Tax Breaks for Seniors at Risk as Rio Concho Fights County Appraisal District

SAN ANGELO, TX — A Tom Green County judge has reinstated a lawsuit by Rio Concho Retirement Communities, reviving the nonprofit’s challenge against the appraisal district’s decision to deny property tax exemptions for its affordable senior housing.

The case, filed by Rio Concho and Rio Concho Manor, argues that the nonprofit’s housing facilities qualify for charitable exemptions under Section 11.18 of the Texas Tax Code. The exemptions had been in place for decades but were removed beginning with the 2024 tax year.

The petition claims the Tom Green County Appraisal District improperly reclassified properties, eliminating exemptions that allowed residents to file under individual accounts. Rio Concho says this move stripped homestead protections and other exemptions for hundreds of seniors.

Judge Jay K. Weatherby signed the order on Aug. 28, 2025, vacating an earlier dismissal and placing the case back on the active docket of the 340th Judicial District Court.

Rio Concho is asking the court to declare the properties exempt, adjust their appraised value, and require the district to update its records. The nonprofit also seeks reimbursement for legal costs.