DC Property Tax | 🏘 A Helpful Guide to DC Real Estate Taxes

Property taxes can be confusing and difficult to navigate, but they’re an essential element of home ownership. If you’re considering a move to DC and want to buy a home, this complete DC property tax guide will give you a better understanding of how your DC real estate taxes are calculated, any tax exemptions you have coming to you, and much more.

DC Property Taxes

Property taxes are yearly fees placed on real estate by the local government. The money collected from these fees is used to fund essential public services, including schools, emergency services like the police and fire departments, and infrastructure. In Washington, DC, the property tax system is managed by a single agency responsible for assessing property values, administering exemptions, billing, and collecting tax payments.

Washington, DC's property tax has a unique history. Property taxes in the district have evolved since the implementation of a tax classification system in 1979, which created separate tax rates for different classes of property (such as residential and commercial). Over time, DC has introduced numerous relief measures and assessment caps to manage the impact of rising property values and to help residents, especially seniors, remain in their homes.

In DC, as throughout much of the U.S., property tax revenue is a vital part of the district budget. However, it makes up a lower share of general revenues compared to other cities due to the large proportion of federally owned, tax-exempt properties within the district.

With this brief history and information in mind, let’s look at the department in charge of property tax assessment, the Real Property Tax Administration (RPTA), which falls under the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR):

District of Columbia Real Property Tax Administration (RPTA)

The Real Property Tax Administration handles all aspects of DC property tax, including:

• Property assessment
• Assessment appeals
• Maintaining tax records
• Levying and collecting taxes
• Conducts annual tax sale to auction properties with unpaid taxes
• Administers relief programs
• Coordinates delinquent accounts

DC Assessor

The Real Property Tax Administration (RPTA), part of the DC Office of Tax and Revenue, is responsible for determining the annual market value of all real property in Washington, DC, reviewing building permits to decide whether a reassessment is needed, and maintaining the District’s real property tax roll and property maps.

The office issues property tax exemptions and assessment notices, and maintains public access to the assessment database. The RPTA also manages the appeals process, allowing property owners who believe their assessments are inaccurate to file a Request for Assessment Review. The office evaluates appeals through hearings and case reviews.

Lisa Manning, Director of Real Property Tax Administration

Office Location, Hours & Contact

Office of Tax and Revenue – Real Property Tax Administration (Assessment Division)

Address: 1101 4th Street, SW, Suite 270 West, Washington, DC 20024

Phone: (202) 727- 4829

Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:15 a.m.–5:30 p.m., except District holidays

D.C. Tax Collector -- Office of Tax and Revenue

The Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) sends out property tax bills to homeowners and ensures that payments are collected on time. It also distributes collected tax revenue to fund essential local government services.

When property taxes are not paid, the office pursues delinquent accounts, applying penalties, and managing tax sales for properties with overdue taxes.

Washington, DC, does not specifically designate a separate elected treasurer or tax collector position. Instead, the Office of Tax and Revenue, under the leadership of the Chief Financial Officer of the District of Columbia, serves this function collectively.

Glen Lee, Chief Financial Officer

Office Location, Hours & Contact

Office of Tax and Revenue

Address: 1101 4th Street, SW, Suite 270 West, Washington, DC 20024

Phone: (202) 727- 4829

Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:15 a.m.–5:30 p.m., except District holidays

DC Property Tax Rate

DC property taxes are assessed at 100% of a property’s estimated market value–the price at which a property would sell for under prevailing market conditions. The District of Columbia has four property classes.

Tax rates within each class that apply to properties in the District of Columbia are:

To calculate property tax, take the assessed value of the property and divide it by 100. Then, multiply that answer by the applicable tax rate of $.85. For example, let’s say you own a townhouse and your property is valued at the median townhome price in DC, which is $830K according to Redfin.

830,000 / 100 = 8,300

8,300 x .85 = 7,055

Your DC property tax would be $7,055 – before deductions, if any.

If you are purchasing a new property or one is being transferred to your name, then there are two additional taxes you will pay. They are a Deed Recordation Tax and a Deed Transfer Tax.

According to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, the tax rate for deed recordation and deed transfers is “1.1 % of consideration or fair market value for residential property transfers less than $400,000 and 1.45% of consideration or fair market value on the entire amount, if the transfer is greater than $400,000.”

In some cases, certain tax exemptions can reduce your assessed value or give you a credit toward your taxes. We’ll go into detail about this in a bit.

There are a few important programs regarding assessment caps worth mentioning here:

Assessment Cap Credit

Because the DC housing market has caused the assessed value of real property to surge, property taxes are increasing. The Assessment Cap states that a property cannot be taxed on more than a 10% increase in its assessed value each year. It’s important to note that the credit does not reduce the assessed value of your property, but it will appear as a credit against your tax bill to help reduce your tax burden.

Senior Citizens Assessment Cap Credit

The Senior Citizens Assessment cap is similar to the Assessment Cap Credit, but limits the increase to 2% instead of 10%.

In order to qualify for each of the above caps, the property owner must already be receiving the DC homestead exemption.

Because of its status as a federal district, Washington, DC is neither a city nor a state in the traditional sense. This means there are no separate city or county property taxes.

DC Property Tax Payments – Due Dates & How to Pay Your Tax Bill

Getting your DC property tax payment in on time is essential for avoiding interest and penalties–why pay more when that can be avoided? You will receive a DC property tax bill twice a year. DC real property tax payment due dates are as follows:

The first half of DC property tax bills is mailed in February, and the second half is mailed in August.

DC Property Tax Payments

There are several convenient methods for making your DC property tax payments.

Online Payments

Property tax payments can be made online at https://mytax.dc.gov/. You can pay with a debit or credit card, but there is a 2.5% non-refundable convenience fee. Accepted credit cards include MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover. You may also make ACH/eCheck payments free of charge.

Payments by Mail

If you prefer to pay your DC property tax bill by mail, you can send a check or money order made payable to the “DC Treasurer.” On your check or money order, include your:

• Square
• Suffix
• Lot or parcel numbers

Be sure to submit the bottom portion of your payment coupon with your check or money order to ensure your payment is processed on time. If payments are not received by the due date, they are considered late and will be subject to late penalties and interest. The late penalty is 10% of your tax; interest is 1.5 % of the tax for each full or partial month your payment is late. If you don’t pay the full amount, then the real property tax lien can be sold at the annual Real Property Tax Sale.

DC property tax payment address:

Office of Tax and Revenue

DC Government Real Property Taxes

PO Box 718095

Philadelphia, PA 19171-8095

DC Property Search/DC Property Tax Records

If you’d like to do a DC property lookup for property tax information for your home or for a home you want to buy, you can find that information via the Real Property Search tool. This tool is offered by the Office of the Chief Financial Officer. Using this DC property search tool, you will find information such as:

• Property details, owner information, sales information
• Assessment history
• Tax summary
• Property features
• Property map

To search for a property, simply input the square, suffix (if applicable), and lot, or the street address, and hit the “search” button. Then scroll down to see the results.

DC Property Tax Exemptions

The Office of Tax and Revenue handles all DC property tax exemptions. Some more common exemptions include the Homestead Deduction and the Disabled Veterans’ Homestead Deduction for eligible homeowners.

The Homestead Deduction

The Homestead Deduction reduces a property’s assessed value by a certain amount, an amount that can change from year to year. For 2025, the deduction reduces a property’s value by $89,850 before the yearly tax liability is calculated. This equals a real property tax bill savings of $763.73.

To qualify for the DC Homestead Exemption:

• An application must be on file with the Office of Tax and Revenue
• The property must be occupied by the owner/applicant–it can’t contain more than five dwelling units, including the owner-occupied unit
• The property needs to be the primary residence of the owner/applicant

The Disabled Veterans’ Homestead Deduction

As of October 1, 2022, veterans who own residential real property and have been classified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as being permanently disabled due to an injury incurred as a result of, or aggravated by, service, or is paid according to a 100% disability rating rendering them unemployable, they are eligible for a reduced assessed value of $445,000. There are further provisions to this deduction, including:

• The disabled veteran must occupy the property, and the property can’t contain more than five dwelling units, including the owner-occupied unit.
• The property must be the main residence of the disabled veteran.
• The disabled veteran must own 50% of the property, as shown by the deed.
• Total household income can’t exceed the current limit applicable to Senior/Disabled Tax Relief. The limit for the 2025 tax year is $159,750.00.

DC Property Tax Appeals

If you believe your property tax assessment is incorrect or have another reason to appeal, you must file an appeal with the Real Property Tax Appeals Commission. Your appeal form must indicate the basis for the appeal and include all documents or evidence at the time of filing.

Supporting evidence can include:

• Pictures
• Fire or damage reports
• Repair cost estimates
• Appraisals

You can either mail in your appeal documents or file online.

To mail in physical documents, print and complete this Real Property Assessments Appeal Form. Mail the completed form, supporting documents, and four copies of all documents to:

Real Property Tax Appeals Commission
441 4th Street, NW
Suite 360 North
Washington, DC 20001

To file your appeal electronically, visit www.fileandserviceexpress.com and set up a free account. When you log into your account, click the “Login – All States” link, not the “Login - Washington, DC Superior Court Filers – CaseFileXpress.”

DC Property Tax FAQ

When Are Property Taxes Due in DC?

DC property tax due dates come twice a year: on March 1st and September 15th.

When Are Property Tax Bills Mailed Out in DC?

DC property tax bills are mailed out in February and in August.

How Are Property Taxes Calculated in DC?

Residential property taxes (Class 1) are calculated by taking the total assessed property value, dividing it by 100, then multiplying that answer by .85.

Ready to Move to Washington, DC? Give Us a Call!

Property taxes can be confusing, especially considering the different tax rates, deadlines, exemptions, tax credit eligibility requirements, and more. But now that you’re more familiar with the DC real estate taxes, we want you to know that Express Moving and Storage is here to help if you’re ready to make your move to Washington DC.

We are the best Washington DC movers for the job, specializing in long-distance moves, local moves, apartment moves, and more. Be sure to contact us with any questions you may have, as well as for a free quote today at 571-332-9682.