Property taxes are one of the most important and most frequently misunderstood costs for buyers considering a home in Boerne, TX — and understanding them before you buy is essential for accurate monthly budget planning. The good news: Kendall County’s property tax structure is meaningfully more favorable than Bexar County’s in San Antonio, which is one of Boerne’s genuine financial advantages over comparable communities closer to the city. The nuance: rates vary significantly depending on whether your property is inside Boerne city limits, in an unincorporated area, or within a Water Control and Improvement District — and the difference can be hundreds to thousands of dollars per year on the same home value. This complete guide gives you every number you need to budget accurately and reduce your tax bill through every available exemption.
Written by Brock Bremmer, Real Estate Agent | eXp Realty | San Antonio Metro Area
Already researching Boerne? See our complete guides: Living in Boerne | Cost of Living in Boerne | How to Buy a Home in Boerne
The Quick Answer: What Are Property Taxes in Boerne?
The combined property tax rate for a home within Boerne city limits is approximately $1.8595 per $100 of taxable value — using the 2026 entity rates (Source: Gahmrealestateteam.com, Weigand Real Estate, official Kendall County data). Across Kendall County more broadly, combined rates typically range from 1.8%–2.3% depending on your exact location and which taxing entities cover your property.
| Boerne city limits combined rate (2026) | ~$1.8595 per $100 (1.86%) |
| Kendall County range | 1.8%–2.3% depending on location and districts |
| vs. Bexar County (San Antonio) | ~2.27% before exemptions — Boerne is lower |
| vs. Comal County (New Braunfels) | ~1.21% — Comal is lower than Boerne |
| School homestead exemption (2025+) | $100,000 off taxable value for school portion |
| Tax bill due date | January 31 — penalties begin February 1 |
| Protest deadline | May 15, 2026 (or 30 days from notice) |
| Kendall CAD website | kendallad.org |
The positioning versus San Antonio: Boerne’s combined rate of ~1.86% is meaningfully lower than Bexar County’s ~2.27% combined rate in San Antonio — a difference that saves Boerne buyers $1,500–$5,000+ annually on comparable home values. However, buyers comparing Boerne to New Braunfels should note that Comal County’s ~1.21% rate is significantly lower than Boerne’s — one of the factors covered in our Boerne vs New Braunfels comparison.
The 2026 Boerne Tax Rate Entity Breakdown
Your annual Boerne property tax bill is not a single charge — it is the sum of rates levied by every taxing entity that covers your specific address. Here’s the 2026 breakdown for a property within Boerne city limits:
| Taxing Entity | 2026 Rate (per $100) |
| Boerne ISD | $1.0109 |
| City of Boerne | $0.4716 |
| Kendall County | $0.3770 |
| Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District | $0.0050 |
| Combined rate (in-city) | ~$1.8595 per $100 / ~1.86% |
Important notes on this breakdown:
- Boerne ISD VATRE impact: The Boerne ISD rate of $1.0109 reflects a November 2025 voter-approved tax ratification election (VATRE) — the district’s first in its history — passed to address teacher compensation. The revenue stays local and is not subject to state recapture. This was the primary factor in the ISD rate adjustment (Source: Gahmrealestateteam.com)
- Properties outside city limits: If your property is in unincorporated Kendall County rather than within Boerne city limits, you don’t pay the City of Boerne rate ($0.4716) — your combined rate is lower. This applies to many acreage and rural properties around Boerne
- Water Control and Improvement Districts (WCIDs): Some newer developments — particularly master-planned communities in their early phases — fall under WCIDs that apply different rates instead of standard city taxes. Always verify the exact taxing entities for any specific property before making an offer. Your title company will identify all applicable entities during the closing process
- Cordillera Ranch and similar communities: Gated luxury communities may have their own special district rates on top of the standard entities — verify directly with Kendall CAD for any specific address
What Boerne Property Taxes Actually Cost: Real Dollar Examples
Here’s what a homeowner with Boerne city limits property pays at different home values using the $1.8595 combined rate, before and after the standard homestead exemption:
| Home Value | Before Exemptions (1.86%) | With Homestead ($100K school exemption est.) | Monthly Tax Escrow (with exemption) |
| $450,000 | ~$8,368/yr | ~$7,358/yr (est.) | ~$613/mo |
| $550,000 | ~$10,227/yr | ~$9,217/yr (est.) | ~$768/mo |
| $650,000 | ~$12,087/yr | ~$11,077/yr (est.) | ~$923/mo |
| $800,000 | ~$14,876/yr | ~$13,866/yr (est.) | ~$1,156/mo |
| $1,000,000 | ~$18,595/yr | ~$17,585/yr (est.) | ~$1,465/mo |
Note: The $100,000 school homestead exemption reduces taxable value for the Boerne ISD portion only. The exact annual savings depends on your specific rate and valuation. These are estimates — always verify with Kendall CAD for your specific address.
The monthly escrow reality: Property taxes represent a significant portion of the total monthly cost of owning a Boerne home. A buyer purchasing at $550,000 should budget approximately $768/month just for property taxes — before mortgage payment, insurance, and HOA fees. This is why Brock Bremmer walks every Boerne buyer through the complete monthly ownership cost in the first consultation, not just the mortgage payment. See our complete Boerne cost of living guide for the full picture.
How Boerne Property Taxes Compare to Surrounding Communities
| Community | County | Combined rate | Annual tax ($550K home) | Monthly escrow |
| Boerne (in-city) | Kendall | ~1.86% | ~$10,230 | ~$853 |
| Boerne (unincorporated) | Kendall | ~1.4%–1.5% est. | ~$7,700–$8,250 | ~$642–$688 |
| New Braunfels | Comal | ~1.21% | ~$6,655 | ~$555 |
| San Antonio (Bexar Co.) | Bexar | ~2.27% | ~$12,485 | ~$1,040 |
| Schertz | Guadalupe | ~1.8%–2.0% | ~$9,900–$11,000 | ~$825–$917 |
| Bulverde | Comal | ~1.21% | ~$6,655 | ~$555 |
Key takeaway: Boerne’s in-city rate (~1.86%) is meaningfully lower than San Antonio’s (~2.27%) — saving buyers approximately $2,250 per year on a $550,000 home. However, New Braunfels and Bulverde in Comal County (~1.21%) save buyers an additional $3,575 per year versus Boerne in-city at the same value. Buyers comparing Boerne to New Braunfels should run this math explicitly — see our Boerne vs New Braunfels guide.
For the complete San Antonio metro property tax comparison including Bexar County exemptions and rates, see our San Antonio property tax guide.
Property Tax Exemptions in Boerne: How to Reduce Your Bill
Exemptions are the most powerful tool available to Boerne homeowners — and many buyers don’t file for every exemption they qualify for. Here’s the complete picture:
General Residence Homestead Exemption
The most important exemption — available to every Texas homeowner using the property as their primary residence.
- School district exemption: $100,000 off taxable value for the Boerne ISD portion of your bill (mandatory statewide under current Texas law)
- Annual increase cap: Once you have a homestead exemption on file, your taxable value cannot increase more than 10% per year regardless of how much market value rises — a critical protection in Boerne’s appreciating market
- How to file: Download the application at kendallad.org or file online. Filing is free and must be completed by April 30 of the tax year you’re claiming
- Does not apply automatically: You must file — Brock reminds every Boerne buyer to file immediately after closing. Missing the first year costs you the annual cap protection and the exemption savings for that year
Over-65 Exemption and Tax Freeze
Homeowners 65 or older qualify for significant additional benefits in Boerne:
- Additional exemption: An extra $10,000 off school district taxes on top of the standard homestead exemption
- School district tax freeze: The City of Boerne, Boerne ISD, Comfort ISD, and Kendall County all offer tax freezes for qualifying Over-65 homeowners — once the freeze is in place, your school district taxes cannot increase regardless of how much your property value or rate changes
- Deferral option: If you are 65 or older or disabled, you may be eligible to defer payment of property taxes with interest accruing at 5% annually — providing cash flow relief without losing the home
- File with: Kendall County Appraisal District at kendallad.org — eligible beginning the year you turn 65
Disabled Person Exemption
Homeowners who qualify as disabled under Social Security Administration guidelines receive the same school district tax freeze as the Over-65 exemption. The two exemptions cannot be combined for the freeze, but both standard exemption amounts may apply. File with Kendall CAD.
Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption
Texas offers one of the most generous disabled veteran exemptions in the country — and it applies to Boerne homes just as it does throughout the state:
| Disability Rating | Exemption Amount | Est. Annual Savings at 1.86% |
| 10%–29% | $5,000 off taxable value | ~$93/year |
| 30%–49% | $7,500 off taxable value | ~$140/year |
| 50%–69% | $10,000 off taxable value | ~$186/year |
| 70%–99% | $12,000 off taxable value | ~$223/year |
| 100% (or IU) | Full property tax exemption | Entire annual bill — $8,000–$18,000+ |
A 100% disabled veteran purchasing in Boerne pays zero property taxes on their primary residence — potentially saving $8,000–$18,000+ per year depending on home value. Apply through Kendall CAD with your VA disability award letter. Does not apply automatically — you must file.
For military buyers considering Boerne near Camp Bullis, combining the VA loan’s zero down payment and no PMI with the 100% disabled veteran property tax exemption creates an extraordinary monthly cost structure. See our VA loan guide and VA buyer resources.
Surviving Spouse Exemption
Unremarried surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability qualify for the same 100% property tax exemption. Unremarried surviving spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty also qualify. Apply through Kendall CAD.
How Boerne Property Taxes Are Calculated
Understanding the calculation process helps you verify your bill and identify protest opportunities:
Step 1: Kendall Appraisal District (Kendall CAD) Sets Your Value
Kendall CAD appraises every property in the county each January — determining market value based on comparable sales, property characteristics, and local market conditions. Your appraisal notice arrives in the spring. If you believe your assessed value exceeds market value, you have the right to protest (more below).
Step 2: Exemptions Reduce Your Taxable Value
Subtract your applicable exemptions from the appraised value to arrive at your taxable value for each entity. The school homestead exemption ($100,000) applies to the Boerne ISD portion only — not to city, county, or other entities separately.
Step 3: Each Entity Applies Its Rate
Kendall County, City of Boerne, Boerne ISD, and Cow Creek Groundwater each apply their individual rate to your taxable value. The sum is your annual tax bill.
Step 4: Annual Bill Due January 31
Tax bills are mailed in October and due January 31. Penalty and interest begin February 1, starting at approximately 7% and increasing each month. Most buyers with mortgage financing escrow property taxes through their lender — the lender collects 1/12 of the estimated annual bill with each payment and pays the entities directly.
How to Protest Your Boerne / Kendall County Appraisal
Every Kendall County homeowner has the right to protest their annual appraisal — and in years following strong market appreciation, it’s often worth doing.
- Protest deadline: May 15, 2026 (or 30 days from your notice mailing date, whichever is later)
- How to file: Online at kendallad.org, by mail, or in person at the Kendall Appraisal District office. Filing is free
- What to bring: Evidence that your appraised value exceeds market value — recent comparable sold prices in your neighborhood, photos of condition issues, repair estimates if applicable. Your buyer’s agent can pull recent comparable sales that support your protest
- What happens: An informal hearing with a Kendall CAD appraiser first. If unresolved, a formal Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing. Many protests settle at the informal stage
- PCS comparable sales: Properties near Camp Bullis and other JBSA installations may benefit from frequent PCS-related sales — these arm’s-length transactions are valid comparable data for protest purposes. The appraisal district must consider all qualifying sales
- Professional protest services: Companies like Ownwell handle the protest process for a percentage of savings — no upfront cost. Worth considering for homeowners who don’t want to manage it themselves
Boerne Property Tax FAQs for Buyers
What is the property tax rate in Boerne, TX?
For properties within Boerne city limits, the combined 2026 tax rate is approximately $1.8595 per $100 of taxable value (roughly 1.86%), covering Boerne ISD ($1.0109), City of Boerne ($0.4716), Kendall County ($0.377), and Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District ($0.0050). Properties in unincorporated Kendall County don’t pay the City of Boerne rate, resulting in a lower combined rate. Rates across Kendall County range from approximately 1.8%–2.3% depending on exact location and applicable special districts.
How much are property taxes on a $600,000 home in Boerne?
On a $600,000 home within Boerne city limits, the annual tax bill before exemptions is approximately $11,157 at the $1.8595 combined rate (roughly $930/month in escrow). With the standard $100,000 school homestead exemption, the bill is reduced by approximately $1,011 annually, bringing the estimated annual bill to approximately $10,146 ($845/month). Additional exemptions for Over-65, disabled veterans, or surviving spouses reduce the bill further — in some cases to zero.
Are property taxes lower in Boerne than San Antonio?
Yes — Boerne’s combined rate of approximately 1.86% for in-city properties is meaningfully lower than Bexar County’s combined rate of approximately 2.27% in San Antonio. On a $550,000 home, that difference amounts to approximately $2,255 per year in favor of Boerne. However, New Braunfels and Bulverde in Comal County at approximately 1.21% have even lower rates than Boerne — buyers comparing these markets should run the specific numbers for their target home values.
What is the homestead exemption in Boerne?
The standard Texas homestead exemption provides a $100,000 reduction in taxable value for the Boerne ISD (school district) portion of your tax bill. This results in approximately $1,011 in annual savings at Boerne ISD’s $1.0109 rate. The exemption also caps your annual taxable value increase at 10% regardless of market appreciation. It must be filed with Kendall CAD at kendallad.org — it does not apply automatically. Additional exemptions for Over-65 and disabled veterans provide further reductions.
Do veterans pay property taxes in Boerne?
Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating (or Individual Unemployability) pay zero property taxes on their primary Boerne residence — saving $8,000–$18,000+ annually depending on home value. Veterans with partial ratings receive scaled exemptions from $5,000 (10%–29% rating) to $12,000 (70%–99% rating) off taxable value. Apply through Kendall CAD with your VA disability award letter — it does not apply automatically. A 100% disabled veteran purchasing a $600,000 Boerne home saves the entire ~$10,146 annual tax bill.
When are Boerne property taxes due?
Boerne and Kendall County property tax bills are mailed in October and due January 31. Penalty and interest begin February 1 at approximately 7% and increase each subsequent month. Most buyers with mortgage financing have taxes escrowed through their lender, who collects 1/12 of the estimated annual bill with each mortgage payment and pays the entities directly in January.
How do I protest my Boerne property tax appraisal?
File a protest with Kendall CAD at kendallad.org by May 15, 2026 (or 30 days from your notice). Filing is free. Bring evidence of comparable lower sales in your area — recent sold prices support a successful protest. Informal hearings with Kendall CAD appraisers typically resolve many protests before they reach the formal ARB stage. Professional protest services like Ownwell handle the process for a percentage of savings with no upfront cost.
What Buyers Should Do at Closing and After in Boerne
- At closing: Review the tax proration credit — you receive a seller credit for the seller’s portion of the year. Your title company calculates this
- Within 30 days of closing: File your homestead exemption at kendallad.org — do not wait. The annual 10% cap protection begins from the year you file
- If 65 or older: File the Over-65 exemption at the same time — the school district tax freeze begins the year you file
- If a disabled veteran: File your disability exemption with your VA award letter — substantial savings that do not apply automatically
- Every April: Review your Kendall CAD appraisal notice when it arrives. If the assessed value appears above market, file a protest by May 15
- Set up escrow through your lender: Most buyers do — your lender collects and pays taxes so you don’t face a large January bill. Verify the escrow estimate is accurate at closing
Ready to Buy a Home in Boerne?
Understanding property taxes is a critical part of budgeting accurately for Boerne homeownership — and it’s one of the first things Brock Bremmer covers with every buyer considering the Boerne market. Brock Bremmer with eXp Realty helps buyers across Boerne and the broader Hill Country corridor understand the complete monthly ownership cost before they make an offer, so there are no surprises after closing. Whether you’re comparing Boerne to New Braunfels, evaluating in-city vs. unincorporated properties, or planning your exemption strategy as a veteran buyer, Brock is ready to help.
- 📞 Call or text: 210-501-5088
- 📧 Email: [email protected]
- 🌐 Website: brockbremmer.com
- 📅 Schedule a free consultation — no pressure, no obligation
Brock Bremmer | eXp Realty | San Antonio and Hill Country
Also see: Living in Boerne | Cost of Living in Boerne | How to Buy a Home in Boerne | San Antonio Property Tax Guide | Boerne vs New Braunfels