Tax Assessor-Collector

The Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector handles several services that residents, property owners, vehicle owners, and businesses may need, including property tax collection, vehicle registration and title transactions, and certain alcoholic beverage permit functions. This article explains what the office does, which tax matters belong to another agency, how property tax billing and payment work, available payment plans, vehicle registration requirements, office locations and hours, and the information to prepare before using county services.

Services Handled by the Tax Office

The Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector is a countywide elected office responsible for several different government functions. The office collects ad valorem property taxes for Bexar County and other taxing entities for which it has collection responsibilities. It also provides motor vehicle registration and titling services and handles beer, wine, and related permit functions described by the county.

For most residents, the two most common reasons for dealing with the Tax Assessor-Collector are property taxes and motor vehicle transactions. Those services involve different records and requirements, so residents should make sure they are using the correct section of the Tax Office website before submitting information or making a payment.

The Tax Assessor-Collector also emphasizes assistance with property tax payment options. The office offers multiple installment arrangements, including options for qualifying senior citizens, disabled residents, and disabled veterans. Eligibility and deadlines differ by plan, so a taxpayer should identify the applicable payment arrangement before sending an installment.

Property Values and Tax Collection

One of the most important distinctions for property owners is the difference between the Tax Assessor-Collector and the Bexar Appraisal District. The Tax Assessor-Collector does not set property values and does not establish tax rates. Its role is to assess and collect taxes using property values and exemptions certified by the appraisal district and tax rates adopted by the applicable taxing jurisdictions.

The Bexar Appraisal District identifies and appraises property for taxation. It also determines ownership information, administers applicable exemptions, maintains mailing information, and calculates certain tax ceilings. Questions about an appraised value, ownership record, mailing address, exemption status, or a protest of an assessed value belong with the appraisal district rather than the county Tax Assessor-Collector.

Tax rates are adopted by the governing bodies of the individual taxing jurisdictions. After those rates are adopted and forwarded to the Tax Assessor-Collector, they are applied to taxable values after applicable exemptions. The resulting calculations appear on the property tax statement. The county's official tax rate information explains this relationship between taxing jurisdictions, certified values, exemptions, and the final levy.

How the Tax Cycle Works

For property tax purposes, January 1 is the effective date of the tax roll. A tax lien automatically attaches to taxable property on that date to secure the tax liability. During the year, appraisal districts identify and appraise real and business personal property, while local taxing jurisdictions adopt the rates needed to fund their budgets.

The collection phase begins October 1. The Tax Assessor-Collector calculates and collects taxes according to the values and exemptions certified by the appraisal district and the rates adopted by each applicable jurisdiction. Bexar County taxpayers may see charges from several taxing entities on the same account, including county, flood control, education, health, river authority, municipal, school district, or special district jurisdictions where applicable.

Property Tax Bills and Deadlines

The county's property tax information page explains the billing process, payment deadlines, tax searches, account management options, and other property tax functions. Unless an account qualifies for a different schedule such as a split-payment or installment arrangement, property taxes generally must be paid by January 31 of the year following the year in which the taxes were imposed.

Taxes become delinquent on February 1, and past-due accounts are subject to penalty and interest. Additional collection fees may also apply when delinquent accounts are turned over for collection under applicable rules. Because deadlines are established by law, a taxpayer should not assume that a missing statement changes the payment deadline.

Missing Tax Statements

Failure to receive a tax statement does not invalidate the tax, eliminate penalty or interest, change the due date, remove the tax lien, or stop collection procedures. Property owners who do not receive a statement may request a duplicate from the Tax Office or check their account status through the county's property tax systems.

If a mortgage company or another authorized agent has requested the tax notice, the billing process may involve that agent. The county states that tax statements may be mailed as a courtesy to both the mortgage company and the owner of record. A homeowner whose taxes are paid through an escrow account may forward a received statement to the mortgage company.

Property Sold During the Year

For tax purposes, the person who owned the property on January 1 of the tax year is personally liable for that year's tax even if the property is sold later in the year. The tax lien follows the property. This distinction can matter when reviewing a bill after a sale, because changes in ownership do not automatically erase the tax liability associated with the tax year.

Property Tax Payment Options

The Tax Assessor-Collector accepts property tax payments through several arrangements. Taxpayers should pay close attention to the deadlines that apply to a particular plan because a late installment may affect eligibility for penalty-free treatment.

Regular and Partial Payments

Taxpayers are not necessarily required to pay the entire balance in a single transaction. Partial payments are accepted. However, unless the account qualifies for a specific installment plan, the entire amount must generally be paid by January 31 to avoid penalty and interest.

Half-Payment Option

The half-payment option allows the current year's base tax to be paid in two equal installments without penalty and interest when the taxpayer meets both required deadlines:

At least one-half of the base tax must be paid on or before November 30 of the tax year.
The remaining amount must be paid on or before June 30 of the following year.

The amount applicable to the half-payment option is shown on the original tax bill for the year.

Four-Payment Plan

The four-payment plan applies only to qualifying residence homesteads and eligible taxpayers who are disabled, age 65 or older, or considered totally disabled under SSI. Qualified taxpayers may make four equal installments without penalty and interest when payments are made according to the required schedule:

First payment: on or before January 31.
Second payment: on or before March 31.
Third payment: on or before May 31.
Fourth payment: on or before July 31.

Ten-Month Payment Plan

The Tax Assessor-Collector also offers a 10-month payment plan for a qualifying residential homestead. According to county information, the property must be occupied as the taxpayer's residential homestead and have one of the specified exemptions, including a disabled person exemption, age 65 or over exemption, disabled veteran exemption, or a qualifying surviving-spouse exemption.

Eligible taxpayers may begin in October and make ten equal installments through July without penalty and interest when the required schedule is followed. A taxpayer may still enter the plan in November by making a 20% payment covering the October and November installments.

Payment-option deadlines are governed by the Property Tax Code. For mailed payments, the U.S. Postal Service postmark is used to determine timeliness. Failure to receive a reminder notice does not extend a payment deadline.

Paying Property Taxes Electronically

The county's online property tax payment page provides credit card, electronic check, and telephone payment information. Taxpayers should have the correct 12-digit tax account number before beginning an electronic transaction.

Credit Card Payments

Major credit cards may be used through the Tax Assessor-Collector's authorized payment agent. A convenience charge of 2.10% is added by the payment processor. The taxpayer needs the 12-digit tax account number and credit card information. Credit card payments may also be made through the listed telephone payment system.

Electronic Check Payments

Electronic check payments do not carry an eCheck charge. To complete the transaction, the taxpayer needs the 12-digit tax account number, checking account number, and the bank routing number shown on the check rather than a deposit slip.

The county advises taxpayers to confirm that their bank account is authorized for electronic payment transmission before submitting the transaction. Regular U.S. checking accounts using U.S. dollars may be used. Money orders, cashier's checks, and checks issued from certain money market, credit, brokerage, home equity, or similar accounts cannot be processed as eCheck payments.

Posting and Confirmation

Credit card and eCheck payments may take three to five business days to process and appear on the tax account. The payment is posted as of the date of the online transaction. Because an email confirmation is sent, taxpayers using aggressive spam filtering should allow the payment confirmation message to reach their inbox.

Exemptions and Appraisal Matters

Property tax exemptions can reduce the taxable value of qualifying property, but exemption decisions are generally handled by the Bexar Appraisal District. Examples described by the county include the general residence homestead exemption, disabled homestead exemption, exemptions for qualifying disabled veterans, and the over-65 exemption.

Property owners should keep their appraisal records accurate, including the owner's name, mailing address, property description, and applicable exemptions. Corrections made by the appraisal district are forwarded to the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector.

The Tax Office warns homeowners that applying for a residential homestead exemption is free and cautions against companies charging a processing fee for the application. Tax-related forms available through the county include homestead exemption materials, tax deferral forms, refund applications, tax certificate requests, agricultural rollback estimate requests, and other documents. The county maintains an official Tax and Vehicle forms page for these materials.

Value Protests

A property owner who disagrees with an assessed value may file a protest with the appraisal district. County information identifies the general protest deadline as May 15 or 30 days after the appraisal notice is mailed, whichever is later. Because the Tax Assessor-Collector does not determine the appraised value, submitting a valuation dispute to the Tax Office does not substitute for the appraisal district protest process.

Vehicle Registration Services

The Tax Assessor-Collector also handles local motor vehicle registration and title transactions. The county's vehicle registration and renewal page lists documents, fees, renewal methods, and special requirements.

Vehicle registration and title transfers require proof of insurance. As of January 1, 2025, safety inspections are no longer required for non-commercial vehicles, although the state's $7.50 Inspection Replacement Fee continues to be included in annual registration costs.

Documents for Registration

For registration or renewal, the county identifies the following information and documentation:

A registration renewal notice, Texas license plate number, or Vehicle Identification Number.
A U.S. government-issued or state-issued photo ID.
Current proof of insurance meeting Texas liability requirements.

The liability limits stated by the county are at least $30,000 for injury, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

Online Vehicle Renewal

Online renewal is available through the state system. A registration may generally be renewed online beginning 90 days before expiration and up to 12 months after expiration when the vehicle owner has not received a citation for expired registration. The expiration month does not change.

Before beginning, the vehicle owner should have the license plate number, last four digits of the VIN, insurance information, and payment information available. The county states that transactions should be performed using Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome so credit card information can be validated.

If an online session times out and the transaction shows an “In Process” status, the county directs the user to wait 48 hours before trying the registration request again.

Expired Vehicle Registration

When registration is expired, the county directs vehicle owners to visit a Bexar County Tax Office location or one of the county's referenced auto title and registration service locations. Current proof of insurance and a government-issued photo ID should be brought to the renewal transaction.

Mail and Drop-Off Renewal

Vehicle registration may also be renewed by mail. The renewal package should include the renewal form, payment other than cash, and a photocopy of proof of insurance. The county advises allowing up to 15 days for processing a registration sticker by mail.

Vehicle transactions may also be left in Tax Office drop boxes after hours. The county likewise advises allowing up to 15 days for processing a registration sticker submitted through a drop box.

Office Visits and Business Hours

Bexar County operates multiple Tax Office locations. According to the county's Tax Office locations and hours page, appointments are not necessary and walk-in customers are welcome.

Regular office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Wednesday hours are extended to 6:30 p.m. Offices are closed on county holidays. Dealer window hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with dealer windows closed on the last business day of the month.

The county lists a main downtown office along with Northeast, Northwest, Southside, and Precinct 4 offices. The Southside location is identified as offering drive-thru payment services for tax purposes. Before traveling to an office, residents can review the official locations page for current operating information and county holiday closures.

Getting Help From the Office

Questions about property taxes, motor vehicles, or other Tax Assessor-Collector matters can be submitted through the county's Tax Office Help Tool. The tool first presents information based on the selected subject and topic. If the information does not resolve the question, the system can display an email template for contacting the office.

This can be useful when a resident is unsure which Tax Office function applies to a problem. Before contacting the office, it helps to identify whether the issue concerns a property tax account, a payment, an exemption handled by the appraisal district, a vehicle registration, a vehicle title transaction, or another service. Providing the correct account or vehicle information can reduce confusion between separate county and state systems.

Common Tax Office Mistakes

Several common problems can be avoided by distinguishing the responsibilities of the agencies involved and preparing information before starting a transaction.

Do not contact the Tax Assessor-Collector to dispute an appraised property value. Valuation protests and appraisal record corrections belong with the Bexar Appraisal District.

Do not assume that a missing property tax statement postpones the tax deadline. The tax, lien, penalty, interest, and due date remain valid even when a statement is not received.

Do not begin an online property tax payment without the 12-digit tax account number.

For eCheck payments, use the routing number associated with the checking account rather than the number printed on a deposit slip.

Do not assume an electronic payment will appear immediately. The county states that credit card and eCheck payments may require three to five business days to process and post.

Do not assume that making one partial tax payment automatically creates an installment plan. Specific plans have eligibility rules, required amounts, and statutory deadlines.

For vehicle registration, bring current proof of insurance and government-issued identification when required.

When renewing a vehicle online, have the plate number, last four digits of the VIN, insurance information, and payment information ready before starting the session.

If an online vehicle renewal times out and remains marked “In Process,” follow the county instruction to wait 48 hours before attempting the request again.

Relevant Departments and Offices

Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector
Vista Verde Plaza Building
233 N. Pecos La Trinidad
San Antonio, TX 78207
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 839950, San Antonio, TX 78283-3950
Phone: 210-335-2251

Bexar Appraisal District
411 N. Frio
San Antonio, TX 78207
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 830248, San Antonio, TX 78283-0248
Phone: 210-224-2432

Tax Assessor-Collector FAQs

Why might a small property tax balance not appear on a bill?

Bexar County states that property tax accounts with a total amount of $15 or less may be withheld rather than immediately billed. The account remains part of the tax records, and the amount may be carried forward until the aggregate balance becomes greater than $15. Property owners who are expecting a very small bill can review the county's official property tax information and check the account balance instead of assuming the tax was removed.

How do I get a Bexar County tax certificate?

A tax certificate shows the current status of property taxes on an account. If taxes are delinquent, the certificate also reflects the penalty and interest due according to the tax records. Bexar County charges $10 for each tax certificate and requires payment in advance. The county includes a Tax Certificate Request among its official tax and vehicle forms.

Can active-duty military members postpone property taxes?

Texas law allows certain active-duty military members to defer property taxes when they are serving outside Texas during a war or national emergency declared under federal law. Qualifying taxes may be paid without penalty or interest for up to 60 days after the earliest applicable event, such as discharge, returning to Texas for more than 10 days, returning to non-active reserve status, or the end of the war or national emergency. Bexar County requires the applicable military tax deferral application and military orders.

How is a tax lien released from a manufactured home?

Manufactured homes can have property tax liens recorded with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Under the process described in the county's property tax FAQs, title generally cannot be transferred while a perfected tax lien remains outstanding. The taxes connected with the lien must be satisfied or otherwise resolved so the lien can be released before the ownership transfer proceeds.