Bookkeeping, payroll and tax help for San Antonio businesses
San Antonio businesses pay no state income tax, but they collect 8.25% sales tax, render business property to the Bexar Appraisal District by April 15 and file a Texas franchise tax report every May. Short-term rentals add hotel occupancy tax. We keep your books, run payroll and file your federal and Texas returns.
Updated November 2026
What's different about running a business in San Antonio?
San Antonio's small businesses grow around three big anchors: the military bases that make up Joint Base San Antonio, a large healthcare and bioscience sector, and tourism built on the River Walk and the Missions. So we see a lot of government and defense contractors, medical and therapy practices, hospitality businesses, and the builders and trades that keep up with a growing city.
Government contractors often need books that can stand up to a contract audit, with costs tracked by contract and clean timekeeping behind payroll. Healthcare practices need staff payroll and a clear view of owner pay. Hospitality is its own world, with tip reporting, monthly sales tax and seasonal cash flow.
Short-term rental hosts should know that Texas hotel occupancy tax applies to stays under 30 days, at the state level and through local hotel taxes too. Platforms collect some of it, but not always all of it, so check what yours remits before you assume you're covered.
The whole city sits in Bexar County, so business personal property renditions go to the Bexar Appraisal District by April 15.
What does a typical San Antonio client need from us?
Contractors usually come to us for organized books and payroll that will hold up to a review. Practices want payroll and planning. Hospitality owners want sales tax and tip reporting handled without a weekly scramble. Whatever the mix, one accountant keeps the books, runs payroll and files the returns, federal and Texas.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sales tax rate | 8.25%: 6.25% state plus 2% local, shared by the city, VIA transit and the Advanced Transportation District |
| County | Bexar County |
| Appraisal district | Bexar Appraisal District. Business personal property renditions are due April 15 |
| State income tax | None on wages or business profit |
| Franchise tax | Report due May 15. No tax due at or under $2,650,000 of revenue, but the information report is still required |
| Payroll | Federal withholding plus Texas unemployment tax (TWC) on the first $9,000 of wages |
Nearby areas we also serve
Sources
- Texas Comptroller: Sales and use tax
- Texas Comptroller: Franchise tax
- Texas Workforce Commission: Employers
- Texas Comptroller: Property tax rendition
- Texas Comptroller: Hotel occupancy tax
General information, not tax advice for your situation.
Running a business in San Antonio?
One accountant for your books, payroll, sales tax and both returns, on one monthly fee.
Book a callWhich San Antonio businesses do we work with?
Owners who want one person on their numbers all year.
Government and defense contractors
Costs tracked by contract, clean payroll records and timely filings.
Medical and therapy practices
Staff payroll, owner salary planning and monthly books.
Hotels, restaurants and tours
Tip reporting, sales tax and seasonal cash flow.
Short-term rental hosts
Rental books, hotel tax checks and depreciation.
Builders and trades
Job costing and sales tax on repair work.
Veteran-owned businesses
Setup, payroll and the books lenders and agencies ask for.
What can we take off your plate?
Every service works the same wherever you are. One job, or all of it every month.
Bookkeeping
from $250/mo
Monthly books in QuickBooks Online or Xero, plus catch-up work when you're behind.
See the servicePayroll
setup from $200
Gusto or ADP set up, run and filed for your whole team.
See the serviceSales tax
from $75/mo
Nexus checks, permits and returns in every state where you owe.
See the serviceBusiness tax returns
from $650
Form 1065, 1120-S or 1120 plus your state returns, prepared and e-filed.
See the servicePersonal tax returns
from $450
Form 1040 and your state return for owners, freelancers and families.
See the serviceTax planning and CFO
review from $350
Entity choice, owner salary, quarterly estimates and forecasts.
See the serviceLLC formation
from $299 + state fee
Your LLC in any state, the EIN and an S-Corp election if it fits.
See the serviceITIN and cross-border
from $300
ITINs, US expat returns, non-resident returns and Form 5472.
See the serviceWhat is the sales tax rate in San Antonio?
It's 8.25%, the 6.25% state rate plus 2% shared by the city and its transit districts. You file and pay it to the Texas Comptroller.
Do short-term rentals in San Antonio pay hotel tax?
Yes. Stays under 30 days are subject to Texas hotel occupancy tax, plus local hotel taxes. Check what your booking platform collects for you.
Which appraisal district does a San Antonio business file with?
The Bexar Appraisal District. Business personal property renditions are due April 15.
Can you keep books that hold up to a government contract review?
We keep costs organized by contract and keep payroll records clean. For formal audits, your contracting officer's requirements decide the format.
Tell us what's messy. We'll tell you what it takes.
Tell us what you need and get a fixed price before any work starts. No pressure and no contract.