Filing a Residence Homestead Exemption with the Bexar Appraisal District (BCAD) is your most powerful tool to reduce your taxable evaluation, cap appraisal increases at 10% per year, and stack local exemptions (including the 20% City of San Antonio and Bexar County reductions). If you bought a home recently, your exemption does not apply automatically. This guide details BCAD filing requirements, stacking savings, and 2-year retroactive options.
Bexar County TX Homestead Exemption: Rules, 2026 Savings & How to File
Whether you closed on a home in San Antonio, Alamo Heights, Stone Oak, or Converse, filing your BCAD homestead exemption is your top financial priority. Let’s break down the $140,000 school district exemption, local 20% stacking discounts, required driver’s license matching rules, and step-by-step e-filing.
Bexar Appraisal District (BCAD) Directory
Need assistance with your homestead application status, ownership changes, or 2-year retroactive filings? Reach out directly to BCAD support.
San Antonio, TX 78207
San Antonio, TX 78283
What Does a Bexar County Homestead Exemption Do?
A homestead exemption removes part of your home’s assessed value from local taxation. In San Antonio and Bexar County, the savings combine several stacked discounts:
1. School District Exemption ($140,000)
The state-mandated school district exemption is $140,000. This removes $140,000 of your home’s value before school taxes are calculated, saving most homeowners $1,400 to $1,820 annually on school taxes alone.
2. Local Stacking (20% City & County)
Both the City of San Antonio and Bexar County (along with Road & Flood and University Health) grant a 20% optional local exemption. These stack on top of your school exemption to dramatically reduce your overall property tax burden.
3. The 10% Appraisal Cap (HS Limit)
Once your homestead is established, BCAD caps annual increases in your home’s appraised taxable value at 10% per year, safeguarding you against fast-moving local real estate appreciations.
Special Bexar County Exemptions (Over-65 & Disabled)
If you or your spouse meet specific age or disability criteria, you qualify for enhanced tax protections in San Antonio.
Over-65 Exemption
Homeowners aged 65 and older receive an additional $10,000 school district exemption. More importantly, it places a tax ceiling (freeze) on your school district taxes, ensuring your school tax amount cannot increase even if property valuations spike.
Disabled Persons Exemption
Individuals who qualify as disabled under federal law receive the exact same additional $10,000 school exemption and school tax ceiling protections. *(Note: You cannot combine Over-65 and Disabled school ceilings; homeowners choose one)*.
Visualizing Your San Antonio ISD Tax Savings
See how the $140,000 general homestead exemption reduces your baseline taxable value for school districts.
Full Taxable Value
No Exemption Applied
Minus $140,000 ISD Exemption
Immediate Tax Reduction
Official Bexar County Resources & Links
10 Frequently Asked Questions (Bexar County Homestead)
1. Is the Bexar County homestead application free?
Yes. Filing your homestead exemption with the Bexar Appraisal District (BCAD) is 100% free. You never need to pay a third-party group to file this paperwork.
2. What is the deadline to file a homestead exemption in Bexar County?
The standard application deadline is April 30 of the tax year. However, Texas law allows late filing for up to two years after the delinquency date.
3. Why does my Driver’s License address matter to BCAD?
BCAD rejects applications if the address on your Texas Driver’s License or state ID does not match the property address exactly. Update your address online with the Texas DPS before filing.
4. What is the school district homestead exemption amount?
The general school district homestead exemption is $140,000, shielding a significant portion of home value from school taxes.
5. Do local San Antonio and Bexar County taxes offer exemptions?
Yes. Both the City of San Antonio and Bexar County offer an additional 20% optional exemption, which stacks directly on top of your state school exemption.
6. Do I need to re-file for my homestead exemption every year?
No. Once BCAD approves your homestead exemption, it renews automatically year after year until your ownership changes or you move out.
7. How do I check if my Bexar County homestead exemption is active?
Go to the BCAD public property search portal, look up your property, and check the “Exemptions” section. If you see “HS” or “Residence Homestead,” your exemption is active.
8. Can I claim a missed exemption from previous years?
Yes. Under Texas Tax Code §11.431, you can file a late application for up to two previous tax years. If approved, BCAD applies it retroactively and a tax refund is issued.
9. What is the Over-65 tax ceiling?
Homeowners 65 and older receive an extra $10,000 school exemption and a freeze (ceiling) on their school district tax amounts so they cannot rise.
10. What is the contact number for BCAD support?
You can reach the Bexar Appraisal District support team at (210) 242-2432 or visit their office at 411 N. Frio St, San Antonio, TX 78207.