Buying a home in San Antonio and want to lower your property tax bill? The Texas homestead exemption is one of the simplest ways to reduce what you owe each year. If you just closed or you are relocating to Bexar County, getting this right can make a real difference to your monthly budget. In this guide, you will learn who qualifies, what to file, when to file, and how to estimate your savings. Let’s dive in.
What a homestead does
A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence, which lowers your property tax bill. State law sets a baseline exemption for school district taxes, and local taxing units can offer additional exemptions.
In Texas, you file with your county appraisal district, known as the CAD. The CAD reviews your application and applies approved exemptions before tax bills are calculated.
Who qualifies in Texas
To qualify, you must meet the state’s core rules:
- The property is your principal residence.
- You own and occupy the property on January 1 of the tax year.
- You claim only one homestead in Texas at a time.
You can live in a single-family home, condo, townhome, or manufactured home. If the home type has special documentation needs, the CAD will let you know what to provide.
Types of exemptions
General residence homestead
Texas provides a baseline exemption for school district taxes on your primary residence. Some local taxing units may also offer additional relief. Check your local taxing units to see what is available in your area.
Over‑65 and disabled person
If you are age 65 or older, or you qualify as a disabled person, you may receive additional exemptions. A school tax ceiling often applies, which can cap the school district portion of your taxes even if your appraised value rises.
Disabled veteran and surviving spouse
Disabled veterans may qualify for significant exemptions that scale with disability rating. In some cases, the exemption can be very large. Surviving spouses of certain veterans may also qualify based on defined rules.
Local optional exemptions
Counties, cities, hospital districts, emergency service districts, and other taxing units can adopt optional homestead exemptions. These vary by unit, so check your county CAD for current offerings.
Key dates to know
January 1 matters
Eligibility is based on owning and occupying your home on January 1 of the tax year. If you moved in after January 1, you typically wait and file for the next tax year.
Filing window
Aim to file your homestead application by April 30 for that tax year. Your CAD processes applications year-round, but filing by April 30 helps ensure the exemption is in place for upcoming bills.
Moving or status changes
If you move, file a new application with the CAD in your new county, and notify the prior CAD. If you become over 65, qualify as disabled, or your veteran status changes, apply for the added exemptions so you do not miss savings.
Estimate your savings
The simple way to estimate savings is to multiply your total tax rate by your exemption amount.
- Formula: savings = tax rate × exemption amount
- Example: If your school district exemption is $25,000 and your total tax rate is 2.5 percent, your savings would be about $625 for the year.
Your exact amount depends on the exemptions offered by your taxing units and current tax rates. Use your CAD’s resources to confirm local figures.
How to file in Bexar County
Follow these steps if your home is in San Antonio or elsewhere in Bexar County:
- Confirm eligibility
- Make sure you owned and occupied the property on January 1.
- Get the application
- Use the state’s Application for Residence Homestead Exemption. You can find forms through the Texas Comptroller’s exemptions pages, including the official Application for Residence Homestead Exemption (Form 50-114).
- Gather documents
- Proof of ownership, such as your recorded deed or final closing statement.
- Proof of occupancy, such as a Texas driver’s license or state ID that shows the property address. If your ID does not match yet, provide other accepted proofs like vehicle registration, voter registration, or a utility bill.
- If applying for over‑65 or disabled exemptions, include proof of age or disability. If applying as a disabled veteran, include VA documentation showing status and rating.
- Submit to the CAD
- File with the Bexar County Appraisal District. Many CADs accept mail, in person, or online submissions. Check the CAD website for current instructions via the Texas Comptroller’s CAD directory.
- Watch for confirmation
- Keep copies of everything you submit. The CAD will mail you a decision. If approved in time, your exemption should show on the next tax statements.
- If approved after bills
- If approval comes after bills are issued, follow the CAD’s guidance on any refund or credit procedures.
Comal and Guadalupe notes
If your home is in Comal or Guadalupe County, the process is the same. Use the Texas Comptroller CAD directory to navigate to your county’s CAD website, download the application, and review local submission options.
Smart filing tips
- Update your ID address promptly so it matches your property address.
- File only once. Your homestead typically stays in place until you move or your status changes.
- Keep proof of age or disability handy if you qualify for added exemptions. Apply as soon as you are eligible.
- If you are a veteran, gather VA documents early to avoid delays.
- Save a digital copy of your completed application and supporting documents.
Helpful resources
- Review state rules and download forms on the Texas Comptroller’s exemptions overview.
- Use the Application for Residence Homestead Exemption (Form 50-114) to apply.
- Find your county appraisal district site through the Texas Comptroller CAD directory.
Wrap-up
Claiming your Texas homestead exemption is one of the easiest tax steps you can take as a San Antonio homeowner. Focus on the January 1 rule, file by April 30, and keep your documents organized. If you qualify for over‑65, disabled person, or disabled veteran exemptions, add those benefits so you do not leave savings on the table.
If you are buying, selling, or relocating across Bexar, Comal, or Guadalupe counties, get tailored guidance from a local, finance-savvy broker who understands both the numbers and your timeline. Connect with Cynthia Emerson for a quick, friendly consult.
FAQs
What is the Texas homestead exemption in San Antonio?
- It reduces the taxable value of your primary residence, lowering property taxes, with a state baseline for school district taxes and possible local add-ons.
When should a new homeowner file in Bexar County?
- File as soon as you own and occupy on January 1, and aim to submit your application by April 30 for that tax year.
Can I claim the exemption if I closed after January 1?
- Generally no for that tax year; you can apply for the next tax year once you meet the January 1 ownership and occupancy requirement.
Do I have to refile every year in Texas?
- No; once approved, the homestead exemption usually remains until you move or your eligibility changes, but notify the CAD if status changes.
What proof do I need with my application?
- Provide proof of ownership and proof of occupancy; add proof of age, disability, or veteran status if you seek those additional exemptions.
How do I estimate my tax savings?
- Multiply your total tax rate by your exemption amount; for example, 2.5 percent times a $25,000 exemption equals about $625 in savings.
Are condos and manufactured homes eligible?
- Yes, if the property is your principal residence and you meet ownership and occupancy rules; some property types may require specific documents.
What happens if I move within Texas?
- File a new homestead application with your new county’s CAD and notify your prior CAD so your old exemption is removed.
