About Property Tax
The Bexar County Appraisal District (BCAD) decides the property value of your home. BCAD assesses the property values of all properties in Bexar County. This includes the City of San Antonio.
To learn more on how to get property tax help and protest your value, visit Property Tax Help or contact the BCAD directly at 210-224-2432.
Casita Appraisal
The BCAD compares the values of other homes to determine the appraisal of your home. They focus on comparing other homes that are nearby and similar in size to your home. The assessment of a casita is not as straightforward as a main house.
- The appraised value of your property considers any improvements, or buildings, on your property, including the square footage, age, condition, and building materials of your house. Additionally, any new buildings on your property impact your appraised property value.
- If your property has an exemption, that will reduce your assessed property value. Exemptions can include homestead, being 65 years old or over, having a verified disabled status through the Social Security Administration or the Department of Veteran Affairs. To verify if you qualify for an exemption, visit Bexar County Property Tax Frequently Asked Questions or contact the Bexar Appraisal District directly at 210-224-2432.
- A casita (also called an Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU) is not eligible for your homestead tax exemption if the casita is a rental unit. A homestead exemption applies to your entire property, including a casita, if your casita is an extension of the main house and not for rent.
There are currently approximately 13,000 casitas on the appraisal roll. Note that this does not mean there are only 13,000 casitas in Bexar County.
The BCAD incorporates new casitas in updated annual appraisal valuations. These valuations are based on aerial photos or physical inspections. The BCAD encourages you to protest value and help them correct any errors in your appraisal. This includes if your assessment counts your casita as something other than a casita. For example, casitas are often mistaken for sheds.