What Happens If You Don’t Pay Property Taxes in Bexar County, Texas?
Property taxes in Bexar County aren’t optional — they’re a statutory lien on your home from day one of each tax year. Miss them and you’re not just getting a fine. You’re triggering a chain of escalating penalties, legal actions, and ultimately the potential forced sale of your home. The process moves faster and costs more than most homeowners expect.
This guide covers exactly what happens at each stage of Bexar County property tax delinquency, what the math looks like in real numbers, and what your options are before it’s too late. If you’re already dealing with tax liens on a San Antonio property, see our full guide on selling a house with a tax lien in San Antonio or call us at (210) 864-8420.
How Bexar County Property Taxes Are Collected
Bexar County property taxes are collected by the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector on behalf of all taxing entities — Bexar County itself, the City of San Antonio, the relevant school district (San Antonio ISD, Northside ISD, North East ISD, etc.), and special districts. Each entity sets its own tax rate, and they’re all billed together in a single annual statement typically mailed in October or November. The full payment is due by January 31st.
The Penalty and Interest Timeline — Real Numbers
Here’s exactly what gets added to your original tax bill if you don’t pay by January 31st:
- February 1: 6% penalty + 1% interest = 7% above your bill, immediately
- March 1: Penalty increases to 7% + 2% interest = 9% total
- April 1: 8% penalty + 3% interest = 11% total
- May 1: 9% penalty + 4% interest = 13% total
- June 1: 10% penalty + 5% interest = 15% total
- July 1: An additional 20% attorney collection fee added — total now approximately 35–42% above your original bill in year one alone
In plain numbers: if your Bexar County property tax bill was $5,000 and you didn’t pay it, by July 1st of that same year you’d owe roughly $7,000–$7,100. Multiply that across two or three years of unpaid taxes — including each year’s new tax bill — and the numbers compound rapidly.
The Delinquent Tax Lawsuit
Bexar County’s delinquent tax collection is handled by outside law firms hired on a contingency basis. After July 1st, these attorneys can file a delinquent tax lawsuit against you in district court. All taxing entities with a claim are typically joined in the same suit. Once the court enters a judgment against you, the court can order a tax sale of your property.
What Is a Bexar County Tax Sale?
A tax sale in Bexar County is a court-ordered sale of your property to satisfy the tax judgment. It’s conducted by the sheriff or constable and held monthly. After a homestead tax sale, you have a 2-year right of redemption — paying the purchaser what they paid plus 25% in year one, or 50% in year two. Non-homestead properties have only 6 months.
Selling before any of this happens is clearly better. If you have a Bexar County property with delinquent taxes and need to move fast, contact ZI Properties here. We close in 14 days and the title company handles the full tax payoff.
Exemptions and Payment Plans Available in Bexar County
Over-65 and Disabled Person deferral: Texas Tax Code Section 33.06 allows homeowners who are 65+ or disabled to defer payment of property taxes on their homestead indefinitely — with 5% annual interest accruing on the deferred amount. You cannot be subjected to a tax sale while the deferral is in effect. This is a significant protection for older homeowners.
Payment plans: Bexar County allows payment agreements for delinquent taxes under Tax Code Section 33.02. You must make a down payment and pay the balance in installments. If you miss a payment the agreement voids and you return to full delinquency status.
Homestead exemption: Make sure you have your homestead exemption filed if this is your primary residence — it reduces your taxable value. File with the Bexar County Appraisal District (BCAD) at bcad.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out how much I owe in Bexar County property taxes?
Go to bexar.org and search by your property address or account number in the Tax Assessor-Collector section. The balance shown includes all penalties, interest, and attorney fees as of the lookup date.
Can I sell my home with a pending tax lawsuit?
Yes — a sale can close with a pending tax lawsuit. The judgment gets paid from closing proceeds through the title company. The lawsuit doesn’t prevent the sale. ZI Properties handles these situations regularly — see our page on selling a house with tax liens in San Antonio.
What if I inherited a property with back taxes in San Antonio?
You’re responsible for taxes going forward once you take ownership. Past-due taxes are paid from the sale proceeds at closing. We buy inherited properties in San Antonio regularly — tax liens included.
Will the delinquent tax lawsuit affect my credit?
Tax liens are public record and appear in title searches, affecting your ability to sell or refinance. As of 2018, most government tax liens no longer appear on credit reports — but the legal consequences remain.
Have a Bexar County property with unpaid property taxes? ZI Properties buys it as-is — taxes paid at closing from proceeds, no money from you upfront. Call or text (210) 864-8420 or request a cash offer here. We close in 14 days.
ZI Properties buys homes with delinquent taxes throughout San Antonio and Bexar County. Information in this article is for general education — contact the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector or a Texas tax attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Ready to sell? We buy houses across the I-35 corridor.
From San Antonio north through New Braunfels, San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, and into Austin — ZI Properties buys homes directly for cash. No repairs, no agent fees, no waiting on a buyer’s financing.
