When a property owner or exemption holder passes away, there are important property tax steps that may need to be taken with the Bexar Central Appraisal District (BCAD). Timely notification helps ensure exemptions are updated correctly and may help your family avoid unexpected tax bills later.
Why notification is important
If a property owner who received an exemption passes away, BCAD is required by law to remove exemptions from the property when appropriate. This can include homestead exemptions, over-65 exemptions, disabled Veteran or disabled person exemptions, and other exemptions tied to the deceased owner.
Notifying BCAD as soon as possible allows the account to be reviewed and updated correctly. It also helps determine whether a surviving spouse may be eligible to continue to receive an exemption.
Surviving spouse rights
In many cases, a surviving spouse may qualify to continue or carry over exemptions previously held by the deceased spouse, depending on the facts of the account and applicable law.
Even if the surviving spouse may qualify, BCAD must still be notified. The exemption must be updated, and, in some cases, a new application may be required in the surviving spouse’s name.
Retroactive Removal of Exemptions
Under Texas Property Tax Code Section 11.43(i), if BCAD is not timely notified of a property owner’s death and there is no surviving spouse who qualifies, the district is required to remove improperly allowed exemptions for up to 5 previous years.
This can result in significant back taxes being owed. Prompt notification can help prevent this situation and reduce the risk of an unexpected tax liability for the family.
How to notify BCAD
Families should contact BCAD as soon as possible after the property owner’s death. You may need to provide the property account information and documentation showing the owner’s death, such as a death certificate or other supporting records.
For questions about exemptions, surviving spouse eligibility, property record updates, or to notify BCAD of a death, please contact Bexar Central Appraisal District directly using the contact information below.
Contact Information:
Bexar Central Appraisal District
411 N Frio St
PO Box 830248
San Antonio, TX 78283-0248
Phone: 210-242-2432
Fax: 210-242-2454 or 210-242-2453
This information is provided as a general overview. Eligibility and the application of the law may depend on an individual's specific circumstances. Please contact the Bexar Central Appraisal District for additional information.
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