NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 20, 2002 District Establishes New Tax Rate for Vacant Properties (Washington, DC) New legislation has created a class 3 property tax rate for vacant commercial and residential properties in the District of Columbia. Under the "Real Property Classification Clarification Emergency Act of 2002," vacant property will be taxed at $5.00 per $100 of assessed value beginning in 2003. The first affected property tax bills will be sent to owners in February, with payments due March 31, 2003. The law establishing the new tax rate was passed unanimously by the Council of the District of Columbia on December 3, 2002 and becomes effective January 1, 2003. The Office of Tax and Revenue is sending letters about the new tax rate to the owners of 5,300 properties identified by the District as vacant. The letters include a form that provides a list of exceptions that may allow a property to receive the lower Class 1 or Class 2 tax rate. To qualify for a lower tax rate in time for the first-half 2003 property tax bill, each property owner must submit a completed exception form along with supporting documentation by January 21, 2003. For more information and to download the exception form, visit Real Property Tax Rates. Individuals may also call the Office of Tax and Revenue's Customer Service Center, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at (202) 727-4TAX (727-4829); or visit the center at 941 North Capitol Street, NE, 1st floor, during these hours.