Cost to Own
United StatesDistrict of ColumbiaExemptions Programs 2 Avg effective rate 0.577%
Money that stays yours only if you claim it Most of these take a single filing with the county assessor. Homeowners who never file simply pay the full bill, every year, forever.

Statewide relief programs

Property Tax Exemptions in District of Columbia

These are the major statewide programs. Counties and cities often layer their own on top, and dollar amounts change with legislation, so each entry tells you what the program is and who it is for, and the official District of Columbia source carries the current numbers.

What you may be able to claim

Homestead Deduction Who: Owner-occupied primary residences. Reduces the assessed value used to compute tax, and caps annual taxable-assessment growth on the homestead.
Senior/Disabled 50% Tax Cap Who: Homeowners 65+ or disabled, under income limits. Cuts the property tax bill in half for those who qualify.

Current amounts, income limits and forms: official District of Columbia property tax site. Filing itself happens at your county assessor's office.

Common questions

What property tax exemptions does District of Columbia offer?

District of Columbia offers 2 major statewide relief programs: Homestead Deduction; Senior/Disabled 50% Tax Cap. Details and current amounts are on the official state site, and claims go through your county assessor.

Do property tax exemptions renew automatically?

Some do, many do not. Homestead-type filings usually persist once made, while income-tested programs typically require an annual application. The safe habit is one call to the county assessor each year.

How much can an exemption save?

It depends on the program, your home's value and the current statutory amounts, which change. On this site's data, the average District of Columbia homeowner pays an effective 0.577% of home value in property tax each year, any exemption comes off that bill.

Keep going

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