Wondering why your Garden Ridge property tax bill looks the way it does? You’re not alone. Between appraised values, changing tax rates, and exemption rules, it can be hard to see what you actually owe and why. The good news is the Texas system follows a clear process, and once you know the moving parts, you can verify your numbers and plan with confidence.

This guide breaks down how values are set, how tax rates are adopted, when bills are due, and the exemptions that can lower your bill in Garden Ridge. You’ll also find simple steps to verify details for your specific home. Let’s dive in.

Garden Ridge property tax basics

Texas property taxes are based on two main inputs: your property’s appraised value and the combined tax rate from each taxing unit that serves your address.

• Appraised value: The Comal County Appraisal District (CCAD) estimates your market value as of January 1 each year.
• Taxable value: Your appraised value minus any exemptions you qualify for.
• Total tax rate: The sum of rates from each taxing unit that applies to your property, stated per $100 of taxable value.

Basic formula: (Appraised Value − Exemptions) × Total Tax Rate = Annual Property Tax.

Example concept: If your taxable value is $300,000 and the total rate is $2.50 per $100, your tax would be (300,000 ÷ 100) × 2.50 = $7,500.

For school districts, rates are typically shown in two parts: Maintenance and Operations (M&O) and Interest and Sinking (I&S).

How values are set

Who sets your value

The Comal County Appraisal District is responsible for discovering, listing, and appraising real property in the county, including Garden Ridge. CCAD prepares and certifies the appraisal roll that local taxing units use to set tax rates.

When and how values are determined

Texas law sets the valuation date at January 1 of each tax year. CCAD estimates market value using standard approaches:

• Sales comparison using recent, similar local sales
• Cost approach for newer or special properties
• Income approach for income-producing property

CCAD also looks at neighborhood trends and broader market data to align values with current conditions.

Review and protest timeline

If CCAD changes your value significantly, you receive a Notice of Appraised Value. You can request an informal review with CCAD to share sales data, photos, or other evidence. If you still disagree, file a written protest with the Appraisal Review Board (ARB).

Timing matters. Under state law, you generally must file by May 15 or within 30 days of the date the notice was mailed, whichever is later. Always confirm the current year’s deadline with CCAD.

Evidence that helps

Owners often use:

• Comparable recent sales or an independent appraisal
• Photos showing deferred maintenance or condition issues
• Income and expense statements for rental or commercial properties
• Documentation for special use, like agricultural appraisal

How tax rates are set

Who taxes your home

A Garden Ridge property is typically taxed by several units. Common examples include:

• City of Garden Ridge
• Comal County
• Your local school district (varies by address)
• Special districts such as Emergency Service Districts or water-related districts

Your total tax rate is the sum of the adopted rates from each applicable unit.

Truth in Taxation timeline

After CCAD certifies the appraisal roll, typically in July, each taxing unit uses those values to adopt a rate. Meetings usually occur in August and September. Texas Truth in Taxation rules require notices, public hearings, and additional steps if a proposed rate exceeds set thresholds like the no-new-revenue rate or the voter-approval rate. In some cases, exceeding the voter-approval rate can trigger an election.

Where to see your rates

• Use CCAD’s property search to see which taxing units apply to your address.
• Check the Comal County Tax Office for adopted rates and to review your property’s actual tax bill once posted.
• You can also review each taxing unit’s adopted budget and rate documents on their official websites.

Billing, payments, penalties

When bills arrive

Comal County typically mails property tax bills in the fall, most often in October or November. The bill reflects your January 1 value and the rates adopted by each taxing unit for that year.

Due date and delinquency

Property taxes are due annually. The standard deadline to pay without penalty is January 31 of the year following the tax year. If unpaid after the deadline, penalties and interest begin to accrue under state law. The Comal County Tax Office posts the current penalty and interest schedule each year, so confirm exact amounts and dates there or on your bill.

Ways to pay

Most counties accept payment by mail, in person, and online, and sometimes by phone. Your mortgage servicer may also pay taxes from an escrow account. Review your bill and confirm whether your servicer will handle payment to avoid duplicate payments or missed deadlines.

Relief and deferral options

If you are over 65 or have a qualifying disability, you may be eligible for special payment options, tax deferral, or a school tax ceiling that limits your school taxes going forward. Check available programs and rules with the Comal County Tax Office.

Exemptions that lower taxes

Exemptions reduce your taxable value, which lowers your bill. Many exemptions are filed with CCAD. Amounts and rules can change, so verify details for the current year.

Residence homestead

The homestead exemption lowers the taxable value on your primary residence. Texas requires certain exemptions for school taxes, and cities and counties can choose to grant optional homestead exemptions. File your application with CCAD and include proof of residence as required.

Over 65 or disabled

Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who have a qualifying disability, may receive additional exemptions. For school taxes, a tax ceiling can limit the amount you pay going forward on your homestead. Surviving spouses may keep some benefits if they meet set conditions.

Disabled veteran benefits

Disabled veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for exemptions based on disability ratings, including a 100 percent exemption for certain totally disabled veterans. You will need documentation from the VA to apply.

Ag and open-space appraisal

If land is used for qualifying agricultural, timber, or wildlife management, it may qualify for an open-space or productivity appraisal. This taxes the land based on its productive value rather than market value. These programs have specific use and documentation requirements and may involve multi-year qualification.

How to apply

Most applications are handled through CCAD using standard forms. Typical documents include proof of ownership, a Texas driver’s license that matches the homestead address, and relevant VA or disability documentation if applicable. Filing deadlines vary by exemption type, and some relief may apply only on a go-forward basis, so confirm timing before you submit.

A quick local checklist

Use this step-by-step list to verify and plan your Garden Ridge taxes each year:

1. Look up your property on CCAD

• Confirm your January 1 appraised value.
• Note your listed taxing units.

2. Review your Notice of Appraised Value

• If the value seems high, request an informal review with CCAD.
• File a written ARB protest by the deadline if needed.

3. Confirm adopted tax rates

• Check the Comal County Tax Office for the year’s adopted rates by unit.
• Review City of Garden Ridge, Comal County, and your school district’s documents as needed.

4. File or update exemptions

• Submit homestead, over 65, disabled, disabled veteran, or ag applications through CCAD.
• Keep proof of eligibility on file.

5. Watch for your fall tax bill

• Verify whether your lender will pay from escrow.
• If paying directly, choose your payment method and calendar the due date.

6. Avoid penalties

• Pay by January 31 to avoid penalties and interest.
• If you need relief or a deferral, contact the Comal County Tax Office promptly.

Get appraisal-smart guidance

Understanding your bill is the first step. Positioning your property value correctly is the next. With deep appraisal experience and local expertise in Garden Ridge and Northeast San Antonio, you can get clear, data-backed guidance on value, exemptions, and timing as you plan a purchase or sale. Ready to talk through your options and next steps? Connect with Melissa Boehringer for a free consultation.

FAQs

What makes up a Garden Ridge tax bill?

• Your bill equals your taxable value multiplied by the combined rates from all taxing units that serve your address.

When is the Comal County protest deadline?

• You generally must file by May 15 or within 30 days of the notice mailing date, whichever is later; confirm the current year with CCAD.

How do I find my taxing units for my address?

• Search your parcel on CCAD to see which units apply, then review the Comal County Tax Office for adopted rates and your bill.

How does the Texas homestead exemption help?

• It reduces your taxable value on your primary residence and can include additional benefits from local units; file with CCAD and confirm amounts each year.

When are Comal County taxes due, and what if I miss it?

• Taxes are typically due by January 31; penalties and interest begin after the deadline under state law, so check the Tax Office schedule and pay quickly.