If you own a home in Adams Morgan, you have real ways to trim your DC property tax bill. The District’s Homestead Deduction and senior or disabled owner relief can lower what you owe by hundreds or even half, if you qualify. This guide breaks down who is eligible, how much you could save, when to file, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Let’s dive in.
Homestead basics
The DC Homestead Deduction reduces your assessed value before taxes are calculated. For tax year 2025, the reduction is $89,850, which translates to about $763.73 in annual savings at the standard rate. DC’s Class 1A residential rate is $0.85 per $100 of assessed value. You can review these programs on the DC Office of Tax and Revenue’s overview of real property tax reliefs and deductions and the current real property tax rates.
Who qualifies for Homestead
You must own and occupy the home as your principal residence. The property must have no more than five dwelling units. If you own a co-op unit, the cooperative’s management may handle the filing. Full eligibility rules are listed on OTR’s tax reliefs and deductions page.
When your filing takes effect
File between Oct 1 and Mar 31 to receive the full-year benefit for that tax year. File between Apr 1 and Sep 30 to receive a half-year benefit for that same year, with the full benefit starting the next year. OTR explains effective dates and timing on the program overview.
Adams Morgan example savings
Recent neighborhood snapshots show typical Adams Morgan values around $584,409 based on the Zillow Home Value Index, data through Aug 2025. Using the Class 1A rate, a home at that value would owe about $4,967 before Homestead and roughly $4,204 after the $89,850 deduction. That is an annual savings of about $763.73. Because the deduction reduces assessed value by a fixed amount, the dollar savings is essentially the same for most homes with taxable values above the deduction amount.
Senior and disabled owner relief
Qualified seniors or disabled owners may cut their property tax by 50%. For 2025, OTR uses your household federal adjusted gross income from tax year 2023, and the income threshold is $159,750. You must own at least 50% of the property to qualify. See the senior and disabled relief details in OTR’s audit and program FAQ and the reliefs overview.
How benefits stack
Homestead lowers your taxable value first. The 50% senior or disabled reduction then applies to your remaining tax liability. Many eligible seniors also benefit from the Senior Assessment Cap, which can limit annual increases in taxable value to 2% when combined with Homestead and senior relief. OTR summarizes these interactions on the reliefs and credits page.
Additional programs to know
Low-income senior tax deferral
If your household AGI is $50,000 or less, you may defer increases or even the full annual tax under DC’s senior deferral options. There is a 6% interest deferral available for eligible owners 65+, and a 0% interest deferral for eligible owners 75+ who meet added requirements. To begin a deferral, file by March 31 for the first-half bill or Sept 15 for the second half. OTR outlines deferral options on the program overview.
Disabled veterans’ homestead deduction
Eligible disabled veterans may qualify for a larger assessed value reduction of $445,000. Properties receiving this benefit cannot also receive the standard Homestead or senior relief. Application details and links are provided on OTR’s tax reliefs page.
Caps and other credits
If Homestead is on file, the Assessment Cap Credit limits annual increases in taxable assessed value to 10%. With senior or disabled relief, a separate Senior Assessment Cap may limit taxable increases to 2%. OTR also lists a $133 trash credit for eligible condo or co-op owners who pay for private collection, and a Lower Income Long-Term Homeowners Credit for qualifying owners. See OTR’s summary of credits and caps.
How to apply in DC
Apply online at MyTax.DC.gov under Real Property by choosing “Submit an Application for Homestead Deduction (Including Senior Citizen/Disabled Tax Relief): ASD-100.” You do not need to log in to submit. OTR may request proof of domicile and ownership, Social Security numbers for verification, and a Statement of Income. If an application is denied, you can appeal within 45 days through MyTax.DC.gov. See steps and appeal notes on OTR’s program overview.
Avoid audit hiccups
OTR conducts periodic reconfirmations and random audits. If you receive a notice, respond by the deadline with the requested documents. If you move, change ownership, or no longer occupy the home as your principal residence, you must file a Homestead cancellation within 30 days. Review audit and cancellation rules in OTR’s audit FAQ.
Buying or selling in Adams Morgan
Tax relief can influence both affordability and value, especially in a competitive neighborhood like Adams Morgan. If you are planning a purchase, confirm whether Homestead is in place and model post-deduction taxes. If you are preparing to sell, make sure your filings are accurate and current so buyers have clear expectations. For tailored guidance on your next move, reach out to The Martin & Jeff Group for a local, senior-led perspective on DC property decisions.
FAQs
How does the Homestead Deduction lower my bill?
- It reduces your assessed value by $89,850 for 2025, then taxes are calculated at the Class 1A rate of $0.85 per $100 on the reduced amount.
Do I get senior relief automatically at age 65?
- No. You must apply, own at least 50% of the property, and have household AGI below $159,750 for 2025 eligibility.
What happens if I move or start renting my home?
- You need to file a Homestead cancellation within 30 days of no longer using the property as your principal residence to avoid back taxes, interest, and penalties.
Can I have Homestead and the disabled veterans’ deduction together?
- No. Properties receiving the disabled veterans’ homestead deduction are not eligible for the standard Homestead or senior relief.
Do assessment caps change my assessment notice?
- No. Caps apply as credits on the tax bill and limit how much of the assessment is taxable from year to year, not the assessment shown on the notice.
