The Real Property Classification Clarification Emergency Act of 2002 created a Class 3 property tax rate for vacant commercial and residential properties in the District of Columbia. Vacant property is taxed at $10.00 per $100 of assessed value.
The DC Code allows for exceptions that may allow a vacant property to receive the lower Class 1 or Class 2 tax rate, provided that certain conditions are met. Vacant property owners should contact the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) for information regarding exceptions related to improved vacant property. For unimproved property, the exception form is found in the Tax Forms/Publications section under "Real Property".
Roles in Vacant Property Identification
The Nuisance Properties Abatement and Real Property Classification Emergency Amendment Act of 2006 made several changes to the Class 3 tax classification program. This act defined the roles that DCRA and the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) have in the identification and processing of vacant properties.
DCRA receives complaints, identifies and processes the registration of vacant properties by owners, and administers certain fines if property owners do not register.
DCRA also inspects properties, completes an annual survey of vacant properties, and certifies a list of vacant improved properties to OTR. OTR then changes the classification for the properties on the tax roll to the correct status for the appropriate real property tax year. OTR continues to certify vacant unimproved property.
Reporting Vacant Property
