Reporting Vacant Real Property
Citizens can play an important role in the identification of vacant property in the District of Columbia.
Individuals can report vacant property directly to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) or the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR). Whether reporting single or multiple properties, use the Reporting Vacant Property form found below. Once the form is completed, forward it via email or mail it to Government of the District of Columbia, Reporting Vacant Property, PO Box 176, Washington, DC 20044.
Roles of DCRA and OTR in Vacant Property Identification
DCRA and OTR have different and distinct roles in the identification and processing of vacant properties, pursuant to DC law. Generally, DCRA inspects real property for various reasons and annually completes a survey of vacant improved real properties. DCRA processes the registration of vacant properties by owners and administers certain fines, if property owners do not register.
In the Class 3 vacant real property tax rate process, DCRA certifies a listing of vacant properties to OTR. OTR will then send a vacant property verification/notice of tax class change with a Vacant Property Exception form to all property owners on the DCRA listing. Using the information from the Vacant Property Exception form and appropriate supporting documentation, OTR will change the classification (or use code) on the tax roll to the correct status for the current real property tax year's billing. OTR will then send a separate real property tax bill, as applicable, for the current year and up to three years prior for the difference of the real property tax billed in each year. The vacant property tax rate will be used for the calculation in each of these years.
|
|
