DC Tax Assessment Appeals Process

Posted by Abbott Klar Real Estate on Wednesday, March 12th, 2014 at 2:51pm

 The taxman cometh, are you ready? At this point, most DC residents should have received their brand spankin' new property tax assessments. As usual, the assessments have been received with thunderous applause....not. This is the time of year when residents, already fed up with insane winter storms, get angry that now, on top of everything else, their property taxes will be going up. 

Unless you work for the DC Office of Tax and Revenue, you probably have more than a few questions about the yearly assessment, so let's clear up some basic info. First off, the assessment is not a tax, it's simply the estimated market value of your property. It is however, the basis for the calculation of your tax bill. For those who are mathematically challenged, the formula the city uses to calculate your property tax is assessed value x tax rate. 

If, after actually reading the assessment, you think DC has calculated your assessment incorrectly, you do have the option to appeal, but you MUST act quickly. Your appeal must be filed within 30 days of the date of your assessment and no later than April 1st. Any appeals received after April 1st will not be accepted. Don't wait around to file your appeal, in case that hasn't already been made clear. Who has the right to appeal? An excellent question! A property owner, those with an interest in the property (such as a lessee), or a duly authorized agent of the property owner. NOTE: if you choose to appoint an agent to represent you must (as the government cannot function without forms and red tape) fill out and sign a statement of agency, which is available here

There are three possible levels of the appeals process. Level 1, otherwise known as the Assessor level. Like the name suggests, it consists of the assessor assigned to your property will discuss the basis of your assessment. You will have a chance to present any information you feel will support your request to lower you assessment. The appeal can be done in person (wining and dining your assessor is optional), by telephone, or in writing. If, after this is done, you feel your appeal has been resolved, then rejoyce! You need to take no further action. If your disgruntlement lingers, it's off to step two!

Level 2, the level formerly known as the Commission level. If you can't come to terms with your assessor, you may bring your appeal to the Real Property Tax Appeals Commission (RPTAC for short, because it is a pain to write and sounds cooler). Appeals with RPTAC  must be filed within 45 days from the date of notice of final determination from the first level appeal for notices received on or before August 1; otherwise, appeals must be filed on or before September 30. You can't just skip the first level, RPTAC will not accept any appeals unless you have first gone through the Assessor level process. No shortcuts! If after dealing with RPTAC you are still not satisfied, there is a third and final option. 

Level 3, the not-so-secret Superior Court level. If after speaking with your assessor and presenting to RPTAC you still aren't happy, you are able to file your appeal with the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Hopefully, if you have an appeal it will be resolved before the process needs to go this far, because courts are known for their speed and efficiency....

We hope reading this blog has been educational (or helps you sleep, either way) but if you have questions or are tired of paying taxes (who isn't?), call us for a market analysis of your home. We can help you sell it!

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