Property Tax in San Antonio: Everything You Need to Know

Property tax is a significant financial obligation that comes with owning real estate in San Antonio. Property tax is used to fund essential services and infrastructure projects in the city, such as schools, roads, and public safety.

Property tax rates in San Antonio are determined by a variety of factors, including the assessed value of the property, the type of property, and the location of the property.

In San Antonio, the Bexar Appraisal District is responsible for assessing the value of all taxable properties in the county.

Property owners have the right to protest their assessed value if they believe it is too high.

The deadline for filing a protest is May 15th or 30 days after the appraisal district mails the notice, whichever is later.

Property owners who do not agree with the appraisal district’s decision can further appeal their case to the Appraisal Review Board.

Key Takeaways

• Property tax is a significant financial obligation that comes with owning real estate in San Antonio.
• The Bexar Appraisal District is responsible for assessing the value of all taxable properties in the county.
• Property owners have the right to protest their assessed value if they believe it is too high.
• During last year’s session, the Texas Legislature passed sweeping changes that resulted in significant declines to property tax rates across the state.

Overview of Property Tax in San Antonio

Property tax is a tax on real estate property in San Antonio that is collected by the local government. The tax is based on the assessed value of the property, which is determined by the Bexar Appraisal District.

The tax rate is set by the various taxing entities, such as the city, county, school district, and other special districts.

In San Antonio, property tax is the primary source of revenue for the local government. It is used to fund a variety of services, including public schools, law enforcement, roads and bridges, and other public services.

Property tax is an ad valorem tax, meaning it is based on the value of the property.

The property tax bill is calculated by multiplying the assessed value of the property by the tax rate.

The tax bill is usually sent out in October and is due by January 31st of the following year. Property owners have the option to pay their property taxes in full or in installments.

It is important to note that property owners have the right to protest their assessed value if they believe it is too high.

The deadline to protest is May 15th or 30 days after the notice is mailed, whichever is later. Property owners can contact the Bexar Appraisal District at 210-224-8511 to speak to one of their appraisers for additional information regarding the appeal process.

Overall, property tax is an essential aspect of the San Antonio local government’s revenue and is used to fund a variety of public services. Property owners should be aware of their property tax bill and understand their rights to protest their assessed value if they believe it is too high.

Legal Framework Governing Property Taxes

State Legislation

In Texas, property taxes are governed by state law, specifically the Texas Property Tax Code. The code establishes the procedures for assessing, collecting, and protesting property taxes.

Property owners have the right to protest their assessed value, and the deadline for filing a protest is May 15th or 30 days after the notice is mailed, whichever is later.

Property owners can contact the Bexar Appraisal District at 210-224-8511 to speak to one of their appraisers for additional information regarding the appeal process.

Local Ordinances

San Antonio has its own set of local ordinances that govern property taxes. The City of San Antonio has an agreement with the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office to provide property tax billing and collection services. Property owners can pay their taxes online or by phone through the Bexar County Tax Office.

The City Council of San Antonio has proposed lowering its property tax rate as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Proposed Budget, which would provide additional property tax relief to homeowners in the city.

In addition to state and local laws, there are also federal laws that affect property taxes. For example, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 introduced changes to the federal tax code that affect property owners. Under the new law, the deduction for state and local taxes, including property taxes, is limited to $10,000 per year.

Property owners should consult with a tax professional to understand how federal, state, and local laws affect their property taxes.

Overall, the legal framework governing property taxes in San Antonio is complex and subject to change.

Property owners should stay informed about changes to the law and consult with a tax professional to ensure they are paying the correct amount of property taxes.

Property Tax Calculation

Assessed Property Value

The assessed property value is the basis for calculating property taxes in San Antonio. It is determined by the Bexar Appraisal District, which assesses the value of the property based on its market value and other factors such as age, condition, and location.

Property owners can protest their assessed value if they believe it is too high. The deadline to protest is May 15th or 30 days after the notice is mailed, whichever is later.

Tax Rates and Levies

The tax rate in San Antonio is set annually by the governing bodies of the city, county, and other taxing entities such as school districts and special districts.

The tax rate is expressed in cents per $100 of assessed value. The total tax rate for a property is the sum of the tax rates for all taxing entities that have jurisdiction over the property.

In addition to the tax rate, some properties may be subject to special levies such as bond or debt service levies.

These levies are used to pay for specific projects or services such as schools, roads, or public safety. The amount of these levies is determined by the governing body that authorized them and is added to the property tax bill.

It is important to note that property taxes are due on January 31st of the following year and become delinquent on February 1st.

Failure to pay property taxes can result in penalties and interest charges.

Overall, property tax calculation in San Antonio is a complex process that involves several factors such as assessed value, tax rates, and levies. Property owners should be aware of these factors and their impact on their property tax bill.