Property taxes in Washington D.C. are assessed and collected at the local level — primarily by counties and municipalities — with rates varying significantly depending on where your home is located. The statewide average effective rate for 2025is 0.56%, meaning a homeowner with a $601,500 median-value home typically pays around $3,368 per year in property taxes. For a monthly perspective, that works out to roughly $281/month — a line item that should factor into every home purchase decision in Washington D.C..
Washington D.C. uses a 100% assessment ratio for primary residential properties. Most states with a 100% ratio assess property at full market value — what the county believes your home would sell for — and apply a millage rate directly to that figure.
Available Exemptions in Washington D.C.
Homestead Deduction: $84,900 off assessed value for owner-occupied properties (2024). Reduces tax by approximately $753/year at the 0.85% Class 1 rate.
Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze: for homeowners 70+ with income under $137,300 (2024) — property assessment frozen at prior year value. Also eligible for 50% reduction on taxes owed.
100% service-connected disabled veterans: full property tax exemption on primary residence in DC. Surviving spouses also qualify.
What Makes Washington D.C.'s Property Tax System Unique
DC Class 1 (residential, 1–3 units, owner-occupied) is taxed at 0.85%. Class 1 non-owner-occupied is 0.85% but without the homestead deduction. Class 2 (commercial) is 1.65%. DC also has a "cap on assessment increases" — residential assessments cannot increase more than 10% per year for homestead properties. DC does not share tax revenues with surrounding Virginia/Maryland suburbs.
When Are Washington D.C. Property Taxes Due?
Washington D.C. property taxes are paid on a semi-annual (twice per year) basis. Due dates: March 31 and September 15. Missing a due date typically results in penalty interest (often 1–2% per month) and eventually tax liens, so it is important to calendar these dates well in advance — especially if you have a mortgage and your lender handles property tax through escrow (in which case they pay on your behalf from your escrow account).
How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment in Washington D.C.
If you believe your property has been over-assessed — which is surprisingly common, especially after rapid market changes — you have the right to appeal. File with the DC Office of Tax and Revenue by April 1 (for first half bills). Formally appeal to the Real Property Tax Appeals Commission within 6 months.
To build a strong appeal, gather comparable sales (homes similar in size, age, and condition that sold recently for less than your assessed value), photos documenting property defects, and any independent appraisals you have. Many homeowners who appeal see their assessments reduced — and some jurisdictions allow free informal hearings before a formal appeal is required.
Property Tax Rates by Major Washington D.C. Cities
Within Washington D.C., effective property tax rates vary significantly by city and county. Here are the major areas and what to expect:
- Washington— rates in this area may differ from the 0.56% statewide average. Use the calculator above with your specific assessed value for a more accurate estimate.
- Georgetown— rates in this area may differ from the 0.56% statewide average. Use the calculator above with your specific assessed value for a more accurate estimate.
- Capitol Hill— rates in this area may differ from the 0.56% statewide average. Use the calculator above with your specific assessed value for a more accurate estimate.
- Dupont Circle— rates in this area may differ from the 0.56% statewide average. Use the calculator above with your specific assessed value for a more accurate estimate.
Note: County rates within Washington D.C. can range from well below to well above the statewide average. Always verify the current mill rate with your county assessor's office.
Pro Tips for Washington D.C. Property Owners
- Apply for every exemption you qualify for — many homeowners leave money on the table by not filing for the homestead or senior exemption. Applications are typically annual or one-time, and deadlines are firm.
- Review your assessment notice every year. If the county's estimate of your home's market value seems too high relative to what similar homes are actually selling for, appeal it. Even a 10% reduction on a $400,000 assessment saves $400–$700/year at typical Washington D.C. rates.
- If you have a mortgage, confirm with your lender whether property taxes are paid via an escrow account. If so, ensure your escrow balance is adequate — under-funded escrow leads to an escrow shortage and a sudden increase in your monthly mortgage payment.
- Pay early if your state offers discounts. Some states (like Florida) give 1–4% discounts for early payment. On a $5,000 tax bill, a 4% early-payment discount saves $200 — for essentially zero work.
- Property taxes are generally deductible on your federal income tax return as part of the SALT deduction (state and local taxes), subject to the $10,000 cap introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. For high-tax states, this cap is often a binding constraint.