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NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2002
Delinquent Property Tax Payers Get Final Warning Before Tax Sale
(Washington, DC) The District of Columbia Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) this week is mailing final notices of property tax delinquency in an effort to collect outstanding taxes before the properties are sold at auction.
Included with the notice are real property bills that list tax delinquencies from tax year 2001 and as far back as 1993. Under District law, old liens must be satisfied before payment is accepted for the current real property tax bill.
Property owners have until July 10 to pay their taxes in full, including penalties and interest, to prevent the property from being auctioned. The Tax Sale auction will begin July 15.
"The real purpose of the delinquency notice is to encourage property owners to pay their real property taxes and maintain possession of their homes and businesses," said Herbert J. Huff, Deputy Chief Financial Officer for Tax and Revenue. "Tax revenue is vital to supporting District services, and every property owner is responsible for paying what is owed."
"We are making every effort to ensure that taxpayers are informed of all their liabilities and that they have ample opportunity to become current," Huff said.
Under last year's Tax Clarity legislation, if a property is ultimately sold at tax sale, the redemption period is extended, allowing an owner to pay back taxes up to the time of a court ordered tax deed. If the original owner redeems the property, the tax sale buyer will be reimbursed the purchase amount plus any additional costs.
Those interested in acquiring a property at tax sale must make sure they understand and follow all procedures before deciding to buy, OTR officials advised.
"A purchaser should do all the research to see what other District liens are owed on the property," said Tax Sale Manager Connice Hogue. "They also should make sure they know what they are buying." Hogue noted cases where buyers were stunned to discover they had purchased only a vacant lot and not a house.
OTR will host two tax sale seminars on Friday, June 28, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am and again from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The seminars will take place at 941 North Capitol Street, NE, in training room A on the fourth floor. The purpose of the seminars is to educate property owners and purchasers. Pre-registration is required. Those interested should call Customer Service at (202) 727-4TAX (727-4829), or visit the walk-in center on the first floor of 941 North Capitol Street, NE.
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