What's Hot: 47-Unit Boutique Lodging Development Planned in Middle of Chinatown | In and Out: DC's Migration Patterns in 2022, By the Numbers
Appealing a Property Value Assessment in DC

Residential building in Central DC
In early March, DC homeowners generally receive notice of the assessed value of their property, a value based on sales data, field visits and existing land values, among other factors. In many cases, the assessment is deemed too high by the property owner, and he/she appeals the value with the city. This year, the deadline for an initial appeal is next Monday, April 2nd.
If you are moving forward with the appeal, the first step is gathering information to make your case. Check that details like square footage and number of bedrooms are noted correctly in the assessment. Collect sale price information on comparable homes in your neighborhood and check their assessed values in the Property Assessment Database. Some individuals that are appealing sometimes take photographs of nearby homes and the inside of their own home. If you are interested in contacting the assessor, their name is usually noted on the assessment document.
Once you have collected all the relevant information, you have three opportunities to appeal:
- For your first attempt, fill out and send in this form to the Office of Tax and Revenue, attaching all the data you have collected.
- If that fails, you have a second chance: a hearing with DC’s Board of Real Property Assessment and Appeals, an 18-member commission comprised of real estate professionals. For the hearing, you will need to bring all the documents you have collected.
- If both attempts fail, there is a third option: a hearing at DC’s Superior Court. This hearing will involve the assessor and two arbitrators. Again, bring the documents. After you and the assessor present your cases, the arbitrators will make a judgement.
According to the Office of Tax and Revenue, roughly one in five appeals results in a lowered assessment.
See other articles related to: tax assessments, taxes
This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/how_to_appeal_your_property_assessment/5334.
Most Popular... This Week • Last 30 Days • Ever

The development will be located a few blocks south of the Takoma Metro station.... read »

The new development along South Capitol Street includes a new amenity for UrbanTurf: ... read »

DC's Office of Planning recently looked at DC's migration patterns in 2022. Today, Ur... read »

A new plan is on the boards for a group of five townhouses in the middle of DC's Chin... read »

Crescent Communities has filed a site plan application with the county for a 467-unit... read »
- All Three-Bedrooms: Douglas Development Plans Missing Middle Project in Takoma
- Podcasts and Pianos: 350-Unit Apartment Project Pitched Blocks North of Nats Park
- In and Out: DC's Migration Patterns in 2022, By the Numbers
- 47-Unit Boutique Lodging Development Planned in Middle of Chinatown
- 470-Unit Apartment/Townhouse Development Pitched For Arlington Hotel Site
DC Real Estate Guides
Short guides to navigating the DC-area real estate market
We've collected all our helpful guides for buying, selling and renting in and around Washington, DC in one place. Visit guides.urbanturf.com or start browsing below!
First-Timer Primers
Intro guides for first-time home buyers
Unique Spaces
Awesome and unusual real estate from across the DC Metro