David Carreon asks Michael Amezquita, chief appraiser at the Bexar Appraisal District, why the burden to prove property value falls on the property owner during a property tax workshop last weekend.Property owners in Alamo Heights’ zip code last year were more likely to protest their appraisals than those in any other zip code in the city.
A spike in appraisal value doesn’t necessarily translate to an equal increase in property taxes, which are adjusted by exemptions and changing tax rates. Bexar County passed athis year, following San Antonio’s move in 2020. In addition, most taxing entities now are required to seek voter approval to collect more than 3.5% in property tax revenue over the previous year.
The top protesting zip code, 78209, which covers Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills and the Oak Park-Northwood neighborhoods, had an average household income of just under $140,000. Slightly more than 36% of property owners in the zip code protested their appraisals last year. He said this outreach was particularly important for homeowners who live in older homes in gentrifying neighborhoods, where new constructions drive up default appraisals across the block.