Property Tax Guide
Property Tax in District of Columbia (2026): Rates, Exemptions, and Real Numbers
District of Columbia's effective property tax rate is 0.55% — one of the lowest rates in the country (#42 nationally). On the state median of $601,400, that's $3,308/year or $276/month. Rates vary sharply by county: from 0.55% in N/A — single jurisdiction to 0.55% in District-wide (no counties).
District of Columbia Property Tax Rates by County
Highest and lowest effective rates within District of Columbia
Highest rate
0.55%
District-wide (no counties)
$3,308/yr on median-priced home
Lowest rate
0.55%
N/A — single jurisdiction
$3,308/yr on median-priced home
County rate spread
Property Tax Calculator — District of Columbia
Pre-loaded with District of Columbia's 0.55% effective rate and $601,400 median price
Property Tax Estimator
District of Columbia rate pre-loaded
Monthly Escrow
$276/mo
added to your mortgage payment
Estimate based on effective rate. Actual bills vary by county and assessment.
Full Calculator →Property Tax by City in District of Columbia
Annual and monthly property tax by city, based on local median prices and the statewide effective rate
Estimated property tax — District of Columbia cities
| City | Median Price | Annual Tax | Monthly | % of P&I |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown | $1,650,000 | $9,075 | $756/mo | 9% |
| Capitol Hill | $920,000 | $5,060 | $422/mo | 9% |
| Columbia Heights | $720,000 | $3,960 | $330/mo | 9% |
| Anacostia | $395,000 | $2,173 | $181/mo | 9% |
| Source: Tax Foundation Property Taxes by State 2024 — estimated at 0.55% effective rate | ||||
District of Columbia Homestead Exemption
District of Columbia offers a homestead exemption
Homestead Deduction: $84,850 reduction in assessed value for owner-occupied primary residences (2024; adjusted annually). Senior and Disabled Property Tax Relief: additional 50% reduction for qualifying seniors 65+ and disabled owners. Assessment cap: assessed value of residential property may not increase more than 10% per year.
Apply after purchase through your county assessor. Deadlines vary — check the link below.
How District of Columbia Assesses Property Values
Assessment cycle: Annual assessment by DC Office of Tax and Revenue at 100% of fair market value. 10% assessment increase cap for residential properties.
Assessment cycle
District of Columbia reassesses property on a annual assessment by dc office of tax and revenue at 100% of fair market value. 10% assessment increase cap for residential properties. schedule. Your assessed value changes on this cycle, so your tax bill can increase even if you haven't made improvements.
Assessed value vs. market value
Some states assess at a fraction of market value. District of Columbia's effective rate of 0.55% is calculated on market value. If you paid $601,400, your starting assessed value is approximately that amount.
How to appeal
If your assessment is higher than comparable sales in your area, you can appeal. File with your county Board of Assessment Appeals within the deadline on your notice (typically 30-90 days). Bring 3-5 recent comparable sales ("comps") pulled from Zillow or your county recorder. The process is free.
What drives reassessment
Triggers include your purchase price being recorded at county, permitted renovation work, and periodic mass appraisals. New construction is always assessed on completion.
Property Tax's Impact on Your True Monthly Cost
On a $601,400 home in District of Columbia
| Component | Monthly |
|---|---|
| Principal & Interest | $3,006 |
| Property Tax (0.55%) | $276 |
| Homeowners Insurance | $109 |
| Maintenance Reserve | $752 |
| Utilities | $232 |
| True monthly total | $4,375 |
Property tax represents 6% of the true monthly cost in District of Columbia.
Mortgage Calculator Including Property Tax — District of Columbia
See your full PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) payment
Mortgage Estimator
District of Columbia rates pre-loaded
Monthly Payment (P&I)
$3,009
principal & interest only
Estimate only — excludes insurance, PMI, HOA.
Full Calculator →How District of Columbia's Property Tax Affects Affordability
$276/month in property tax reduces the home price you can afford. Use the affordability calculator to see the real impact.
Mortgage Affordability Calculator
See what home price you can actually afford after factoring in District of Columbia's $276/month property tax burden.
Open Calculator →Property Tax After Refinancing in District of Columbia
Refinancing changes your P&I but not your property tax. If your home was reassessed at a higher value, your tax bill increases regardless of your rate.
Mortgage Refinance Calculator
See if refinancing saves money after accounting for District of Columbia's property taxes — pre-loaded with the $601,400 median home value at 6.4%.
Open Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the property tax rate in District of Columbia?
- District of Columbia's effective property tax rate is 0.55%, ranking #42 nationally. The median annual property tax bill is $3,308 ($276/month). Rates range from 0.55% in N/A — single jurisdiction to 0.55% in District-wide (no counties). Source: Tax Foundation Property Taxes by State 2024.
- Does District of Columbia have a homestead exemption?
- Yes — District of Columbia offers a homestead exemption for primary residences. Homestead Deduction: $84,850 reduction in assessed value for owner-occupied primary residences (2024; adjusted annually). Senior and Disabled Property Tax Relief: additional 50% reduction for qualifying seniors 65+ and disabled owners. Assessment cap: assessed value of residential property may not increase more than 10% per year.. Apply through your county assessor's office after purchasing your home.
- How often is property reassessed in District of Columbia?
- District of Columbia reassesses property on a annual assessment by dc office of tax and revenue at 100% of fair market value. 10% assessment increase cap for residential properties. basis. When your property is reassessed, your tax bill changes based on the new assessed value multiplied by the applicable rate. If you believe your assessment is too high, you can appeal — most counties allow 30-90 days after receiving your assessment notice.
- How is property tax calculated in District of Columbia?
- Property tax = Assessed Value × Mill Rate (or effective rate). In District of Columbia, the effective rate is 0.55% of market value. On a $601,400 home: $601,400 × 0.55% = $3,308/year. Assessments may use a fraction of market value — the effective rate accounts for this.
- Can I appeal my property tax assessment in District of Columbia?
- Yes. If your assessed value is higher than comparable sales in your area, you can file an appeal with your county assessment board. Steps: (1) Get your assessment notice, (2) Research comparable recent sales, (3) File an appeal by the deadline (typically 30-90 days from assessment notice). Studies show 20-40% of appeals result in a reduction. The process is free and you represent yourself — no attorney required.
- Are property taxes included in my mortgage payment in District of Columbia?
- Most lenders require an escrow account that collects $276/month ($3,308/year ÷ 12) along with your mortgage payment, then pays the county on your behalf. If your loan-to-value is below 80%, you may be able to opt out of escrow and pay taxes directly. Note: if your assessed value rises, your escrow payment adjusts and your total monthly cost increases.
- What District of Columbia counties have the highest and lowest property taxes?
- District of Columbia's highest effective rate is in District-wide (no counties) at 0.55%. The lowest is N/A — single jurisdiction at 0.55%. That's a 0.00% spread — on a $601,400 home, the difference is $0/year.
Related Calculators
Property Tax Calculator
Estimate annual and monthly property tax in District of Columbia at any home price
Mortgage Calculator
Full PITI payment on $601,400 at 6.4%
Affordability Calculator
How much home can you afford with $276/mo in taxes?
Refinance Calculator
See if refinancing saves money after accounting for property taxes