One form, one filing, and you activate the most powerful senior tax benefit in the Texas code. Here's exactly how to do it — Form 50-114, BCAD process, required documents, deadlines, and what to do if you close late in the year.
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Talk to a Specialist →Filing Form 50-114 with the Bexar County Appraisal District (BCAD) activates up to four separate tax benefits for qualifying homeowners:
None of these apply automatically. You must file. One form covers all four.
Download the current version of Form 50-114 (Residence Homestead Exemption Application) from the BCAD website: bcad.org. Navigate to Forms → Exemption Forms → Residence Homestead. Always use the current year's form — older versions may be missing updated exemption categories.
Alternatively, pick up a paper copy at the BCAD offices: 411 N Frio St, San Antonio, TX 78207. Hours are typically Monday–Friday 8AM–5PM.
The form has sections for the general homestead exemption and checkboxes for additional exemptions. Check the boxes for:
Fill in your property address, the appraisal district account number (from your tax statement or the BCAD website property search), and your name exactly as it appears on the deed.
BCAD requires supporting documentation. The standard package:
Three submission methods:
BCAD will process your application and send a notice confirming the exemptions applied to your account. Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks during peak filing season (February–May). You can check your exemption status online at bcad.org by searching your property account number.
If you filed for the over-65 exemption, verify the school tax freeze was established by checking your account — it should show a "ceiling" amount on the school district line.
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When BCAD processes your over-65 exemption, they automatically establish the school tax freeze. The freeze amount is set at your school district tax liability in the year the exemption is first established — not retroactively, not at a lower future value. The year you file is the year the ceiling is locked.
This is why filing promptly matters. If you're 65 and buy a home in Bexar County in January 2026, you want the school freeze established at 2026 rates — before two or three more years of appraisal increases push the taxable base higher. Every year you delay costs you a higher frozen ceiling.
The freeze applies only to the school district portion of your tax — typically 55–60% of the total bill. County, city, and hospital district taxes continue to drift upward with appraisals after the freeze.
Do I need to refile every year?
No. Once the homestead exemption is established, it remains on your account automatically as long as you continue to occupy the property as your primary residence. You only refile if your status changes (you move, turn 65, or become VA-disabled).
My driver's license still shows my previous address. What do I do?
Update your license at the Texas DMV to your new address before or immediately after filing. BCAD requires the license address to match the property address. If you can't update in time, bring a utility bill or bank statement at the new address as supplementary proof of residency.
I'm 63. Can I file now and add the over-65 exemption when I turn 65?
Yes — file the general homestead exemption now. When you turn 65, contact BCAD and request the over-65 exemption be added to your existing account. You don't need to refile the entire form; a supplemental request or updated Form 50-114 checking the over-65 box is sufficient.
My home is in a trust. Can I still file?
Yes, in most cases. Texas Property Tax Code allows homestead exemptions for properties held in qualifying trusts. You'll need documentation showing you are the trust beneficiary and occupy the property. BCAD has specific trust documentation requirements — call them at (210) 242-2432 for current requirements before filing.
What if I own the property with my spouse who is under 65?
If either spouse is 65 or older and occupies the property as their primary residence, the over-65 exemptions apply. You do not both need to be 65. File jointly with the qualifying spouse's age documentation.
Does the freeze transfer if I sell and buy another Bexar County home?
No — the freeze is tied to the property, not your account. When you sell, the freeze terminates. You establish a new freeze at the new property in your first qualifying year there. Texas does have a portability provision allowing you to transfer a lower ceiling amount if applicable — contact BCAD within one year of moving for portability options.
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