50-State Resource Pack · Free for veterans
Veteran Property Tax Exemption — District of Columbia
DC's Disabled Veterans Homestead Deduction removes $445,000 of assessed value from the principal residence of a veteran classified by the VA as totally and permanently disabled — or paid at the 100% rate for unemployability — on top of DC's standard homestead deduction.
The rules in District of Columbia
Who qualifies
A veteran classified by the VA as totally and permanently disabled from a service-incurred or service-aggravated condition, or paid at the 100% disability rating level as a result of unemployability — with at least 50% ownership, DC domicile, principal residence, and household income within the Senior/Disabled Tax Relief limit
Benefit
$445,000 reduction in assessed value (D.C. Law 22-283, effective October 1, 2022) — which eliminates the property tax on most DC homes outright
How to apply
Apply through the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA@dc.gov, (202) 724-5454), which routes the application to OTR; applications filed October 1 - March 31 cover the full tax year
Watch out
Cooperatives are not eligible, and the deduction replaces the Senior Citizen/Disabled Tax Relief and tax cap credit — you cannot hold both; applications April 1 - September 30 get only half the deduction on the second-half bill
How it works
| Item | District of Columbia |
Not yet rated? Start there
Every one of these programs hinges on a VA service-connected rating. If you have not filed a claim, that is the starting point — a free, VA-accredited VSO (DAV, American Legion, VFW) will file it for you at no cost. A higher rating unlocks not just property-tax relief but healthcare, income benefits, and — for business owners — SDVOSB contracting eligibility.
Sources
- DC Office of Tax and Revenue — Veterans Homestead Deduction — otr.cfo.dc.gov/release/veterans-homestead-deduction-starts-october-1-2022
- D.C. Law 22-283 — Disabled Veterans Homestead Exemption Amendment Act — code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/laws/22-283
Free resource — part of the VES 50-state pack for veterans and veteran-owned businesses. Educational information only, not legal or tax advice; programs change, so confirm current rules with your county before relying on them.
Want it filed for you?
We check your county's rules for free and, if you're eligible, prepare a ready-to-sign filing package for your District of Columbia property — veteran to veteran. Or start with the full eligibility check.