Texas Porch

Property tax

How property taxes and homestead exemptions work in Bandera County

Bandera County has a single appraisal district (Bandera CAD) that values property, and a separate tax office that collects taxes — you deal with different offices for different issues.

Bandera County Money & Taxes

In Texas, appraising your property and collecting your taxes are two separate jobs. The Bandera Central Appraisal District (Bandera CAD) sets the value of your property each year. The Bandera County Tax Assessor-Collector then applies the tax rates set by various taxing units — the county, city, school district, and any special districts — and sends your bill.

If you live in your home as your primary residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption. This reduces the taxable value of your home for school district taxes and may lower your overall tax bill. The exemption is not automatic — you must file an application with Bandera CAD. There is no fee to apply. Check the CAD website for current deadlines, as they can change.

If you think your property was appraised too high, you have the right to protest. The CAD website lists the protest deadline, which is typically May 15 or 30 days after you receive your Notice of Appraised Value, whichever is later. Bandera CAD is located at 1206 Main Street in Bandera.

Source to confirm: Bandera Central Appraisal District

More Bandera County notes

Agriculture / Property tax

Ag valuation can sharply cut property taxes on rural land in Bandera County

In Bandera County, land used for farming or ranching can be taxed on what it produces instead of what it would sell for. This can mean a much lower tax bill.

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Water / Groundwater

Bandera County has its own groundwater district — wells need a permit

Most new water wells in Bandera County need a permit from the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District (BCRAGD) before you start drilling.

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Flood

Flash flooding on the Medina River is a serious hazard in Bandera

The Medina River runs through the town of Bandera and can rise extremely fast during heavy rain — USGS and BCRAGD have built a flood early warning system that lets residents track river levels in real time.

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State park / Recreation

Hill Country State Natural Area offers rugged trails and horse camping near Bandera

Hill Country State Natural Area is a 5,000-plus-acre primitive park in Bandera County open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, with camping available year-round.

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