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Office of Tax and Revenue


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Frequently Asked Questions
Topic: Real Property - Tax Rates and Billing

What are the principal classes of real property?

There are three classes of real property in the District of Columbia. Class 1 is residential real property including multifamily. Class 2 is commercial and industrial real property including hotels and motels. Class 3 is vacant real property.

Is the tax rate the same for all classes of property?

No. Owner-occupied residential property, known as Class one property, is taxed at a rate that is lower than that of other classes. For more information on real property tax rates, click here.

When are bills mailed?

Bills are mailed twice a year. The first-half of your bill is mailed in February, and the tax payment is due by March 31. The second-half of your bill is mailed in August, and the tax payment is due September 15.

What should I do if my assessment is correct, but the wrong amount appears on my bill?

Contact the Office of Tax and Revenue at (202) 727-4TAX, and ask to speak with someone in the real property billing section.

What happens if I am late making a payment?

Penalty and interest charges will be added to the amount owed. The penalty for late payment of real property tax is 10% of the tax, and the interest for late payment is 1.5% per month.

What happens if I do not pay my real property taxes?

Your property can be sold to satisfy your tax liability. You then have the right to redeem your property within six months. To redeem the property, you must pay the tax liability plus penalties and interest and certain other charges.

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Government of the District of Columbia
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941 North Capitol Street, N.W. Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20001
Fax: (202) 442-6413
City Wide Call Center: (202) 727-1000
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