San Antonio property tax rates vary by school district and area, typically ranging from 1.8-2.5% of assessed value. On a $300K home, that is $5,400-$7,500/year ($450-$625/month). Texas has no state income tax, so property taxes fund schools and local services. You can protest your assessed value annually to potentially lower your tax bill.
How Texas Property Taxes Work
Texas property taxes are assessed by multiple taxing entities: the school district, the county, the city or municipality, and special districts (hospital districts, emergency services districts, etc.). Each entity sets its own tax rate, and the rates are added together to calculate your total tax bill. The school district portion is typically the largest component.
San Antonio Rates by Area
Property tax rates in San Antonio vary significantly by location. Areas within Bexar County but outside city limits may have lower city taxes. Different school districts have different rates. For example, Alamo Heights ISD, NEISD, NISD, and SAISD each have their own tax rates. The rate you pay depends on where the property is located, not just the county.
What $300K in Taxes Looks Like
On a home assessed at $300,000, your property tax bill could range from about $5,400 per year in lower-tax areas to $7,500 per year in higher-tax areas. That is $450-$625 per month added to your housing costs. The homestead exemption reduces the taxable value by $100,000 for school taxes, which saves roughly $1,800-$2,500 per year on a $300K home.
Homestead Exemption
The Texas homestead exemption removes $100,000 of your home's assessed value from school district taxes. This is a significant savings that every homeowner should claim. Additional exemptions are available for seniors (65+), disabled persons, and disabled veterans. You must file with the county appraisal district to receive the exemption.
How to Protest Your Assessment
Every year, the county appraisal district sends you a notice of your home's assessed value. If you believe the value is higher than the market value of your home, you can file a protest. The protest process is straightforward and many homeowners successfully reduce their assessed values. The deadline to protest is May 15 or 30 days after your notice, whichever is later.
Tax Rate by School District
The school district is the largest component of your property tax bill. Different school districts have different tax rates. When comparing homes in different areas, always factor in the school district tax rate. A home in a district with a 1.8% school tax rate will have significantly lower taxes than a comparable home in a district with a 2.4% rate.