Thinking about filing a homestead exemption for your Shavano Park home this year? You are not alone. Many owners want lower property taxes but are unsure about eligibility, deadlines, and where to file in Bexar County. In a few minutes, you will learn what the homestead exemption does, who qualifies, how to file with BCAD, and how to confirm it was applied correctly. Let’s dive in.
What a homestead exemption does
A Texas homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your principal residence. Lower taxable value means you pay less in property taxes to every local taxing unit that applies to your home, including the school district, county, city, and any special districts.
For Shavano Park properties, the Bexar County Appraisal District, or BCAD, applies homestead exemptions and maintains the exemption record. When BCAD grants the exemption, the reduction flows through to all taxing entities that tax your property.
To qualify for a given tax year, the home must be your principal residence on January 1 of that year. Some additional exemptions, such as age 65 and older or disability, may also create a school tax ceiling. Always confirm details and amounts with BCAD and the taxing entities.
Who qualifies in Texas
Texas uses a few basic rules across all counties:
- The property must be your principal residence on January 1 of the tax year.
- You must hold title to the property.
- You can claim only one principal residence at a time.
Common exemption types
- General residence homestead: The standard exemption for your principal residence.
- Over 65: Additional benefit for owners age 65 or older that may also create a school tax ceiling.
- Disability: For homeowners who are totally disabled, with treatment similar to the over 65 exemption in many cases.
- Disabled veteran and surviving spouse: Special exemptions with specific documentation requirements.
- Local optional exemptions: Some cities and other taxing units may adopt additional homestead exemptions. Check current offerings with BCAD and the City of Shavano Park.
The exact benefit you receive depends on which taxing units apply exemptions to your property and the amounts they authorize. BCAD is your source for current details.
Timing and key deadlines
To receive the exemption for a tax year, you must own and occupy the home as your principal residence on January 1, and you should file your homestead application with BCAD by April 30 of that same year.
If you miss April 30, the exemption generally will start the next tax year. For special circumstances or questions about late filings, contact BCAD.
Guidance for new buyers
- Closed and moved in by January 1: File with BCAD by April 30 to receive the exemption for that year.
- Purchased after January 1: Plan to file for the following tax year and submit by the next April 30.
- Closing near year-end: If you want the exemption for the upcoming year, ensure you both close and occupy the home as your principal residence on or before January 1.
How it fits into the tax calendar
BCAD sets appraisals and mails notices in spring. If you file on time, BCAD adjusts your taxable value before tax statements are calculated. Taxing units set rates later in the year, and the Bexar County Tax Office mails tax bills in the fall. Your homestead exemption affects the taxable value used when those rates apply.
How to file with BCAD
Follow these steps to file your homestead exemption for a Shavano Park property:
- Confirm eligibility: You owned and occupied the home on January 1 as your principal residence.
- Get the application: Obtain the BCAD homestead exemption form using BCAD’s homestead resources.
- Complete the form: Fill it out carefully, matching names and property details to your deed.
- Gather documents: Include proof of ownership and proof of residence at the property address.
- Submit by April 30: File online, by mail, or in person per BCAD’s instructions.
- Track status: Verify that BCAD applied the exemption after processing.
Quick Q1 checklist
- Confirm Jan 1 ownership and occupancy.
- Download and complete the BCAD homestead application.
- Attach proof of ownership and proof of residence.
- Submit by April 30 via BCAD’s accepted methods.
- Check BCAD’s property search in spring or early summer to confirm the exemption is showing.
Documents you will need
BCAD typically asks for:
- Proof of ownership: A deed or closing statement.
- Proof of occupancy: A Texas driver’s license or Texas ID card with your homestead address. If your ID shows a prior address, provide additional proof of residence, such as a current utility bill, voter registration certificate, vehicle registration, or other official mail.
- Age 65 or disability: Proof of age or disability documentation as required by BCAD.
- Disabled veteran: VA documentation or other certification as specified.
Keep copies of everything you submit, along with your filing date.
Where and how to submit
File your application with the Bexar County Appraisal District. BCAD handles exemptions and appraisal records for Shavano Park addresses. The Bexar County Tax Office handles tax billing and payments, not exemption filings.
Submission options typically include:
- Online portal
- Mail-in application with supporting documents
- In-person filing at the BCAD office
Always confirm BCAD’s current form, mailing address, and accepted submission methods before you file.
How to verify your exemption
After filing, use BCAD’s property search to check your parcel for exemption flags, such as “Res Homestead,” “Over 65,” or “Disabled Veteran.” Once tax bills are issued by the Bexar County Tax Office in the fall, review your statement to confirm the exemption and taxable value. If something looks off, contact BCAD directly for corrections or guidance.
Common scenarios for Shavano Park owners
- Bought in March: You did not own and occupy on January 1, so your exemption usually starts the following year. File by the next April 30.
- Moving within Bexar County: File a new homestead application for your new home. Homestead benefits do not transfer automatically.
- Moving to another county: File in that county’s appraisal district after your move.
- Driver’s license mismatch: Update your Texas ID to your homestead address or provide additional proof of residence that BCAD accepts.
- Denied or missed deadline: If BCAD denies your application, ask about the reason and next steps. If you missed April 30, apply for the next tax year and discuss any possible remedies with BCAD.
Avoid these common mistakes
- Waiting past April 30 to file when you qualify.
- Forgetting the January 1 owner-occupant requirement.
- Listing more than one property as your principal residence.
- Submitting an application without proof of residence tied to the homestead address.
- Assuming your exemption will transfer automatically to a new home.
A few timely steps can save you money each year. If you need help aligning your move timeline with filing windows, or you want to plan a sale and purchase around the January 1 rule, reach out. Kristi Waite is here to guide you through local timing, documents, and next steps.
FAQs
Do Shavano Park owners file homestead exemptions with BCAD or the Tax Office?
- File with the Bexar County Appraisal District, since BCAD manages exemptions and appraisal records, while the Bexar County Tax Office handles billing and collections.
What is the deadline to file a Texas homestead exemption each year?
- File by April 30, provided you owned and occupied the home as your principal residence on January 1 of that tax year.
Can I get the exemption if I bought my home after January 1?
- Typically no for that tax year, since you must be an owner-occupant on January 1, so you would file for the following tax year by the next April 30.
Which documents prove my Shavano Park home is my principal residence?
- A Texas driver’s license or Texas ID card with your homestead address, plus supporting items like a current utility bill or voter registration if needed.
Do age 65 or disability exemptions affect my school taxes?
- These exemptions may create a school tax ceiling for qualifying owners, but you should confirm the details for your property with BCAD and the taxing entities.
