Bexar County TX Homestead Exemption Online Filing Guide: Rules, Savings, Deadlines and Local Contacts
Bexar County, Texas • Residence homestead exemption guide • reviewed September 8, 2026
The Bexar County homestead exemption online process is handled by the Bexar Central Appraisal District, commonly called BCAD.
A qualifying residence homestead can lower taxable value for school taxes, county taxes, city taxes and other local taxing units that offer exemptions.
For 2026, Texas school districts provide a $140,000 general residence homestead exemption. Qualifying age-65 or disabled homeowners may receive an additional $60,000 school exemption.
Fast answer
Bexar County Homestead Exemption Quick Facts
Use BCAD for homestead applications, exemptions, appraised value, property search and protests.
San Antonio, TX 78207. Customer service: 210-242-2432.
Create an online account, file exemptions, claim property and handle portal notices.
Mandatory Texas school residence homestead exemption for qualifying homeowners.
Additional mandatory school exemption for qualifying age-65 or disabled homeowners.
Bexar County and San Antonio have local-option homestead exemptions shown on the county tax-rate chart.
File before May 1 for the tax year. Do not wait for the tax bill.
The cap usually begins January 1 of the tax year after the first year you qualify.
Use the later of May 15 or 30 days after the appraisal notice was mailed.
Homestead, exemption, market value, ownership record or protest issue → BCAD. Tax bill, payment, receipt or payment-plan issue → Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector.
Meaning and tax impact
What the Bexar County Homestead Exemption Actually Does
A residence homestead exemption removes part of your home’s value from taxation.
It does not directly reduce the market value that BCAD appraises. Instead, it reduces taxable value for the taxing units that grant the exemption.
Your Bexar County property can have different taxable values for school district, county, flood-control, hospital, river authority, college, city, ESD or special district taxes.
Seller exemptions, over-65 ceilings, disabled exemptions, 10% cap history and local-option benefits may change after purchase.
Local contacts
Bexar County Offices, Address, Phone Numbers and Google Map
Bexar Central Appraisal District
Use for: online homestead filing, exemption status, property search, appraised value, 10% cap, protest, ARB and ownership record questions.
Chief Appraiser: Rogelio Sandoval
Taxpayer Liaison: Leroy Christopher White
Street address: 411 N Frio St, San Antonio, TX 78207
Mailing address: PO Box 830248, San Antonio, TX 78283-0248
Phone: 210-242-2432
Fax: 210-242-2454 or 210-242-2453
Email: cacomms@bcad.org
Open BCAD WebsiteBCAD E-Services Portal
Use for: online homestead application, online protest, account registration, property claim and electronic communications.
You may need your Property ID, Owner ID and PIN for some portal functions.
BCAD warns that waiting for a PIN does not extend filing or protest deadlines.
Open BCAD E-ServicesBexar County Tax Assessor-Collector
Use for: tax bills, property-tax payments, receipts, payment plans, delinquent taxes and vehicle title/registration services.
Tax Assessor-Collector: Albert Uresti, MPA, PCC
Main office: Vista Verde Plaza Building, 233 N Pecos La Trinidad, San Antonio, TX 78207
Mailing address: PO Box 839950, San Antonio, TX 78283-3950
Phone: 210-335-2251
Email: taxoffice@bexar.org
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–4:45 PM; Wednesdays 8:00 AM–6:30 PM
Open Tax Assessor-CollectorBexar County Clerk — Deed Records
Use for: deed records, recorded ownership documents, trust-related records, liens and official public records.
County Clerk: Lucy Adame-Clark
Deed Records: Paul Elizondo Tower, 101 W Nueva, Suite B109, San Antonio, TX 78205
Administration: 100 Dolorosa, Suite 104, San Antonio, TX 78205
Deed Records phone: 210-335-2273
Recordings phone: 210-335-2581
Open Official Records SearchOpen Bexar County Commissioners Court contacts
County Judge Peter Sakai: Commissioners Court presiding officer.
Precinct 1 Rebeca Clay-Flores: 210-335-2611
Precinct 2 Justin Rodriguez: 210-335-2612
Precinct 3 Grant Moody: 210-335-2613
Precinct 4 Tommy Calvert: 210-335-2614
Commissioners Court: 101 W Nueva, 10th Floor, San Antonio, TX 78205 • 210-335-2626
Open County Judge and CommissionersBCAD Office Map
Bexar Central Appraisal District
411 N Frio St, San Antonio, TX 78207
Bring your Property ID, Texas ID, deed or closing document, residence proof and any over-65, disability, veteran, heir-property or manufactured-home documents that apply.
Online filing workflow
How to File Bexar County Homestead Exemption Online
BCAD says online filing starts at the BCAD website by choosing Online Services and creating a login.
The required ID rule is strict: upload a Texas driver license or Texas ID showing the same address as the property, unless a recognized exception applies.
-
Search the property first.
Find the Property ID, Geographic ID, owner name, legal description, mailing address, appraised value and exemption history.
Open BCAD Property SearchAfter opening: search by owner name, street number, street name, Property ID or Geographic ID. For address searches, avoid directional prefixes and suffixes like N, S, Dr or St. -
Create or open your BCAD online account.
Use a valid email address, complete email verification and sign in to the E-Services portal.
Open BCAD E-Services PortalAfter opening: select register or login, verify the email from Bexar Public Portal, then use My Dashboard to claim or manage the property if the portal asks for it. -
Choose the residence homestead filing.
Select the homestead exemption application, not the protest form or tax-payment page.
-
Enter owner and property details.
Use the same legal name, property address, acquisition date, occupancy date and contact information that match the property record.
-
Upload the required Texas ID.
Upload a Texas driver license or Texas ID showing the homestead property address. Active-duty military may need military ID and a utility bill instead.
-
Add special exemption categories.
Choose age 65, disabled person, 100% disabled veteran, surviving spouse, inherited residence, manufactured home or tax-ceiling transfer only when supported by documents.
-
Submit and save proof.
Download or screenshot the confirmation, save uploaded files and keep a copy of any messages from BCAD.
If you need an Owner ID, Agent ID or PIN, request it early. BCAD says waiting for a PIN does not extend the filing or protest deadline.
Before you file
Documents Needed for Bexar County Homestead Exemption
Property ID or Geographic ID: get this from the BCAD property search before filing.
Texas driver license or Texas ID: address should match the Bexar County homestead property.
Active-duty military exception: BCAD says military ID and a utility bill may be used when the active-duty applicant does not have a Texas ID with the property address.
Acquisition and occupancy dates: the application needs when you acquired and began using the property as your principal residence.
Ownership document: deed, closing disclosure, recorded document or title support may help when BCAD ownership has not updated.
Trust documents: bring trust agreement or trust certification if title is held in a trust.
Heir-property documents: affidavit of ownership interest, prior owner death certificate, recent utility bill and available court-record citation may be required.
Manufactured-home documents: Statement of Ownership, purchase agreement, receipt or affidavit may be needed.
Over-65 transfer certificate: if moving from another Texas county with an over-65 exemption, request a Tax Ceiling Certificate from the previous appraisal district.
Disability proof: current Social Security benefit verification letter or BCAD-approved physician statement may be required.
Veteran proof: VA disability letter, service-connected rating, effective date and marriage/death documents when claiming survivor benefits.
Power of attorney: needed if someone else files or signs for the owner.
Important dates
Bexar County Homestead Exemption Deadline and Tax Calendar
Texas appraisal and many tax-year facts are measured as of January 1.
A new homeowner may qualify after acquisition and occupancy if the previous owner did not receive the same exemption that year.
File before May 1 for the tax year. Use online filing early to avoid document or login issues.
Certain late general residence homestead applications may be accepted within two years after the tax delinquency date.
Use the later of May 15 or 30 days after the Notice of Appraised Value was mailed.
Bexar tax statements are generally mailed in October, and taxes are due by January 31 unless a payment option applies.
File anyway and ask BCAD whether the late homestead rule applies. Do not wait until the next year without checking.
Rules and savings
How Much Can Bexar County Homestead Exemption Save?
The largest automatic benefit is usually the school district exemption, because Texas school districts must provide the $140,000 residence homestead exemption.
Bexar County, City of San Antonio and some other local taxing units also show local-option homestead exemptions on the official tax-rate chart.
Simple 2026 school-tax example
If a home is appraised at $350,000 and the school tax rate is 1.00 per $100, the $140,000 school exemption saves about $1,400.
If the owner is age 65 or disabled, the school exemption can increase by another $60,000.
City, county, hospital, college, flood-control, river-authority and special-district savings depend on the exact taxing units attached to the property.
Open simple Bexar County savings calculator
School exemption used: $140,000.00
Local option exemption used: $70,000.00
Road / flood exemption used: $3,000.00
Estimated school savings: $1,400.00
Estimated local savings: $193.43
Estimated road / flood savings: $0.71
Total shown estimate: $1,594.14
Special exemption categories
Age 65, Disabled Person, Disabled Veteran and Survivor Benefits
Age 65 or older
Qualifying owners receive the additional $60,000 school exemption and may receive tax-ceiling protection.
If you move from another Texas county, request a Tax Ceiling Certificate from your previous appraisal district.
Disabled person
A disabled person must meet the Social Security disability standard for this exemption.
BCAD may require a current Social Security benefit verification letter or other approved evidence.
Surviving spouse age 55+
A surviving spouse may continue certain over-65 or disabled benefits when ownership, age, residence and remarriage rules are met.
Marriage certificate, death certificate and tax-ceiling transfer documents may be needed.
100% disabled veteran
A qualifying 100% disabled veteran or individual unemployability case can receive a total residence homestead exemption.
A current VA letter showing service-connected disability and effective date is required.
Partial disabled veteran
Texas partial disabled veteran exemptions range from $5,000 to $12,000 based on disability rating.
These exemptions can apply differently from the residence homestead exemption.
Bexar 10-month payment plan
Bexar County Tax Office describes a 10-month payment plan for qualifying residential homesteads with disabled, age-65, disabled veteran or surviving-spouse exemptions.
This is a payment option, not an exemption application.
10% appraisal cap
How the Texas 10% Homestead Cap Works in Bexar County
The 10% cap is not the same as the homestead exemption amount.
It limits how much the appraised value used for taxes can increase after the cap begins.
It does not start immediately: BCAD says the cap starts January 1 of the tax year after the first year you qualify for the homestead exemption.
It caps appraised value, not market value: market value can still rise on the property record.
It is not a tax-bill cap: tax rates and exemptions still affect the final bill.
New improvements matter: added rooms, decks and other improvements can increase taxable value outside the normal cap calculation.
Eligibility can end: moving out, no longer qualifying, or ownership changes can end or reset cap protection.
After filing
How to Check Bexar County Homestead Exemption Status
After you file online, check both the BCAD property record and later the Bexar County tax account.
If the exemption is missing, start with BCAD. The Tax Office cannot grant the exemption or change appraised value.
Property Search: confirm owner name, mailing address, Property ID, values and exemption section.
Online Dashboard: check messages, documents, property claim status and filed applications.
Exemption section: look for general homestead, over-65, disability, veteran or tax-ceiling indicators.
Tax account: use Bexar County’s tax search only after confirming the BCAD record is correct.
Mortgage escrow: your lender may pay the bill, but it does not guarantee that your homestead was approved.
Address changes: keep both mailing and residence details current so notices and PIN letters are not missed.
Exemption vs protest
What If Your Bexar County Value Looks Too High?
A homestead exemption application and a value protest are different actions.
File homestead if your home qualifies as your principal residence. File a protest if market value, unequal appraisal, property data or exemption denial is wrong.
Homestead problem
Use this path if your exemption is missing, pending, denied or tied to the wrong property record.
Have your Property ID, Texas ID, filing confirmation and supporting documents ready.
Value problem
Use this path if market value, property characteristics, land size, building data or unequal appraisal looks wrong.
Prepare comparable sales, repair estimates, condition photos, closing documents and appraisal evidence.
Normal deadline: May 15 or 30 days after the appraisal notice was mailed, whichever is later.
Online protest: BCAD says the protest section usually opens when appraisal notices are mailed in mid-April.
Owner ID and PIN: use the information on your Notice of Appraised Value or request it early.
Digital protest option: if you choose full e-file, communications, evidence, settlement and hearing steps stay inside the portal.
Evidence limits: BCAD lists PDF or JPEG format, 10MB per file, 20MB total and a maximum of 10 photos.
Late protest: may require good cause and physical filing; electronic late protest submissions may not be accepted.
Local tax units
Why Bexar County Homestead Savings Differ by Address
Bexar County properties are taxed by multiple local units.
A home in San Antonio, Leon Valley, Converse, Alamo Heights, Helotes, Universal City, Shavano Park or unincorporated Bexar County can have different tax rates and optional exemptions.
Use your own BCAD account because the school district, city, hospital, college, ESD, flood-control line, local-option exemption and tax-ceiling status can differ.
Avoid delays
Common Bexar County Homestead Filing Mistakes
Filing with the wrong office: homestead applications go to BCAD, not the Tax Assessor-Collector.
Using the seller’s value: the seller’s exemption, tax ceiling and cap history may not continue after purchase.
Wrong ID address: Texas law generally requires the ID address to correspond to the homestead property address.
Waiting for a PIN: BCAD says waiting for Owner ID, Agent ID or PIN does not extend deadlines.
Not checking ownership: if the deed has not updated on the appraisal record, keep deed or closing proof ready.
Missing tax-ceiling transfer: over-65 or disabled homeowners moving from another Texas county should request a tax ceiling certificate.
Ignoring heir-property rules: inherited homes may need affidavits, death certificate, utility bill and available court-record citation.
Confusing cap and exemption: the 10% cap limits appraised value increases later; it is not the same as the $140,000 school exemption.
Assuming escrow handles it: a lender can pay the bill without confirming your exemption was filed or approved.
Decision path
What Should You Do Next?
Search the BCAD property record, update your Texas ID address and file the online homestead application.
File anyway and ask BCAD whether the late residence homestead rule can apply to your tax year.
Claim the special exemption and ask about the school tax ceiling and any local tax limitation.
Request a Tax Ceiling Certificate from the prior appraisal district if you had over-65 or disability ceiling protection.
Prepare heir-property affidavit, death certificate, utility bill and any court-record citation before filing.
File a timely protest through BCAD and upload evidence before the ARB process moves forward.
Important caution
Independent Information, Tax Caution and Property-Records Notice
This page is independent informational content for Bexar County homeowners.
It is not the official website of Bexar Central Appraisal District, Bexar County, the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector, the Texas Comptroller or any government agency.
It is not legal advice, tax advice, an official tax bill, an appraisal notice, a protest decision or an exemption determination.
Property-tax rules, exemption amounts, forms, deadlines, tax rates, office hours, online portal behavior and local-option exemptions can change. Verify current details directly with BCAD or the responsible official office before acting.
Property records should be used only for property-tax, appraisal, ownership-reference and public-record purposes. Do not use property-record information for employment, tenant screening, credit, insurance or any FCRA-regulated purpose.
FAQs
Bexar County Homestead Exemption Online FAQs
Who handles Bexar County homestead exemption online filing?
Bexar Central Appraisal District handles residence homestead exemption applications, online filing, exemption status, property records, appraised values and protests.
Where is Bexar Central Appraisal District located?
BCAD is located at 411 N Frio St, San Antonio, TX 78207. The mailing address is PO Box 830248, San Antonio, TX 78283-0248, and the customer service phone number is 210-242-2432.
How do I apply online for Bexar County homestead exemption?
Go to BCAD’s online services portal, create or log in to your account, choose the residence homestead application, enter property and owner information, upload the required Texas ID and submit the application.
What is the Bexar County homestead exemption deadline?
The normal Texas residence homestead exemption deadline is April 30, meaning the application should be filed before May 1 for the tax year.
Can I file late?
Texas allows certain late general residence homestead applications up to two years after the tax delinquency date. File anyway and ask BCAD whether your tax year still qualifies.
What is the 2026 school homestead exemption amount?
Texas school districts provide a $140,000 general residence homestead exemption for qualifying homeowners. Age-65 or disabled homeowners may receive an additional $60,000 school exemption.
What documents do I need for online filing?
Most applicants need the Property ID, Texas driver license or Texas ID showing the property address, acquisition date, occupancy date and any over-65, disability, veteran, heir-property, manufactured-home or trust documents that apply.
When does the 10% homestead cap start?
BCAD says the homestead cap starts January 1 of the tax year after the first year you qualify for the homestead exemption. It does not start immediately when you move in.
Who handles Bexar County property tax payments?
The Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector handles property-tax bills, payments, receipts and payment plans. BCAD does not accept property-tax payments.
How do I protest a high Bexar County appraised value?
File a protest with BCAD by May 15 or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed, whichever is later. Use the online services portal or the official protest form.
Official resources
Official Bexar County and Texas Homestead Resources
Bexar Central Appraisal District
Official site for property search, online services, exemptions, forms, tax rates, protest process and BCAD Help Center.
Open BCADBCAD E-Services Portal
Official online portal for exemption filing, online appeals, property claiming and electronic communications.
Open E-Services PortalBCAD Property Search
Official property search for owner name, address, Property ID, Geographic ID, legal description, values and exemptions.
Open Property SearchBCAD Homestead Filing Help
BCAD help article explaining who qualifies, how to apply online and what contact methods are available.
Open Filing HelpBCAD Required Documents
Official document guide for Form 50-114 and Form 50-135 exemption applications.
Open Document GuideBCAD Forms
Official forms page for homestead, affidavits, protest forms, disabled veteran forms and other property-tax documents.
Open BCAD FormsBCAD Homestead Cap Guide
Official explanation of the 10% homestead cap, when it begins and what it does not cover.
Open Cap GuideBCAD Protest Filing Guide
Official guide for filing a protest online, by Help Center, mail, fax or in person.
Open Protest GuideOnline Protest Instructions
BCAD guide for online protest choices, evidence upload, digital process and hybrid communication option.
Open Online Protest HelpTexas Comptroller Homestead Exemptions
Statewide Texas guidance for residence homestead, heir property, age 65, disabled, veteran and survivor exemptions.
Open Comptroller ExemptionsBexar Tax Rates and Exemptions
Official Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector chart showing tax rates, homestead, 65 and older, disabled and freeze-year columns.
Open Tax RatesBexar Property Tax Information
Official county page for tax statements, due dates, payment information and tax process overview.
Open Property Tax InformationBexar Tax Office Locations
Official Tax Assessor-Collector locations, hours, mailing address and payment-office details.
Open Tax Office LocationsBexar County Clerk Land Records
Official County Clerk page for deed records, real property recordings, liens, foreclosures and public records.
Open Land Records PageBexar County Official Records Search
County Clerk public search for land records and recorded documents.
Open Official Records SearchCounty Judge and Commissioners
Official Bexar County Elections page listing current County Judge, commissioners and Commissioners Court contact information.
Open Officials Page