last day to pay in full without penalty and interest is January 31, 2026. Taxes become delinquent February 1 if unpaid and not protected by a qualifying payment plan.
What is the Half Payment Plan and who can use it?
The Half Payment Plan is available to taxpayers and allows two equal installments: the first due by November 30 and the second due by June 30, without penalty or interest when paid on time.
Who qualifies for the Quarter Payment and Ten Month plans?
These plans are for qualified residential homesteads with a homestead exemption plus an age 65, disabled person, or Disabled Veteran exemption. Eligibility and enrollment timing must be confirmed through your account.
Key Takeaways
- For the 2025 tax year, pay Bexar County taxes by January 31, 2026.
- Unpaid taxes become delinquent February 1 and penalty, interest, and collection fees can apply.
- Use Half Payment for two installments due November 30 and June 30.
- Quarter Payment and Ten Month plans require homestead plus age 65, disability, or Disabled Veteran status.
- If your lender escrows taxes, still verify payments and keep your account details accessible.
- File your homestead exemption early to reduce taxable value and cap future appraisal increases.
Bexar County property tax timeline for the 2025 tax year
This section is about the exact dates that control whether you pay normally or pay extra. In Bexar County, tax statement mailing begins in October and the 2025 tax bill is due by January 31, 2026 to avoid penalty and interest (Bexar County Tax Calendar). If the final day falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day, so always check the calendar for the current year.
- Confirm the statement: log into your account early, verify mailing address, and confirm the base amount due before scheduling payments.
- Choose a payment method: plan one time, split, quarterly, or monthly payments based on cash flow and eligibility, then document everything.
- Verify escrow status: if your mortgage escrows taxes, still confirm the lender payment posted before delinquency.
- Set calendar reminders: treat November 30, January 31, and June 30 like hard operational deadlines.
Quick check: use the county account portal to confirm balances before you assume a mortgage company has paid (Bexar property tax search).
| Date | What happens | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2025 | Tax statement mailing begins | Sets the billing cycle and triggers payment planning | Confirm address, exemptions, and balance early |
| November 30, 2025 | First Half Payment due | Allows two installments without penalty or interest when on time | Pay at least one half if using the split option |
| January 31, 2026 | Last day to pay 2025 taxes without penalty and interest | Missing this date can trigger compounding cost | Pay in full or be current under a plan |
| February 1, 2026 | Taxes become delinquent if unpaid | Penalty and interest begin on delinquent amounts | Do not wait for reminders, act before this date |
| June 30, 2026 | Second Half Payment due | Finishes the split payment without penalty or interest | Pay the remaining balance if using Half Payment |
| July 1, 2026 | Collection actions can add fees to many delinquent accounts | Additional collection fees may apply on top of penalty and interest | Resolve delinquency or arrange payments before July |
Closing and prorations: how January 1 rules affect buyers and sellers
This section is about preventing closing day tax surprises by understanding Texas liability and contract prorations. State law places a tax lien on taxable property on January 1, and the person who owned the property on January 1 is personally liable, even if the home is sold later (Bexar County property tax FAQ). In real transactions, title companies prorate taxes in the settlement statement, so your Closing Disclosure must reflect the correct split.
- Proration is the protection: confirm the settlement statement shows tax credits and debits that match your closing date and the contract terms.
- Ask about escrow collection: buyers with escrows may see an initial deposit that raises cash to close even when taxes are prorated.
- Keep receipts and proof: if you pay taxes directly, save confirmation pages and payment receipts for your records.
- Do not assume statements arrive: not receiving a statement does not remove the due date or the tax lien.
Payment plans in Bexar County: choose your schedule before delinquency
This section is about matching a legal payment option to your cash flow so you stay ahead of deadlines. Bexar County offers multiple plans, including Half Payment for all taxpayers and specialized options for qualifying homesteads (Bexar County payment plans PDF). The execution rule is simple: enroll and pay on time, then verify every posting in your account portal.
- One time payment: simplest path, pay the full amount by January 31 and archive the receipt.
- Half Payment Plan: two equal installments due November 30 and June 30, without penalty or interest when paid on time.
- Quarter Payment Plan: qualifying homesteads pay four equal installments through July, with strict timing rules.
- Ten Month and Pre Payment: monthly structure can reduce sticker shock when you do not have a mortgage escrow account.
| Plan | Who it is for | Due dates (2025 tax year cycle) | Best use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| One time payment | All taxpayers | Pay in full by January 31, 2026 | You have reserves and want the cleanest path |
| Half Payment | All taxpayers | November 30, 2025 and June 30, 2026 | You want two predictable installments |
| Quarter Payment | Qualifying homestead with age 65, disability, or Disabled Veteran exemption | January 31, March 31, May 31, and July 31, 2026 | You need smaller installments and you qualify |
| Ten Month | Qualifying homestead with age 65, disability, or Disabled Veteran exemption | Monthly from October through July | You want monthly discipline without escrow |
| Pre Payment | All taxpayers who are current | Monthly installments through September 15, then bill for any remaining balance | You want to pre fund taxes during the year |
Penalty, interest, and collection fees: how the math escalates
This section is about what happens when you miss the calendar and why the cost can climb fast. Texas Comptroller guidance explains that when taxes go delinquent, a penalty and interest apply, and additional attorney collection fees can also apply depending on the account status (Texas Comptroller paying your taxes). Use the official month by month chart to estimate the add on amounts for delinquent payments during the 2025 to 2026 cycle (Texas Comptroller penalty and interest chart).
- Delinquency date: unpaid 2025 taxes are delinquent starting February 1, 2026, unless protected by an active payment plan.
- Penalty and interest: penalty starts at 6 percent and can rise through July, while interest accrues monthly.
- Collection fees: Bexar County notes additional collection fees can be added when accounts are turned over for collection.
- Quarter plan late payments: late quarter installments can trigger a penalty plus monthly interest until paid in full.
If you suspect you will miss a deadline, act early and confirm options directly through the county resources (Bexar penalty and interest notes).
Homestead exemptions and filing timing: protect your monthly payment plan
This section is about the filing step that changes your tax baseline and can materially affect escrowed monthly payments. BCAD guidance encourages homeowners to file homestead applications by April 30, and provides contact information and form access (BCAD homestead notice). If you are building a purchase budget, run scenarios with taxes and insurance included so your payment cap is realistic (home affordability calculator).
- File early: submit the homestead application as soon as you occupy the home and have matching ID and address documentation.
- Confirm exemptions: if you qualify for age 65, disability, or Disabled Veteran exemptions, verify requirements with BCAD.
- Budget the transition: your escrow can change after exemptions post, so keep a buffer in early months.
- Track your statement: keep your appraisal and exemption records organized for clean year to year planning.
Planning tool: use the mortgage calculator to model payment scenarios with different tax estimates.
The Bottom Line
Property tax planning in Bexar County is not complicated, but it is deadline driven and unforgiving when you ignore the calendar. Anchor to January 31, 2026 for the 2025 tax year, verify your account balance early, and pick a payment approach that matches your cash flow. If you are buying or selling, treat prorations and escrow setup like a closing checklist item, not an afterthought. If you want a clean budget plan before you write offers, we can help you model monthly payment scenarios using realistic taxes, insurance, and exemption timing.
References Used
- Bexar County Tax Calendar
- Bexar County payment plans PDF
- Bexar County property tax FAQ
- Bexar penalty and interest notes
- BCAD homestead exemptions notice
- Texas Comptroller paying your property taxes
- Texas Comptroller 2025 and 2026 penalty and interest chart
AI can make mistakes. Confirm deadlines and eligibility directly with official county and state sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are Bexar County property taxes due for the 2025 tax year?
For the 2025 tax year, Bexar County’s calendar lists January 31, 2026 as the last day to pay without penalty and interest. If the date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the deadline typically moves to the next business day, so confirm the calendar.
What happens if I miss the January 31 deadline?
Taxes become delinquent on February 1 and may be subject to penalty and interest. If the account remains delinquent, additional collection fees may be added when the account is turned over for collection. Use the official penalty and interest chart to estimate the add on amounts.
What if I did not receive my tax statement?
Not receiving a statement does not remove the due date or the tax lien. Bexar County advises contacting the information center to request a duplicate statement or checking your account online to confirm balance and payment status before delinquency.
How does the Half Payment Plan work in Bexar County?
The Half Payment Plan allows two equal installments without penalty or interest when paid on time. The first installment is due by November 30 of the tax year and the second installment is due by June 30 of the following year, based on the amounts shown on your bill.
What are the requirements for the Quarter Payment Plan?
The Quarter Payment Plan is for qualified residential homesteads with a homestead exemption plus an age 65, disabled person, or Disabled Veteran exemption. You must meet the enrollment timing requirements and stay current on each installment to avoid penalties.
What are the requirements for the Ten Month Payment Plan?
The Ten Month plan applies to a residence homestead with a homestead exemption and a qualifying exemption such as age 65, disabled person, Disabled Veteran, or a qualifying surviving spouse. Payments are due monthly from October through July based on the county schedule.
Can I join the Quarter Payment Plan after January 31?
Bexar County notes taxpayers can still join the Quarter Payment Plan in February, but the first payment may include a late fee. If you are trying to enroll late, confirm current rules and amounts directly through your account to avoid compounding penalties.
What is the Pre Payment Plan and who should consider it?
The Pre Payment Plan is designed for homeowners and business owners who do not have a mortgage escrow account and want to pre pay in monthly installments during the year. Taxes must be current, and a statement is mailed in October for any remaining balance.
How do prorations work when I buy or sell a home in Bexar County?
Taxes are typically prorated to the closing date in the settlement statement, so the buyer and seller each pay their share based on the contract terms. Because a tax lien attaches January 1 and liability rules are specific, always confirm the proration line items in your Closing Disclosure.
What is a property tax deferral and when does it become due?
A property tax deferral can apply to qualifying homeowners such as those age 65 or older or with a disability, depending on the rules. Bexar County notes deferred taxes accrue interest annually and become due after the homeowner no longer owns or occupies the home, with additional timing rules.
