Errors in Property Records Could Raise Your Tax Bill

For property owners across Bexar County, your property record plays a key role in determining your assessed value and your annual property taxes.

Because appraisal districts rely on accurate property characteristics to perform mass appraisal, even small discrepancies—such as incorrect square footage or an inaccurate year built—can lead to assessment errors that affect what you owe. Understanding what your property record is, where to find it, and how to correct errors empowers you to protect both your property information and your financial interests.

Your property record is the official file used by Bexar Central Appraisal District (BCAD) to perform mass appraisal each year. It typically includes physical and ownership details such as lot dimensions, total living area, floor plan, construction type, exterior materials, condition and quality ratings, year built, and any improvements on the property. These data points feed into valuation models and form the basis for the taxable value tied to your property taxes, according to BCAD .

What Your Property Record Includes and Why Accuracy Matters

Accuracy matters because appraisal districts are required to identify and appraise all taxable properties annually. Local jurisdictions rely on those valuations to fund schools, public safety, and other essential services. If your property record shows incorrect square footage, an inaccurate year built, or improvements that do not exist, the error may directly affect your valuation and tax bill.

Errors can occur for several reasons. When BCAD was formed in 1979 and certified its first appraisal roll in 1982, it inherited records from cities, school districts, and other local entities. As a result, older properties may carry forward inconsistencies, particularly related to year built or improvements.

Today, BCAD updates records using exterior inspections, building permits, aerial imagery, and owner-provided information. Over time, this can still lead to outdated or misreported property characteristics.

Where to Find Your Property Record

The fastest way to review your property record is through the BCAD Property Search Portal. This online tool allows you to search by owner name, address, or property ID and view current appraisal information, physical characteristics, and ownership history.

Access the portal here: BCAD Property Search

The portal is updated regularly and is the most reliable resource for Bexar County homeowners. Property owners outside Bexar County can access similar tools through their local appraisal districts, though formats and features may vary.

What Counts as an Error and How to Fix It

Not every concern qualifies as an “error.” BCAD distinguishes between factual inaccuracies and disagreements about value. An error generally involves something that can be documented as objectively incorrect—such as the wrong square footage, an inaccurate year built, nonexistent improvements, or incorrect ownership information. BCAD outlines these categories in its guidance on Section 25.25(c) corrections.

Most qualifying errors can be corrected before your property’s appraised value is closed out or “certified” for the tax year. If you identify a factual mistake, start by gathering supporting documents such as surveys, building permits, contractor invoices, closing documents, or—if ownership needs updating—a corrective deed. Once you have the necessary materials, you can submit your correction request online, by mail, or in person, following BCAD’s Help Center instructions.

If you bring an error to the appraisal district before certification and BCAD disagrees with your proposed correction, the issue must be handled through a timely Chapter 41 protest. Chapter 41 is the standard path for disputing errors or disagreements while the value is still open.

If an error is discovered after the value has been certified, then—and only then—does Section 25.25(c) become an avenue for correction. Section 25.25 applies exclusively to certified (closed) values and allows certain corrections for up to five prior tax years, provided the taxes are not delinquent.

After you submit your information, BCAD staff may perform an office or field inspection. Verified corrections are then updated in the system. If the correction affects your appraised value, BCAD processes the update according to the applicable section of the Texas Property Tax Code.

Even small errors in your property record can significantly impact your taxes. By knowing what to look for and understanding when to use Chapter 41 versus Section 25.25(c), you can ensure your assessment accurately reflects your home. For support at any stage, connect with SWBC’s team of property tax experts!