Bexar County Homestead Exemption: 2026 Rules, Savings, Over-65 Benefits & Filing Guide
A Bexar County residence homestead exemption can lower the taxable value of the Texas home you own and use as your principal residence. For 2026, every qualifying Texas residence homestead receives a mandatory $140,000 school-district exemption, while homeowners age 65 or older or qualifying as disabled receive an additional $60,000 school exemption.
Bexar homeowners can receive even more local relief. Bexar County has adopted the maximum 20% local-option homestead exemption, and residents inside San Antonio also benefit from the City’s 20% general residence homestead exemption. Your exact savings depend on the taxing units attached to your property.
Who Qualifies for a Bexar County Residence Homestead Exemption?
A homestead exemption is for the home that functions as your principal residence—not simply any property you own in Bexar County.
You have an ownership interest
You must own all or part of the property. Qualifying ownership can include certain beneficial interests in trusts, life estates and heir-property interests when Texas requirements are satisfied.
It is your principal residence
You must actually use the property as your principal home. A rental, ordinary investment property or second/vacation home does not qualify as your residence homestead.
Only one residence homestead
The application requires you to state that you are not claiming another residence-homestead exemption in Texas or elsewhere.
Which Bexar Homestead Benefits Should You Check?
Answer a few questions to identify the benefits that may apply. This is a screening tool—not an approval decision by the chief appraiser.
BCAD’s chief appraiser determines actual eligibility. Local-option exemptions can vary by city, school district and special district.
How Much Is the Bexar County Homestead Exemption in 2026?
There is no single dollar figure that applies to every line on a Bexar County tax bill. Each taxing unit applies the state-mandated or locally adopted exemption available to that unit.
| Taxing Authority / Benefit | Homestead Relief | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Your school district | $140,000 | Mandatory 2026 general residence-homestead exemption from school taxable value. |
| School district — age 65+ or disabled | Additional $60,000 | Can bring the state-mandated school exemption to $200,000 for a qualifying over-65 or disabled homeowner. You do not receive two separate $60,000 additions from the same school district for being both 65+ and disabled. |
| Bexar County | 20% | Bexar County adopted the maximum local-option percentage homestead exemption. |
| Bexar County Road & Flood | $3,000 + local option | Counties collecting qualifying farm-to-market or flood-control taxes must provide the statutory $3,000 exemption; Bexar’s tax table also reflects local homestead relief. |
| City of San Antonio | 20% | The City’s FY 2026 budget maintains the maximum state-allowed percentage homestead exemption. |
| Other cities / special districts | Varies | Alamo Colleges, University Health, San Antonio River Authority and Bexar municipalities can each adopt their own local-option exemption amounts. |
Estimate Your 2026 School Homestead Tax Savings
The simplest predictable benefit to estimate is the mandatory school exemption. Enter your appraised/capped value and your school district’s tax rate per $100 of taxable value.
Simplified estimate only. This calculator does not include local-option school exemptions, tax ceilings, appraisal-cap differences, city/county/special-district taxes, new improvements or other credits.
How the Texas 10% Homestead Appraisal Cap Works in Bexar County
The homestead exemption can save money twice: exemptions subtract taxable value, and the appraisal limitation can restrict how quickly the homestead’s appraised value grows after the cap takes effect.
Market value
BCAD still estimates the property’s market value. Market value can rise by more than 10% in a year.
Capped appraised value
Once the limitation applies, the value used for property-tax purposes generally cannot exceed the prior year’s appraised value plus 10%, plus the value of qualifying new improvements.
Bexar County Over-65 and Disabled Homestead Benefits
Older and qualifying disabled homeowners can receive more than the regular homestead exemption. Two benefits matter most: additional exemptions and tax ceilings.
Additional school exemption
Texas school districts must provide an additional $60,000 residence-homestead exemption to a qualifying homeowner age 65 or older or disabled.
School tax ceiling
Once an eligible over-65 or disabled homeowner receives the exemption, a school-district tax ceiling generally limits future school taxes on that homestead, subject to statutory adjustments such as qualifying new improvements.
Local Bexar ceilings
In addition to school districts, several Bexar County taxing units have adopted tax ceilings for qualifying over-65 or disabled homesteads.
| Benefit | Age 65+ | Disabled | Key Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60,000 additional school exemption | Yes | Yes | Mandatory under Texas law. |
| School tax ceiling | Yes | Yes | Limits qualifying future school taxes; it does not freeze market value. |
| Bexar County local exemption | Local amount applies | Local amount applies | Local-option dollar benefits depend on the taxing unit. |
| City of San Antonio benefit | $85,000 local exemption | $85,000 local exemption | San Antonio’s FY 2026 budget continues these local exemptions and its tax freeze. |
Can You Transfer an Over-65 or Disabled Tax Ceiling to Another Home?
Potentially yes. Texas allows qualifying homeowners to transfer a percentage of an existing school tax ceiling when moving to another qualifying Texas residence homestead.
Apply for homestead at the new home
You cannot simply move the exemption record. You need to qualify the new property as your residence homestead.
Tell BCAD you are transferring a tax limitation
Form 50-114 includes a question about transferring a tax limitation. Provide the former residence information so the applicable percentage can be determined.
Check local-unit portability
School tax ceilings transfer under state rules. County, city or junior-college ceilings can also transfer in qualifying situations when the relevant taxing unit has adopted a ceiling and statutory conditions are satisfied.
How to File the Bexar County Homestead Exemption
File with Bexar Central Appraisal District (BCAD)—not with the Texas Comptroller and not with the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector.
Look up your BCAD property record
Confirm that the address, property ID and ownership information are correct. If BCAD still shows a former owner, you can provide the recorded deed to help update the ownership record.
BCAD Property Search ↗Prepare Form 50-114
The current Texas form is the Application for Residence Homestead Exemption, Form 50-114. Select every exemption category for which you are applying.
Open Form 50-114 ↗Attach matching identification
Include the required Texas driver’s license or Texas ID showing the homestead address unless you qualify for a statutory alternative.
Add ownership documents when BCAD needs them
If BCAD records do not yet list you as the owner, include the recorded deed. Heir-property, deceased-owner, trust and manufactured-home situations can require different supporting records.
Submit online, electronically, by mail, fax or in person
BCAD encourages its online services portal. Paper applications can also be submitted through approved BCAD delivery methods.
BCAD Online Services ↗Verify approval and future notices
Once approved, the exemption generally remains in effect while you remain eligible, but BCAD can send verification requests or audit letters. Respond by the stated deadline.
What Is the Bexar County Homestead Exemption Deadline?
The normal timely filing deadline for a residence-homestead exemption is April 30—in other words, before May 1. Missing that date does not always mean the exemption is permanently lost.
Timely filing
File the required residence-homestead application before May 1 for the normal tax-year filing window.
Late regular homestead filing
Texas allows a residence-homestead application to be filed as late as two years after the date the taxes become delinquent, subject to the late-application statute.
Disabled-veteran filing
Certain disabled-veteran exemption applications receive a longer late-filing period—up to five years after the applicable delinquency date under Texas law.
What Documents Does BCAD Need for a Homestead Exemption?
Most homeowners
- Completed Form 50-114.
- Texas driver’s license or Texas ID.
- ID address matching the homestead address.
- Property address and acquisition date.
- Date you began occupying the home.
If ownership is not updated
- Copy of recorded deed.
- Death certificate when relevant.
- Probated will or recorded affidavit of heirship where applicable.
- Other evidence requested for an heir-property claim.
Special exemptions
- Disability documentation where required.
- VA letter for disabled-veteran benefits.
- Surviving-spouse documentation.
- Manufactured-home Statement of Ownership.
- Additional records requested by BCAD.
Can a Bexar County Mobile Home Qualify if You Do Not Own the Land?
Yes. BCAD states that a qualifying owner can receive a general residence-homestead exemption on a manufactured or mobile home even when the land underneath it is leased or owned by someone else.
You may qualify when…
- You own the manufactured/mobile home.
- It is your principal residence.
- You are listed as the owner on the TDHCA Statement of Ownership.
- The home is physically located at the claimed residence address.
You generally do not qualify when…
- You rent the mobile home.
- You live there but do not own the home.
- It is a second home.
- It is being used as a rental property rather than your principal residence.
How Co-Ownership Can Reduce the Homestead Exemption
When multiple people own a property but not every owner qualifies it as a residence homestead, the exemption can be limited according to the qualifying owner’s ownership interest.
If BCAD’s ownership percentages are incorrect, address the deed/ownership record first rather than assuming the exemption calculation itself is wrong.
Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemptions in Bexar County
100% disabled veteran
A veteran with a qualifying 100% service-connected disability rating or qualifying individual-unemployability determination from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can receive a total property-tax exemption on the qualifying residence homestead.
Partial disability ratings
Texas also provides fixed-dollar disabled-veteran exemptions based on qualifying service-connected disability percentages.
- 10%–29%: $5,000.
- 30%–49%: $7,500.
- 50%–69%: $10,000.
- 70%–100%: $12,000.
New 2026 surviving-spouse protection
Beginning with tax year 2026, Texas added a total residence-homestead exemption for certain surviving spouses of veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected condition, even when the veteran did not have a 100% disability rating at death, if all statutory requirements are met.
Bexar County Property-Tax Deferral for Age 65+ or Disabled Homeowners
A deferral is not the same as an exemption or a tax freeze. It postpones collection; it does not erase the underlying property-tax debt.
Homestead exemption / tax ceiling
- Reduces taxable value or limits qualifying taxes.
- Can permanently reduce what is owed.
- Does not operate as a loan against the property.
Tax deferral
- Postpones payment.
- Does not cancel the tax.
- Deferred balances accrue statutory interest.
- Past tax and interest become payable after the statutory post-qualification period ends.
Special Property-Tax Payment Options for Qualifying Bexar Homeowners
Once BCAD grants an age-65, disability or certain veteran-related exemption, Bexar County’s Tax Assessor-Collector can offer payment options that are separate from the exemption itself.
Four-installment option
Qualifying homeowners can pay property taxes in four installments under Texas law when the appropriate exemption is on the residence homestead.
Bexar 10-month payment plan
Bexar County also advertises a special 10-month payment plan for qualifying residence homesteads with an age-65, disabled-person, disabled-veteran or qualifying surviving-spouse exemption.
Do You Have to Reapply for Bexar Homestead Every Year?
Usually no. Once BCAD approves the exemption, it generally stays in place as long as the property and homeowner continue to qualify.
Usually no new application when…
- You continue owning the home.
- It remains your principal residence.
- You remain eligible for the exemption.
- BCAD has not required a new verification response.
Pay attention when…
- You move to another residence.
- Ownership changes.
- An exemption recipient dies.
- BCAD sends a homestead audit or verification letter.
- You become newly eligible for age-65, disability or veteran benefits.
BCAD vs Bexar County Tax Office: Where Should You Go?
| Your Task | Correct Office | What That Office Does |
|---|---|---|
| Apply for homestead exemption | Bexar Central Appraisal District | Reviews Form 50-114 and determines exemption eligibility. |
| Correct appraised value | BCAD / Appraisal Review Board | Handles property appraisal and protest process. |
| Correct owner/address in appraisal record | BCAD | Maintains appraisal ownership and mailing information using recorded documentation. |
| Pay property tax | Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector | Collects taxes for Bexar County and numerous local taxing entities. |
| Request installment plan | Tax Assessor-Collector | Administers qualifying payment arrangements. |
| Record a deed | Bexar County Clerk | Maintains real-property recording records; BCAD later receives ownership information. |
Common Bexar County Homestead Problems and the Next Step
I missed April 30
Residence homestead exemptions have a statutory late-filing route. Missing the normal deadline does not automatically mean you lost every prior-year benefit.
Next: file as soon as possible and identify the tax year(s) requested on Form 50-114.
BCAD still shows the seller
Ownership transfers can take time to flow from recorded deed records into the appraisal system.
Next: submit a copy of the recorded deed to BCAD if you need to expedite the ownership update.
My driver’s license has my old address
The matching-address requirement is a major homestead eligibility check.
Next: update your Texas identification or determine whether you qualify for a statutory exception before filing.
I moved from another Texas homestead
Exemptions do not simply transfer by themselves.
Next: remove the former exemption as appropriate, apply for the new residence and identify the prior homestead on Form 50-114.
My market value rose more than 10%
The 10% limitation applies to the qualifying appraised/capped value—not necessarily to BCAD’s displayed market value.
Next: compare market value with appraised value and the homestead cap adjustment on your BCAD record.
My tax bill still increased
A homestead exemption does not freeze every tax rate or every taxing unit.
Next: compare each taxing unit’s taxable value, exemption, rate and any tax ceiling separately.
BCAD canceled my exemption
A canceled or reduced exemption notice means the current appraisal record no longer contains the same benefit as the prior year.
Next: read the notice reason immediately and respond with the missing residency, ownership or eligibility documentation if appropriate.
A company wants money to file for me
Applying directly through BCAD is free.
Next: use BCAD’s official portal or Form 50-114 rather than paying simply because a solicitation looks governmental.
Bexar Central Appraisal District Homestead Contact
Contact BCAD for homestead eligibility, appraisal records, exemption applications, owner/address corrections and exemption verification.
Bexar Central Appraisal District
Bexar County Homestead Exemption FAQs
How much is the Bexar County homestead exemption in 2026?
The mandatory school-district residence homestead exemption is $140,000 for 2026. Bexar County also maintains a 20% local-option general homestead exemption. Other taxing units can have different local exemptions.
What is the homestead exemption for people age 65 or older in Bexar County?
A qualifying homeowner age 65 or older receives the general $140,000 school exemption plus the mandatory additional $60,000 school exemption, along with any applicable local exemptions and tax ceilings offered by the property’s taxing units.
What is the deadline to file for homestead exemption in Bexar County?
The normal filing deadline is April 30, before May 1. Texas also permits qualifying late residence-homestead applications within the statutory late-filing period.
Can I file a Bexar County homestead exemption late?
Yes. A regular residence-homestead exemption application can generally be filed up to two years after the date the taxes become delinquent. Certain disabled-veteran applications have different late-filing periods.
Do I have to reapply for Bexar homestead every year?
Usually no. Once approved, the exemption generally remains in effect while you continue to qualify, although BCAD can request updated verification or documentation.
How do I apply for the Bexar County homestead exemption?
Submit Texas Form 50-114 and required documentation to Bexar Central Appraisal District. BCAD allows online filing and also accepts applications through its other approved submission methods.
Is there a fee to file a Bexar County homestead exemption?
No. BCAD does not charge a fee to apply for a residence-homestead exemption or use its appraisal-district exemption services.
Does my driver’s-license address have to match my homestead?
Generally yes. BCAD normally requires a Texas driver’s license or personal ID certificate with an address corresponding to the property. Texas law provides limited exceptions for certain applicants.
Can I get homestead if I bought my Bexar County home after January 1?
Potentially yes. A qualifying purchaser can receive the general residence-homestead exemption for the applicable portion of the tax year immediately on qualification when the previous owner did not already receive that exemption for the same year.
Does the Bexar homestead cap limit market value increases to 10%?
No. Market value can rise by more than 10%. The residence-homestead appraisal limitation restricts the qualifying appraised value used for taxation, generally to the prior year’s appraised value plus 10% and the value of qualifying new improvements, subject to the statutory formula.
When does the 10% homestead cap begin?
The limitation begins January 1 of the tax year following the first year the homeowner qualifies the property for the residence-homestead exemption.
Can a manufactured home qualify if I lease the land?
Yes. BCAD states that an owner of a qualifying manufactured or mobile home can receive a homestead exemption even when the land is leased or belongs to someone else. If you do not own the land, the exemption applies to the qualifying home rather than the other person’s land.
Can two owners each get the full homestead exemption on the same property?
Not necessarily. When only some co-owners occupy and qualify the property as their homestead, the exemption can be affected by each qualifying owner’s ownership interest.
Does a 100% disabled veteran pay property tax on a Bexar County homestead?
A veteran meeting Texas’ requirements for the 100% disabled-veteran residence-homestead exemption can receive a total exemption from property taxation on the qualifying homestead.
What changed for certain surviving spouses of veterans in 2026?
Beginning with tax year 2026, Texas provides a total residence-homestead exemption for certain qualifying surviving spouses of veterans whose death was determined to result from a service-connected condition, subject to all statutory requirements.
Does BCAD collect my Bexar County property taxes?
No. BCAD appraises property and administers exemptions. The Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector and other collectors handle property-tax payments.
Bexar Homestead Exemption Official Links
Use these primary sources to file, verify current exemption rules and check your property record.