SAN ANTONIO - The Bexar Appraisal District is accused of taking steps that could force some senior citizens, veterans and other low income families out of their homes.
The tenants live in apartment complexes and houses that are owned by groups listed as non-profit, Community Housing Development Organizations. Those properties have been tax exempt, but now the Bexar Appraisal District is trying to force some of the property owners to start paying taxes.
Roughly a dozen people voiced concerns about the issue at the Bexar Appraisal District's Board of Directors meeting on Monday night. Those people argued that non-profit groups are not required to pay taxes because their properties were financed and built with the understanding that they're tax exempt. It's an incentive they say they were provided because they have low income tenants who pay rent that's lower than the standard market value.
The property owners maintain that if they're forced to start paying taxes, their properties will fall into foreclosure.
Michael Amezquita, the chief appraiser, tells News 4 WOAI that he is forcing some groups to start paying property taxes because they are not playing by the rules.
"Although, they may have some lower income people in their properties, there is no break being offered in rent," Amezquita said.
He also explained that some other properties that claim to be owned by charitable groups are really run by for-profit corporations. The appraiser said he is cracking down on those groups.
