Property taxes in San Antonio can be paid in several ways. You can pay the full amount by January 31 to avoid penalties and interest. The Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector offers quarterly installment plans. If you have a mortgage, your lender typically collects taxes through an escrow account and pays them on your behalf. Some taxing authorities offer discounts for early payment.
Quarterly Installment Plan
Bexar County allows homeowners to pay property taxes in quarterly installments instead of one lump sum. To qualify, you must have a homestead exemption on file. The quarterly plan splits your estimated tax bill into four payments due in July, October, January, and April. There is no interest or fee for using the installment plan. You need to enroll before the first installment deadline. This option helps homeowners manage cash flow throughout the year.
Monthly Escrow Payments
If you have a mortgage with an escrow account, your lender collects property tax payments as part of your monthly payment. The lender holds the funds in an escrow account and pays the tax bill when it is due. This spreads your tax payments evenly across 12 months. Your lender performs an annual escrow analysis to ensure the right amount is being collected. Any shortage or surplus is adjusted at that time.
Early Payment Discounts
Some taxing entities in Bexar County offer discounts for paying your taxes early. Discounts may apply if you pay the full amount before a certain date, often in October or November. The discount varies by entity but can be 1 to 3 percent of the tax amount. Not all taxing districts offer early payment discounts, so check with the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector for current offerings. Paying by January 31 avoids penalties, but paying earlier may save you additional money.