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Real Property Tax Credits Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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How can I tell if I am receiving the Homestead Deduction?

Check your last real property tax bill. If your bill does not show a deduction for the Homestead Program and you qualify for the deduction, contact the Office of Tax and Revenue at (202) 727-4TAX (727-4829). You probably are eligible for the homestead deduction if the property for which the deduction is sought is occupied as your principal place of residence. Visit Homestead Deduction for more information, or you can review your account at MyTax.DC.gov.

What programs are available for senior citizens?

If you meet certain eligibility criteria, you may qualify for the Senior Citizen Tax Relief Program. The program applies to those property owners who occupy their property as their principal place of residence, are 65 years of age or older, and meet certain income requirements.

Senior Citizen or Disabled Property Owner Tax Relief

When a property owner turns 65 years of age or older, or when he or she is disabled, he or she may file an application immediately for disabled or senior citizen property tax relief. This benefit reduces a qualified property owner's property tax by 50 percent. If the property owner lives in a cooperative housing association, the cooperative will supply and collect the applications. The following guidelines apply:

  1. The disabled or senior citizen must own 50 percent or more of the property or cooperative unit;
  2. The Tax Year 2022 total federal adjusted gross income of everyone living in the property or cooperative unit, excluding tenants, must be less than $154,750 for 2024; and
  3. The same requirements for application, occupancy, ownership, principal residence (domicile), number of dwelling units, cooperative housing associations and revocable trusts apply as in the homestead deduction.

The Homestead Deduction, and Senior Citizen or Disabled Property Owner Application is available on the Real Property Tax Forms page.

If a properly completed and approved application is filed from October 1 to March 31, the property will receive the deduction for the entire tax year (and for all tax years in the future). If a properly completed and approved application is filed from April 1 to September 30, the property will receive one-half of the deduction reflected on the second installment (and full deductions for all tax years in the future).
 

Cancellation of Homestead Benefit

Properties will continue to receive the Homestead benefit and/or disabled or senior citizen tax relief as long as there is no change in eligibility, such as property ownership or owner-occupancy status. Owners of properties receiving these tax benefits are responsible for notifying the agency when eligibility ceases. Written notice, including the square and lot of the property, or a completed Homestead cancellation form, must be sent within 30 days of a change in ownership or owner-occupancy status to:

Government of the District of Columbia
Office of Tax and Revenue
Real Property Tax Administration
1101 4th Street, SW, Ste W550
Washington, DC 20024