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Taxes
Property tax relief for seniors in District of Columbia
District of Columbia has 3 programs that can lower property taxes for older adults: Senior Citizen or Disabled Property Owner Tax Relief, Individual Income Property Tax Credit (Schedule H) and Low-Income Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral. Each one has its own rules and deadline.
Senior Citizen or Disabled Property Owner Tax Relief
If you are 65 or older and own the District home you live in, this relief cuts your property tax in half. For tax year 2026, your household's 2024 federal adjusted gross income must be under $163,500. You can apply online at MyTax.DC.gov as soon as you turn 65.
How to apply
Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.
Apply on the official siteWho may qualify
| Age | 65 or older (or disabled at any age); you can apply as soon as you turn 65 |
|---|---|
| Household income limit, tax year 2026 | Total household federal adjusted gross income for 2024 under $163,500. Everyone living in the home counts, except tenants paying fair market rent under a written lease. |
| Home | You own at least 50% of the home (or co-op unit) on the deed, and it is your principal residence. The same rules apply as for the Homestead Deduction. |
What you may get
| What it's worth | Your property tax is cut by 50% |
|---|---|
| Homestead Deduction that comes with it, tax year 2026 | Lowers the home's assessed value by $91,950, which the District says saves $781.58 a year |
Dates, renewals and waiting lists
| When to apply | Any time after you turn 65; the District's page gives no yearly deadline |
|---|---|
| Reapply each year? | The District's page describes no yearly reapplication. You must ask to cancel it (online at MyTax.DC.gov) within 30 days if you stop qualifying, and the District runs random audits. |
How District of Columbia is different
Where District of Columbia's rules differ from the federal rules for Property tax relief for seniors.
- Cuts the whole property tax bill in half, not just part of the home's value
- High income limit: under $163,500 household income for tax year 2026
Good to know
- Renters: renters can't get this relief, but may get the Schedule H income tax credit.
Individual Income Property Tax Credit (Schedule H)
Schedule H is a District income tax credit that gives back part of your property tax or rent, up to $1,425. It is open to both homeowners and renters. If you are 70 or older, your 2025 household income can be up to $90,000.
How to apply
- By mail
- Attach Schedule H to your D-40 income tax return, or file Schedule H on its own on MyTax.DC.gov
Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.
Apply on the official siteWho may qualify
| Age | Any age; the income limit is higher at 70 or older |
|---|---|
| Income limit, age 70 or older (2025 tax year) | Federal adjusted gross income of your tax filing unit $90,000 or less |
| Income limit, under 70 (2025 tax year) | Federal adjusted gross income of your tax filing unit $66,000 or less |
| Home | You own or rent your home in the District |
What you may get
| Most you can get (2025 tax year) | Up to $1,425 |
|---|
How District of Columbia is different
Where District of Columbia's rules differ from the federal rules for Property tax relief for seniors.
- Renters may claim it, not just homeowners
- Higher income limit for people 70 and older
Good to know
- Renters: renters may claim this credit for part of their rent.
Low-Income Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral
If you are 65 or older with household income under $50,000, the District may let you put off paying your property tax and repay it later. Deferred tax carries 6% interest, or no interest if you are 75 or older and meet extra conditions. You apply online at MyTax.DC.gov.
How to apply
Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.
Apply on the official siteWho may qualify
| Age | 65 or older (75 or older for the no-interest option) |
|---|---|
| Household income limit | Household federal adjusted gross income under $50,000 |
| Extra rules for the no-interest option | Lived in the District at least 25 years, and interest and dividend income under $12,500 |
What you may get
| What it's worth | You may put off paying property tax. Deferred tax carries 6% interest, or 0% if you are 75 or older and meet the extra rules. |
|---|---|
| Limit | Deferred taxes plus interest can't be more than 25% of the home's assessed value for the year the deferral starts |
Dates, renewals and waiting lists
| Application deadline | March 31 to start with the first-half tax, or September 15 to start with the second-half tax |
|---|
How District of Columbia is different
Where District of Columbia's rules differ from the federal rules for Property tax relief for seniors.
- No interest for people 75 or older who have lived in the District 25 years and meet the income rules
Good to know
- You must cancel the deferral within 30 days if you stop qualifying.
Free help
Free help with this in District of Columbia
Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL)
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help with meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support and applying for benefits.
More help in District of Columbia
Property tax relief in another state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
- DC Office of Tax and Revenue, Tax Relief, Credits & Deductions (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
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