It is tax season, and we are working to assist a very large number of customers in-person, via email, and on the phone.  We will respond to your inquiry within 24 hours or the next business day.

If you are contacting us because you received a real property tax bill for 2012 showing that your property is being taxed at the vacant ($5) or blighted rate ($10), please continue reading for important information.

1.       The Office of Tax and Revenue has NOTIFIED us that Some property tax bills were mailed to customers prior to receiving the final list of Class 3 and Class 4 properties from our office.  OTR will be sending out revised bills shortly.

2.      If, however, you believe that you have been included on the Class 3 and Class 4 in error, we can easily address this matter – you will just need to provide the proper documentation.

PLEASE NOTE THAT IT MAY TAKE UP TO 10 BUSINESS DAYS FOR THE CORRECTION TO BE REFLECTED ON YOUR TAX ACCOUNT.  

What are some common causes for properties being incorrectly classified?

·         The property was recently purchased and was registered vacant last year.

·         It was recently inspected and determined to be vacant, and nobody responded to our notifications.

·         You very recently filed your paperwork with us for an occupied or exempt status and it has not yet been recorded with the Office of Tax and Revenue.

·         The property was recently in foreclosure proceedings and was registered by your mortgage company.

What should you do?

Please fill out a Response Form and return it to the Office of Vacant Property.   You can also mail it to the address at the top of the form.  You must include all of the supporting documentation listed on the form.

·         If your property is occupied, check the appropriate box and supply a recent water bill.  

·         If your property is vacant but you are claiming one of the five exemptions, please check the appropriate box and supply the paperwork listed next to it.  

What will happen next?

The Office of Vacant Property will process your paperwork within 72 hours.  

If the property is proven to be occupied, or your exemption request is granted, we will issue you a letter stating so and inform the Office of Tax and Revenue immediately to re-classify the property.  

If you still have questions or require further assistance, please feel free to email us at vacantbuildings@dc.gov, or call our office at 202-442-4332, or visit us in person.