Bexar County Property Tax Deadlines and Payment Plans

Written by: Levi Rodgers, Founder

Updated on May 28, 2026

Cost · Guide

Bexar County property taxes are due by January 31 each year, with bills going out in October. The appraisal protest deadline is May 15 or 30 days after your notice is mailed, whichever comes later. For 2025, the county extended the standard payment deadline, but penalties and interest still begin accruing the day after any extended due date passes.

2025 Bexar County Tax Deadlines by Category

Payment deadline: All property taxes must be paid or postmarked by January 31, 2025. Tax bills go out in October, giving homeowners roughly three months to pay.
Protest deadline: File your appraisal protest by May 15 or within 30 days of receiving your notice from the appraisal district, whichever date falls later.
Appraisal timeline: Bexar County sets property values as of January 1 each year. Appraisal notices typically go out in April, starting your protest window.
Bottom line: The January 31 payment cutoff and May 15 protest cutoff are the two dates that cost Bexar County homeowners real money when missed.

Property Tax Penalties by Late-Payment Window

Paid by January 31: Zero penalty or interest applies when payment is postmarked by the deadline, covering the assessed value set on the prior January 1.
February through June: State law adds a 6% penalty plus 1% interest starting February 1, with both charges increasing 1% each additional month.
After July 1: A collection penalty of 15% to 20% stacks on top of accrued monthly charges, pushing the total surcharge past 40% of the original tax bill.
Worth noting: Homeowners age 65 or older and those with disabilities can defer Bexar County property taxes entirely with no penalty until the property changes ownership.

Exemptions That Lower Your Bexar County Tax Bill

Homestead savings: A general homestead exemption removes $100,000 from your school district taxable value, saving most Bexar County homeowners over $1,000 per year on school taxes alone.
Veteran and disability rates: Disabled Veterans rated 100% by the VA pay zero Bexar County property tax. Partial disability ratings receive proportional reductions based on the VA’s percentage.
Late filing allowed: Miss the April 30 exemption deadline and you can still file up to two years late for general homestead, or up to five years for over-65 and disabled person exemptions.
Main takeaway: The homestead exemption is not automatic in Bexar County. You file once with the appraisal district and it renews each year, but skipping that step costs over $1,000 annually.

Real-World Bexar County Tax Deadline Examples

Late payment scenario: A homeowner with a $5,200 annual tax bill misses January 31 by one day and owes a 7% penalty plus interest, adding roughly $364 immediately.
Successful protest: An owner whose appraisal jumped $40,000 in April files by May 15, wins a $25,000 reduction at the hearing, and saves around $550 per year.
New buyer timing: A family closing on a $310,000 home in September gets their first Bexar County tax bill in October with the full year due by January 31.
Worth noting: Penalties compound monthly after February 1 and reach 12% plus a 15-20% collection fee by July, turning a $5,200 bill into over $6,800 if left unpaid six months.

Is it good to buy a house with Mello-Roos?

Mello-Roos is a California-specific tax district assessment and does not apply in Bexar County, Texas. Here, property taxes are due January 31 each year, and you can protest your appraised value by May 15 or 30 days after the appraisal notice is mailed, whichever is later.

What are the Bexar County property tax deadlines for 2025?

Bexar County property taxes are due in October and must be paid by January 31. Appraisal notices go out in April, and the protest deadline is May 15 or 30 days after your notice is mailed, whichever is later. Missing the January 31 payment deadline triggers penalties and interest.

How do Bexar County property tax deadlines work in 2025?

Bexar County property taxes are due in October and must be paid by January 31. The appraisal district values properties as of January 1, mails appraisal notices in April, and sets the protest deadline at May 15 or 30 days after the notice is mailed, whichever is later.

The Bottom Line Up Front

Bexar County property tax deadlines follow a fixed annual cycle, but the dates that matter most catch homeowners off guard. Taxes are due when bills arrive in October and must be paid by January 31. The protest window, which closes May 15 or 30 days after your appraisal notice is mailed (whichever is later), is the single most time-sensitive deadline on the calendar.

The Bexar County Appraisal District sets property values as of January 1 each year. Appraisal notices go out in April, and homeowners have until May 15 or 30 days from the mail date to file a protest with the Appraisal Review Board. For 2025, the county extended the payment deadline past the standard January 31 date. Missing the protest window means accepting the appraised value for the full tax year. Penalty and interest charges start February 1 on any unpaid balance, adding 6% by March and climbing each month after.

January 1 is the official appraisal date that sets your property’s taxable value for the year.
Appraisal notices mail in April, and the protest deadline is May 15 or 30 days after mailing.
Property tax bills arrive in October and must be paid in full by January 31.
Bexar County extended the 2025 payment deadline, so confirm the current due date before paying.
Penalty and interest charges begin February 1, starting at 6% and increasing each month after.

How Much Will You Owe in Bexar County?

Bexar County’s combined property tax rate typically lands between 1.8% and 2.3% of your assessed home value. The exact percentage depends on which school district, city, and special districts overlap your property. A homeowner with a $300,000 assessed value inside San Antonio ISD territory can expect a bill of roughly $6,300 to $6,900 per year before exemptions. The homestead exemption reduces that figure significantly for primary residences.

The biggest variable in your bill is your school district. NEISD and NISD carry slightly lower rates than SAISD, which means two homes with identical assessed values can see tax bills differ by $500 or more depending on which side of a district boundary they sit. Military families using the VA Loan to buy near Joint Base San Antonio should factor these differences into their housing budget.

Assessed Home Value	Est. Annual Tax (No Exemptions)	Est. With Homestead Exemption
$200,000	$4,200	$3,000
$250,000	$5,250	$4,050
$300,000	$6,300	$5,100
$350,000	$7,350	$6,150
$400,000	$8,400	$7,200

Filing your homestead exemption by April 30 saves most Bexar County homeowners between $800 and $1,500 per year on their tax bill. If your 2025 appraisal notice shows an increase you disagree with, the protest deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the notice arrives, whichever is later. Protesting is free through the Bexar Appraisal District and worth the effort if your assessed value jumped more than 10%.

Which Agencies Collect Your Tax Payment

Your annual tax bill isn’t one charge from one office. Multiple taxing entities in Bexar County each levy their own rate, and each funds a different slice of local government. The Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector sends a single consolidated bill each October, but the revenue splits across as many as five or six separate jurisdictions depending on your property’s location.

Taxing Entity	Approximate 2025 Rate (per $100)	What It Funds
Bexar County	$0.26 – $0.30	County roads, courts, jail, sheriff operations
City of San Antonio	$0.54 – $0.56	Police, fire, parks, streets, drainage
School District (varies by ZIP)	$0.95 – $1.15	K-12 operations, maintenance, debt service
University Health System	$0.22 – $0.23	Public hospital system, indigent care
Alamo Community College District	$0.14 – $0.15	Community college operations and facilities

Emergency Services District (if applicab

The school district portion is the largest line item on most bills, often accounting for nearly half the total. Which school district you fall under (NEISD, NISD, Judson, Southside, SAISD, or others) directly affects your rate. Two homes with identical appraised values on opposite sides of a street can owe noticeably different amounts if they sit in different districts. When you’re budgeting for a home purchase in Bexar County, pull the specific tax breakdown for that property’s address rather than relying on countywide averages.

specific tax breakdown for that property’s address rather than relying on countywide averages.

Should You Buy a Home with Mello-Roos?

Mello-Roos is a California-only tax structure, so it does not exist in Bexar County or anywhere in Texas. If you’re relocating from California, you won’t see a Community Facilities District line item on your property tax bill. Texas handles new-development infrastructure costs through its own set of special taxing districts, and the financial impact on your monthly payment can be just as significant.

The key difference is visibility. California’s Mello-Roos appears as a separate line item, often with its own payment schedule and a built-in sunset date. In Texas, special-district assessments are rolled into your standard property tax bill. That means you might not notice the extra cost unless you compare the total tax rate to a similar home in an established neighborhood. On a $300,000 home, these additional district rates can mean $750 to $3,000 more per year.

Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) fund water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure in newer subdivisions throughout Bexar County.
Public Improvement Districts (PIDs) levy annual assessments for roads, landscaping, and amenities in master-planned communities.
Emergency Services Districts (ESDs) add a small rate for fire and EMS coverage in unincorporated areas outside San Antonio city limits.
Special-district rates can add 0.25% to 1.0% on top of the base property tax rate, depending on the community.
Always request the full tax rate certificate from the appraisal district or listing agent before making an offer on new construction.

A home in a MUD-backed subdivision that looks $15,000 cheaper than one in an older neighborhood may carry a higher effective monthly cost once you factor in the full tax rate. Run the numbers on total annual taxes, not just the sticker price. Your title company discloses active districts at closing, but getting the rate sheet early strengthens your negotiating position at the offer stage.

Connect with LRG →

Every Bexar County Property Tax Deadline in 2025

Bexar County property taxes follow a fixed annual calendar, and missing a single deadline can cost you hundreds in penalties or a lost chance to lower your assessed value. The protest deadline alone saves the average successful filer roughly $500 to $1,000 per year. Below is every critical date for the 2025 tax cycle, from the January 1 appraisal date through final payment.

Most homeowners zero in on the January 31 payment deadline, but the April-to-May protest window is where you actually control your bill. BCAD mails appraisal notices in April, and you have until May 15 or 30 days after the notice date (whichever is later) to file a formal protest. Penalty timelines are equally strict. Unpaid taxes trigger a 6% penalty plus 1% interest starting February 1, and delinquent accounts face an additional 20% collection fee after July 1.

Date	Deadline	What Happens
January 1, 2025	Appraisal Date	BCAD sets your property’s market value as of this date
January 31, 2025	2024 Tax Payment Due	Last day to pay prior-year taxes without penalty
February 1, 2025	Penalties Begin	6% penalty plus 1% interest starts accruing on unpaid 2024 taxes
Mid-April 2025	Appraisal Notices Mailed	BCAD mails Notice of Appraised Value to property owners
May 15, 2025	Protest Deadline	Last day to file a protest (or 30 days after notice, whichever is later)
July 1, 2025	Collection Penalty	Additional 20% attorney collection fee added to delinquent accounts
October 1, 2025	Tax Bills Mailed	Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector sends 2025 tax statements
January 31, 2026	2025 Tax Payment Due	Last day to pay 2025 taxes without penalty

The May 15 protest deadline carries the most financial weight on this calendar. If BCAD raised your appraised value and you take no action by that date, you accept the higher number for the entire tax year. Filing a protest is free through the Bexar Appraisal District, and roughly half of all protests in Bexar County result in a reduction. Set a calendar reminder for early May.

Costly Mistakes That Trigger Penalties and Interest

Missing the January 31 payment deadline triggers an immediate 6% penalty plus 1% interest starting February 1. That penalty climbs each month, reaching 12% plus accumulated interest by July. After July 1, the delinquent account goes to a collections attorney who adds another 15% to 20% in fees. What starts as a missed due date can add thousands to your tax bill within months.

The compounding math catches homeowners off guard. On a $6,000 tax bill, a February 1 delinquency adds roughly $420 in combined penalties and interest. Wait until July, and you are looking at closer to $900 in added charges before attorney fees even enter the picture. Bexar County’s tax office has no statutory authority to waive these penalties. Payment plans only become available after the account is already delinquent, and even then, the accumulated penalties stay on your balance.

Mailing payment on January 31 instead of ensuring a timely postmark. A late postmark triggers the full February penalty regardless of intent.
Assuming your mortgage company paid through escrow. Escrow shortfalls happen, and the penalty falls on the property owner, not the lender.
Filing a protest but skipping payment. A pending protest does not pause your payment obligation. You still owe by January 31 or penalties apply.
Ignoring the appraisal notice and missing the May 15 protest deadline. This locks in the appraised value for the year, potentially inflating your bill by thousands.
Paying the wrong amount after a mid-year exemption change. Partial payments are applied, but the unpaid balance still accrues penalties monthly.

If you purchased a home mid-year, confirm with your title company exactly which portion of the tax bill was prorated at closing. New owners sometimes assume the seller covered the full year, skip the January payment, and find a penalty notice in February. A single phone call to the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office clears up the balance owed and prevents a penalty from compounding for months.

Where Do You Pay Bexar County Property Taxes?

All Bexar County property tax payments go through the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office in San Antonio. Your bill lists charges from multiple taxing entities, but you submit one payment to one office. The Tax Assessor-Collector distributes your payment to each entity after collection. Several payment channels are available year-round

The main Tax Office is located in downtown San Antonio near the Bexar County Courthouse. During peak season in January, the office typically extends hours and opens additional service windows to handle last-minute payments. Online payments through the county website accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, along with eChecks. Card payments carry a convenience fee (usually around 2.3% of the total), while eCheck fees run closer to $1.50 as a flat charge. These processing fees go to the payment vendor, not the county.

flat charge. These processing fees go to the payment vendor, not the county.

Payment Method	How It Works	Deadline Consideration
In person	Main Tax Office in downtown San Antonio	Payment credited same day
Online	County website, credit/debit card or eCheck	Allow 1-2 business days for processing
By mail	Check or money order to Tax Office mailing address	Must be postmarked by deadline date
By phone	Automated system accepts card payments	Payment credited same day
Quarterly plan	Four installments through the same office	Must enroll before January 31

If you are paying near the January 31 deadline, in-person or online payments give you the most certainty. Mailed checks that arrive late trigger penalties even if you wrote the check well before the due date. A valid USPS postmark on or before January 31 protects you, but metered mail and private carrier stamps do not always count as proof of timely mailing. When timing is tight, pay electronically and save the confirmation number as your receipt.

The Bottom Line

Bexar County property taxes run between 1.8% and 2.3% of your assessed value, collected by multiple overlapping taxing entities. The January 31 payment deadline is the one that costs homeowners the most when missed, triggering a 6% penalty plus 1% interest on February 1 and climbing to 12% plus accumulated interest by July. The protest deadline is equally critical because it’s your only shot at lowering your assessed value for the year.

What matters most is marking two dates on your calendar: the protest filing deadline and the January 31 payment deadline. Hit both, and you keep your tax bill as low as the system allows. Miss either one, and you’re paying more than you should.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector handle?

The Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector is responsible for billing, collecting, and distributing property taxes for the county and all overlapping taxing jurisdictions. The office processes payments, manages tax certificates, handles delinquent accounts, and issues tax statements. The current Tax Assessor-Collector is Albert Uresti. This office is separate from the Bexar Appraisal District (BCAD), which sets property values. If you disagree with your appraised value, you protest through BCAD. If you have questions about your tax bill, payment plans, or account status, the Tax Assessor-Collector’s office at 233 N. Pecos La Trinidad, Suite 140 in San Antonio handles those directly.

How do I search Bexar County property tax records online?

Go to the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector website and use the property tax search tool. You can look up records by property address, account number, or owner name. The search returns your current tax balance, payment history, exemptions on file, and assessed values. For appraisal records and protest history, use the Bexar Appraisal District (BCAD) site at bcad.org instead. BCAD handles valuations while the Tax Assessor-Collector handles billing. Both sites are free to use and update records after each tax cycle.

Can I search Bexar County property records by owner name?

Yes. Both the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector site and the Bexar Appraisal District (BCAD) site allow owner name searches. On the Tax Assessor site, enter the owner’s last name to pull up associated accounts, tax balances, and payment status. On BCAD, an owner name search returns appraisal values, property descriptions, and exemption details. Partial name searches work on both platforms. If the property recently changed hands, the new owner may not appear until the deed is processed by the county clerk’s office, which typically takes four to eight weeks.

How do I pay my Bexar County property taxes?

Bexar County accepts property tax payments online, by mail, by phone, and in person at 233 N. Pecos La Trinidad, Suite 140 in San Antonio. Online payments go through the Tax Assessor-Collector website using credit card, debit card, or eCheck. Credit and debit cards carry a convenience fee (roughly 2.3%). eCheck payments are free. Mailed payments must be postmarked by January 31 to avoid penalties. If you owe $100 or more, you can set up a quarterly installment plan. Taxpayers 65 and older or with a disability exemption can defer payments without penalty.

What is the property tax protest deadline for 2026 in Bexar County?

The standard protest deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the Bexar Appraisal District (BCAD) mails your appraisal notice, whichever is later. For the 2026 tax year, appraisal notices typically go out in April. If your notice is mailed after April 15, your deadline extends 30 days from the mailing date. File your protest online through BCAD’s eFile system or submit a written notice to the Appraisal Review Board. Late protests are accepted only in limited circumstances, such as a medical emergency or a BCAD error. Mark your calendar as soon as you receive your notice.