Property Owners Get a 2nd Chance to Reconfirm Homestead Benefit

(Washington, DC) The Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) announced today that it is sending out a second reconfirmation letter to more than 5,000 property owners whose eligibility in the Homestead tax benefit program is under review. These notices, part of OTR’s ongoing audit of the Homestead program, are being sent to those who did not respond to the first request mailed in May.

The notice requests that property owners complete a reconfirmation form and provide OTR with documentation that substantiates their eligibility for the Homestead program. If a property owner does not respond to a reconfirmation notice, OTR will presume the owner is ineligible for the Homestead benefit and will bill the ineligible property owner for past Homestead benefits received, including penalties and interest, in the 2007 real property tax bill cycle.

If a property owner believes he or she is eligible for this tax relief, they should either complete the reconfirmation form and supply copies of the requested documents, or visit OTR’s Customer Service Center on the 1st floor of 941 North Capitol Street, NE, and bring along documentation to substantiate their eligibility.

For more information about the Homestead Deduction and/or senior citizen tax relief programs, visit the Real Property Service Center or call the Customer Service Center at (202) 727-4TAX (4829).