How to Fight Your Property Taxes in Bexar County and Win
If you own property in Bexar County, you’ve likely noticed your property tax bill creeping up year after year. The Bexar Appraisal District (BCAD) determines your home’s value, and if you believe it’s too high, you have the right to protest. The good news? Many homeowners successfully challenge their assessments and save hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Here’s how you can fight your property taxes in Bexar County—and win.
Step 1: Understand Your Property Tax Assessment
Each year, BCAD assesses the market value of your home. Your tax bill is based on this valuation. You can check your property’s assessed value on the Bexar Appraisal District website.
If your assessed value is significantly higher than what similar homes in your area are selling for, you may have a strong case for an appeal.
Step 2: Gather Evidence to Support Your Case
To challenge your appraisal, you’ll need solid evidence. Here are a few things that can help:
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Recent Home Sales: Check Zillow, Redfin, or local real estate listings to find recent sales of comparable homes in your neighborhood. If similar homes are selling for less than your assessed value, you have a case.
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BCAD’s Property Records: Review your home’s details on the BCAD website. Errors in square footage, number of rooms, or property condition can help you argue for a lower valuation.
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Photos & Repair Estimates: If your home has damage (foundation issues, roof problems, etc.), take pictures and get repair estimates. A home in poor condition is worth less.
Step 3: File Your Property Tax Protest
The deadline to file a protest in Bexar County is May 15 (or 30 days after receiving your assessment). You can file:
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Online at BCAD’s Online Appeals System
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By Mail by submitting a written protest to BCAD
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In Person at the BCAD office
Step 4: Prepare for Your Hearing
Once you file your protest, you’ll have a chance to present your case in an informal and/or formal hearing:
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Informal Hearing: You’ll meet with a BCAD appraiser to negotiate a lower value. If you provide strong evidence, you may get a reduction here.
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Formal Hearing: If the informal meeting doesn’t go your way, you can take your case to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), a panel of independent citizens.
Step 5: Present Your Case Effectively
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Stay calm and professional.
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Focus on facts—show comparable sales, errors in the appraisal, or evidence of your home’s condition.
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Request a reasonable reduction based on your evidence.
Bonus Tip: Hire a Property Tax Consultant
If you don’t have the time or feel overwhelmed, hiring a property tax consultant can help. These experts typically work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win a reduction.
Final Thoughts
Fighting your property taxes in Bexar County takes some effort, but it can save you a significant amount of money. Many homeowners successfully lower their assessments simply by presenting solid evidence. Whether you go it alone or hire a pro, it’s worth challenging an unfair valuation.
Have you fought your property taxes before? Share your experience in the comments below!