Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways San Antonio property taxes have increased 34% since 2022 , with the average homeowner now paying over $6,200 annually, creating widespread delinquency issues Texas tax deed sales are final and devastating — unlike tax lien states, you can lose 100% of your property equity over unpaid taxes with no redemption rights Over 2,400 San Antonio properties currently have delinquent taxes and could face tax deed sale, with the next major sales scheduled for May and August 2026 You have options before it's too late — payment plans, exemptions, or selling to preserve equity are all better than losing everything at a tax sale

San Antonio Property Tax Crisis: How Delinquent Taxes Could Cost You Everything (And What to Do About It)

Look, I'm going to give it to you straight — San Antonio property owners are getting hammered right now. I've been getting calls all week from folks who are drowning in property tax debt, and it's breaking my heart.

Just yesterday, I talked to a homeowner in Westside who owes $18,000 in back taxes on a house worth $180,000. She had no idea that Bexar County was about to put her property up for tax deed sale. That's $162,000 in equity she was about to lose over unpaid taxes.

Here's the deal: San Antonio property values have exploded over the past few years, and property taxes have followed right behind them. According to the latest data from the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector, the average residential property tax bill in San Antonio has increased by 34% since 2022. That's putting a lot of good people in impossible situations.

The San Antonio Tax Reality Check

Let me paint you the picture of what's happening in our city right now. The median home value in San Antonio hit $285,000 in February 2026, up from $210,000 just four years ago. With our combined tax rate of approximately 2.18% (including city, county, school district, and other entities), that means the average homeowner is paying over $6,200 per year in property taxes.

For someone on a fixed income or dealing with job loss, that's a crushing burden. And when you can't pay, Bexar County doesn't mess around.

I've seen this process destroy families, and at HOMESELL USA, we've helped hundreds of San Antonio homeowners navigate these murky waters. Whether you sell to us or handle it yourself, here's what you absolutely need to know about the tax lien and tax deed process in Texas.

How Texas Tax Liens Work (It's Not What You Think)

First thing — Texas doesn't actually do tax lien sales like some other states. Instead, we have something called tax deed sales, and they're much more dangerous for property owners.

Here's how it works in Bexar County:

Year 1: You miss your January 31st property tax deadline. The county starts charging penalties and interest immediately — we're talking 6% penalty in February, another 6% in March, then 1% per month after that, plus 8% annual interest.

Year 2: If your taxes remain unpaid by July 1st of the following year, your property becomes eligible for a tax suit. The county or local taxing units can file a lawsuit to collect.

Years 2-5: Once the lawsuit is filed, the court can order a tax sale. However, there's typically a redemption period where you can still pay off the debt plus fees and interest.

The Danger Zone: If the property goes to tax deed sale and someone buys it, you could lose everything. In Texas, the successful bidder at a tax deed sale gets clear title to the property. You walk away with nothing — zero equity, zero compensation.

I had a client last month who lost a $200,000 house in Northeast San Antonio over $15,000 in back taxes because she didn't understand this process. Don't let that be you.

The 2026 San Antonio Tax Deed Sale Calendar

Bexar County typically holds tax deed sales quarterly, and they're posted on the Bexar County website. Based on current schedules, the next major sales are expected in May and August 2026.

Right now, there are over 2,400 properties in San Antonio with delinquent taxes that could potentially end up in these sales. The majority are in zip codes 78207, 78228, 78237, and 78211 — areas where property values have increased rapidly but household incomes haven't kept pace.

Your Options When You're Behind on Taxes

Look, if you're reading this and sweating because you're behind on your San Antonio property taxes, take a breath. You've got options, but you need to act fast.

Option 1: Payment Plan

Bexar County offers installment payment plans for property taxes. You can potentially spread your payments out over several months. Contact the Tax Office at (210) 335-2251 to discuss your situation.

Option 2: Homestead Exemption (If You Qualify)

If you haven't filed for your homestead exemption, do it now. It can save you thousands. For 2026, the homestead exemption in San Antonio removes $100,000 from your home's taxable value. On a $300,000 home, that's about $2,180 in annual tax savings.

Option 3: Over-65 or Disabled Person Exemptions

Seniors and disabled homeowners get additional exemptions that can significantly reduce tax liability. There are also tax ceiling provisions that can freeze your taxes at current levels.

Option 4: Sell Fast to an Investor

Sometimes the best move is to sell quickly and preserve your equity. At HOMESELL USA, we handle tax debt situations all the time. We can close fast, pay off the back taxes at closing, and you walk away with cash instead of losing everything at a tax sale.

Real Talk: When Selling Makes Sense

I'm not here to push anyone into selling, but I've seen too many San Antonio families lose everything because they waited too long. Here are the situations where selling to a cash buyer like HOMESELL USA might be your best move:

• You owe more than 15-20% of your home's value in back taxes and penalties
• You can't afford the current tax bill, let alone catch up on the past due amount
• You've already received notice of a tax suit
• The property needs major repairs you can't afford
• You've inherited a property with tax debt

I worked with a family in Southside San Antonio last fall who inherited their grandmother's house with $22,000 in back taxes. The house was worth about $140,000 but needed $35,000 in repairs. We bought it as-is, paid off the tax debt at closing, and they netted $83,000. That beats losing it all at a tax sale.

The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About

Even if you manage to save your property from tax sale, the penalties and interest in Texas are brutal. We're looking at total rates that can exceed 20% annually when you factor in all the fees.

Plus, there are attorney fees, court costs, and other expenses that get tacked on during the collection process. I've seen $8,000 tax debts balloon to $15,000 or more by the time everything is settled.

And here's something most people don't realize: even if you're making payments on old tax debt, if you fall behind on current taxes, the whole agreement can fall apart.

Protecting Your San Antonio Home's Equity

The bottom line is this: your home's equity is probably your biggest asset. In San Antonio's current market, that equity represents real money — money that can help you relocate, downsize, or invest in something more manageable.

Don't let the county take it for pennies on the dollar at a tax deed sale.

At HOMESELL USA, we've helped thousands of property owners across Texas navigate these exact situations. We buy houses in any condition, with any amount of tax debt, and we can close in as little as 7 days. No realtor commissions, no repair costs, no waiting for financing to fall through.

But even if you don't sell to us, please — don't stick your head in the sand. Those tax notices aren't going away, and the county will absolutely take your property if you let them.

Whether you work out a payment plan, apply for exemptions, or sell to preserve your equity, do something. I've been in this business long enough to know that doing nothing is the worst possible choice.

If any of this sounds like your situation, give Uncle Charles a call at HOMESELL USA. No pressure, no judgment — just straight answers about your options. Sometimes a 10-minute conversation can save you tens of thousands of dollars. And in San Antonio's crazy tax environment, that's money you can't afford to lose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have before San Antonio can take my house for unpaid taxes?

In Texas, your property becomes eligible for tax suit after July 1st of the year following the delinquent tax year. However, it typically takes 2-5 years before properties actually go to tax deed sale. The exact timeline depends on county resources and your specific situation.

Can I lose my San Antonio home even if I only owe a small amount in back taxes?

Yes, unfortunately. Texas tax deed sales can result in total loss of property regardless of how small the tax debt is compared to the property value. I've seen people lose $200,000+ homes over $10,000-15,000 in back taxes and penalties.

What happens to my mortgage if my San Antonio house goes to tax deed sale?

Tax deed sales in Texas typically wipe out most other liens, including mortgages. However, you'd still owe the mortgage debt even though you no longer own the property. This creates a nightmare scenario where you lose the house but still owe the bank.

Can I get my San Antonio property back after a tax deed sale?

No. Unlike some states, Texas tax deed sales are final. Once someone successfully purchases your property at a tax deed sale, you have no right of redemption. The new owner gets clear title and you get nothing.

Will filing for bankruptcy stop a tax deed sale in San Antonio?

Bankruptcy can temporarily delay a tax deed sale through the automatic stay, but it won't eliminate property tax debt. Property taxes are priority debts that survive bankruptcy, so you'll still need to address the underlying problem.