San Antonio City Council unanimously voted June 22 to raise the city’s homestead exemption from 10% to 20%.

The big picture

City officials said homestead exemptions reduce the taxable value of a home and reduce the owner’s property tax bill.

According to local leaders, a home valued at $100,000 will see an additional $55 of savings on the city’s portion of their property tax bill.

What’s next?

Local officials said the Bexar Appraisal District will automatically update accounts for residents who already have a homestead exemption. Residents may verify their homestead status online by looking up their account at www.bcad.org or calling 210-224-2432.

According to city leaders, the new tax exemptions are effective for the 2023 tax year, which began on Jan. 1, and residents will start receiving their new tax bills on Oct. 1.

What they’re saying

Increasing San Antonio’s homestead exemption is the latest effort to provide relief to city taxpayers, City Manager Erik Walsh said, adding that council expects to further lower the city’s property tax rate in the fiscal year 2023-24 budget. The city offers additional property tax relief through $85,000 exemptions as well as a tax freeze for disabled persons and residents age 65 and older.

“As part of the fiscal year [2023-]24 proposed budget, the city is planning to offer an estimated $134.1 million in property tax relief to our residents,” Walsh said in a statement.

New District 10 Council Member Marc Whyte attributed passage of an expanded homestead tax exemption partially to his predecessor, former Council Member Clayton Perry, who pushed for more property tax relief amid increasing property values. The 20% homestead exemption is the maximum allowed percentage by the state.

“Property taxes [have] for years now been an issue. It's just overly burdensome on our homeowners, and we've got to do all we can here as a city to help,” Whyte said.

Sara Briseño Gerrish, San Antonio Board Of Realtors chair, said any kind of property tax relief helps struggling homeowners with their home expenses and provides prospective homebuyers with a higher level of affordability.

“Considering the nationwide increase in home insurance premiums and mortgage rates, every dollar saved goes a long way to helping hardworking families and legacy homeowners in our community,” Gerrish said.