How to Pay Your Bexar County Property Taxes

Where and how to pay Bexar County property taxes

Bexar County property taxes are collected by the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector's office. You can pay online through their website, by mail, in person at their office, or by phone. Online payment is the fastest route — you can pay the same day and see confirmation immediately. The Tax Assessor-Collector accepts checks, money orders, credit cards, and debit cards, though credit card payments usually carry a processing fee.

If you pay online, you will need your account number, which appears on your tax bill. The office processes payments quickly, but if you mail a check, allow at least two weeks for it to reach them and post to your account. Payments made in person at the Tax Assessor-Collector's office are posted the same day.

The mailing address is Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector, 411 W. Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX 78205. You can also call their office to pay by phone or ask questions about your account. The phone number and online payment portal are listed on the county's official website.

Key Takeaways

• Bexar County property taxes are due by January 31 each year, though you can pay in installments if your bill is large enough.
• Online payment through the Tax Assessor-Collector's website is the fastest method and shows confirmation the same day.
• If you pay by mail, send your check or money order at least two weeks before the deadline to ensure it arrives on time.
• Payments made in person at the Tax Assessor-Collector's office (411 W. Commerce Street) are posted immediately.
• Late payments carry a penalty and interest, which begin accruing after January 31.

Understanding your tax bill and due date

Your Bexar County property tax bill is mailed to you in October or November each year. The bill shows the amount due, your account number, and the deadline — January 31. If your bill is large, you may be able to split it into installments, though the full amount is technically due by the deadline. Contact the Tax Assessor-Collector's office to ask whether your situation qualifies for a payment plan.

The bill also lists any exemptions applied to your property, such as homestead exemptions or agricultural exemptions. If you believe an exemption is missing or incorrect, you must file a formal protest with the Appraisal Review Board, not the Tax Assessor-Collector. The deadline for that protest is usually May 15 of the year following the tax year in question.

What happens if you pay late

If your payment is not received by January 31, a penalty of 5 percent is added to your bill, plus interest that accrues monthly. The longer the bill remains unpaid, the more interest accumulates. After a certain period of non-payment, the county may file a tax lien against your property, which can affect your ability to sell or refinance.

If you cannot pay by the deadline, contact the Tax Assessor-Collector's office immediately. Some situations may allow for a short extension or a payment arrangement. Waiting until after the deadline makes the situation more difficult and more expensive.

Homestead exemption and other tax breaks

If you own your home and live in it as your primary residence, you may be may have access to to a homestead exemption, which reduces the taxable value of your property. In Bexar County, this exemption can lower your tax bill significantly. You must file for the exemption with the Appraisal District (not the Tax Assessor-Collector), and the deadline is usually April 30 of the year you first become may be able to access.

Other exemptions may be available if you are over 65, disabled, a veteran, or own agricultural land. Each exemption has its own deadline and documentation requirements. The Bexar County Appraisal District website lists all available exemptions and how to file for them. If you miss the deadline, you can still file a late exemption application, but it will not take effect until the following tax year.

Checking your account and getting a receipt

After you pay, you can verify that your payment was received by logging into your account on the Tax Assessor-Collector's website or by calling their office. Online payments usually show up within one business day. If you paid by mail or in person, ask for a receipt at the time of payment, or request one by mail afterward.

Keep your receipt or confirmation number in case there is ever a dispute about whether your payment was received. If you pay online, print or save your confirmation page. These documents protect you if the county's records and yours do not match.

Protesting your assessed value

If you believe your property is assessed too high, you can file a formal protest with the Bexar County Appraisal Review Board. The deadline is usually May 15 of the year following the tax year you are disputing. You do not need a lawyer to file, though you can hire one if you choose.

To protest, you must submit a written request to the Appraisal Review Board and provide evidence that your property's value is incorrect — comparable sales, a recent appraisal, or documentation of damage or defects. The board will review your evidence and either uphold the original assessment, lower it, or raise it. You have the right to attend the hearing and present your case in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Bexar County property taxes online?

Yes. The Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector's office accepts online payments through their website. You will need your account number from your tax bill. Online payments are processed the same day, and you receive a confirmation number immediately.

What is the penalty for paying late?

A 5 percent penalty is added to your bill if payment is not received by January 31. Interest also accrues monthly on the unpaid balance. The longer you wait, the more you owe. Contact the Tax Assessor-Collector's office if you cannot pay by the deadline.

How do I file for a homestead exemption?

File with the Bexar County Appraisal District (not the Tax Assessor-Collector) by April 30 of the year you first become may be able to access. You will need to prove you own the home and live in it as your primary residence. If you miss the deadline, you can file a late application, but it will not take effect until the following tax year.

What if I think my property is assessed too high?

File a formal protest with the Bexar County Appraisal Review Board by May 15 of the year following the tax year you are disputing. Submit written evidence such as comparable sales, an appraisal, or documentation of property damage. You can attend the hearing and present your case in person.

Where is the Tax Assessor-Collector's office located?

The office is at 411 W. Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX 78205. You can pay in person there, and payments are posted the same day. You can also call their office to pay by phone or ask questions about your account.