What this calculator does
The Washington DC property tax calculator applies the actual Washington DC method — not a national average — to estimate a yearly bill. DC taxes owner-occupied homes at $0.85 per $100 of assessed value after a homestead deduction, and limits yearly assessment increases for homesteads to 10%. That makes DC's effective residential rate lower than most of the other cities here.
How to use it
- Use the assessed value from DC OTR's real property database.
- Tick the exemptions you qualify for.
- Adjust the rate if your bill shows a different one — rates differ by neighborhood and change each year.
- Read the step-by-step table to see how the value becomes a bill.
The formula
DC taxes owner-occupied homes at $0.85 per $100 after the homestead deduction, and caps yearly assessment growth for homesteads at 10%. Here that works out to an effective rate of 0.73% of the value you entered. Exemptions lower this bill by about $782 a year.
Worked example for Washington DC
| Step | Amount |
|---|---|
| Assessed value | $650,000 |
| Homestead deduction | -$91,950 |
| Taxable value | $558,050 |
| Tax at $0.85 per $100 | $4,743 |
| Estimated annual property tax | $4,743 |
Estimated annual property tax: $4,743.
What affects property tax in Washington DC
Assessments, rates and exemptions each move the bill. In Washington DC, rates are set by the local governments that serve each address, so two homes of the same value in different neighborhoods — for example Capitol Hill, Shaw, Petworth — can pay different amounts.
DC property tax at common home values
DC’s homestead deduction removes a fixed amount from the assessed value of an owner-occupied home before the $0.85 per $100 residential rate applies. The table compares a home with and without the deduction.
| Assessed value | Without homestead deduction | With homestead deduction | Monthly with deduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| $400,000 | $3,400 | $2,618 | $218 |
| $600,000 | $5,100 | $4,318 | $360 |
| $800,000 | $6,800 | $6,018 | $502 |
| $1,000,000 | $8,500 | $7,718 | $643 |
| $1,500,000 | $12,750 | $11,968 | $997 |
The deduction is worth the same dollar amount at every value, about $782 a year here. For homesteads, DC also limits how much the taxable assessment can rise each year, so long-time owners in neighborhoods with fast-rising prices can pay well below what a new buyer would.
Common mistakes and tips
- Using the listing price when the tax is based on a different assessed value.
- Missing an exemption deadline — most exemptions require an application.
- Assuming the seller's bill will be yours; many places reassess after a sale.
- Not checking the assessment notice for errors in square footage or condition.
Frequently asked questions
How much is property tax in Washington DC?
With the default inputs on this page, about $4,743 a year. Exemptions lower this bill by about $782 a year.
What is DC's residential tax rate?
$0.85 per $100 of assessed value for owner-occupied and other Class 1 residential property.
How much does the DC homestead deduction save?
It removes a set amount of assessed value (about $91,950 in this estimate — confirm the current figure with OTR) and caps yearly assessment growth at 10%.
Is this my exact bill?
No. It estimates the main pieces. Special assessments, penalties and local charges can change the final amount.
Sources
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, legal, real estate, or insurance advice. Consult a licensed professional before making decisions.