Find the DC Property Record and Decode the Tax
Search Washington, DC real-property assessment and tax records by street address or Square-Suffix-Lot number, then use the result to check ownership, assessed market value, tax class, land and improvement values, bill history, relief benefits and payment status.
This guide goes beyond the lookup. It shows what to do when MyTax.DC cannot find an address, how DC’s SSL parcel system works, how the 2026 rates apply, which September deadline matters next, how to challenge an assessment, where to find deeds and liens, and when a tax certificate or GIS record is the better source.
Quick answer: search MyTax.DC by address or SSL
Go to MyTax.DC.gov, scroll to Real Property, choose Search Real Property by Address or SSL, enter the property address or Square-Suffix-Lot number, open the SSL hyperlink in the results, and verify the premise address before relying on values, bills or applications.
DC property-tax facts worth knowing first
Choose the DC property task
Jump directly to the action you need instead of reading the page in order.
Assessment, payment, deeds and appeals do not use one office screen
Bills
Applications
Payments
Tax
Relief
Billing
Mortgages
Liens
Releases
Assessment
Appeal
Lot history
Vacant
Blighted
Your question |
Start here |
What it answers |
Important limit |
|---|---|---|---|
What is this property assessed at? |
MyTax.DC / OTR |
Current and prior assessment information. |
Assessment is not the same as the amount currently due. |
Who is shown as owner? |
MyTax.DC property record |
Public tax-record ownership display. |
Use the recorded deed when legal title matters. |
How much tax is due? |
MyTax.DC billing record |
Bills, payments, balances and account activity. |
Do not calculate a payoff from assessment alone. |
Where is the deed or mortgage? |
Recorder of Deeds |
Recorded deed, mortgage, lien, release and document images. |
Public index research is not a professional title examination. |
Is the market value wrong? |
OTR First-Level Administrative Review |
Assessment-value appeal. |
You must begin at first level before RPTAC. |
Why is it Class 3 or Class 4? |
Department of Buildings |
Vacant or blighted classification. |
OTR tax records display the class, but DOB controls those classifications. |
Where is the parcel on a map? |
DC GIS / Real Property Finder |
SSL location, ward, map context and parcel geometry. |
Assessment GIS should not substitute for a boundary survey. |
For the broader county-equivalent office model, see the County Auditor Directory.
Search the property by address or Square-Suffix-Lot
- Start with the street number and street name.
- Use the official DC spelling if a nickname fails.
- Remove apartment text when searching the underlying parcel.
- Check the result’s premise address.
- Save the SSL once the correct record opens.
- Identify the Square.
- Add the Suffix when one exists.
- Enter the Lot.
- Keep leading zeros shown on an official record.
- Open the SSL hyperlink in results.
- Search the unit’s known SSL first.
- Do not assume the street address identifies one taxable lot.
- Check unit and parking-space records separately when applicable.
- Use GIS when the premise address is unclear.
- Verify the final SSL before paying or filing.
Micro steps inside MyTax.DC
No record found? Check the DC-specific failure points
Do not treat every number on the record as the tax bill
Field |
Plain-English meaning |
What to check next |
|---|---|---|
SSL |
Square-Suffix-Lot identifier for the taxable parcel. |
Use it across MyTax, deeds, GIS and tax certificates. |
Premise address |
Official property-location address associated with the lot. |
Verify before paying or submitting an application. |
Owner name |
Owner shown in the tax assessment record. |
Use Recorder of Deeds documents for legal title evidence. |
Assessed value |
OTR’s estimated market value for assessment purposes. |
Compare land, improvement and market evidence if disputing value. |
Land value |
Assessment allocated to the land component. |
Check lot size, location and comparable land indicators. |
Improvement value |
Assessment allocated to buildings and improvements. |
Verify building facts, use and condition. |
Tax class |
Classification controlling the applicable tax-rate structure. |
Confirm whether it is 1A, 1B, 2, 3 or 4. |
Homestead / benefit indicator |
Shows whether certain relief may be applied. |
Verify the actual credit or deduction on the current bill. |
Billing/payment history |
Shows billed tax, payments and account activity. |
Use the live account before making a payment decision. |
DC assessment is designed around full estimated market value
100% market-value assessment is not a 100% tax rate
DC’s assessment materials state that real property is assessed at its estimated market value. For Tax Year 2026, the valuation work used a January 1, 2025 valuation date.
The assessed value then moves into a completely separate tax-rate calculation. A $500,000 Class 1A assessment, for example, is divided by 100 and multiplied by the applicable $0.85 rate before deductions or credits.
Assessment notice vs tax bill
Shows OTR’s estimated market value used for the tax year.
Disagree with value? Use the assessment appeal process.
Applies classification, rates, benefits, credits and account adjustments.
Value is correct but bill is wrong? Contact OTR’s real-property billing section.
March 31 has passed; the next regular installment is September 15
Regular first-half due date has passed.
Second-half payment deadline.
OTR adjusts due dates for qualifying delayed bills.
Current DC real-property tax rates
Class |
Property type |
Current rate |
Micro-level note |
|---|---|---|---|
1A |
Residential including multifamily outside Class 1B |
$0.85 per $100 |
Entire taxable assessed value uses the Class 1A rate. |
1B |
Residential with no more than two dwelling units |
$0.85 first $2.558M; $1.00 above |
Only the assessed-value portion above $2.558 million receives the $1.00 rate. |
2 |
Commercial / industrial |
$1.65 ≤ $5M |
Rate changes when total assessed value crosses the class threshold. |
2 |
Commercial / industrial |
$1.77 > $5M to $10M |
Use the rate applicable to the property’s assessed-value tier. |
2 |
Commercial / industrial |
$1.89 > $10M |
Confirm live classification before estimating tax. |
3 |
Vacant real property |
$5.00 per $100 |
DOB controls vacant classification disputes. |
4 |
Blighted real property |
$10.00 per $100 |
DOB controls blighted classification disputes. |
Residential calculation example
Check benefits before assuming the assessed value equals taxable value
Program |
2026 benefit |
Core eligibility clue |
Timing / warning |
|---|---|---|---|
Homestead Deduction |
$91,950 reduction in assessed value; published annual saving $781.58 |
Owner-occupied principal residence; no more than five dwelling units. |
Oct 1–Mar 31 filing can receive full-year benefit; Apr 1–Sep 30 can receive half benefit on second-half bill. |
Assessment Cap Credit |
Generally limits taxable assessed-value increase to 10% |
Property generally must receive Homestead Deduction. |
Credit affects taxable assessment/bill rather than reducing the market-value figure on assessment notice. |
Senior / Disabled Property Owner Relief |
50% reduction in property tax |
Age 65+ or qualifying disability; at least 50% ownership; 2024 household federal AGI below $163,500 for TY 2026. |
Apply as soon as eligible; domicile and occupancy rules apply. |
Senior Assessment Cap |
Generally 2% taxable-assessment growth cap |
Homestead plus Senior/Disabled Property Owner Relief. |
Applied automatically when qualification is established. |
Disabled Veterans Homestead |
$445,000 assessed-value reduction |
Qualifying total/permanent service-connected disability or equivalent 100% rating, at least 50% ownership, DC domicile, principal residence and TY 2026 income rules. |
Cannot be combined with several other listed homeowner benefits; cooperatives are not eligible. |
Surviving Spouse Veterans Deduction |
$445,000 assessed-value reduction for an eligible surviving spouse |
Program effective October 1, 2025; verify current eligibility requirements. |
Use current veterans-benefit application guidance. |
Apply for Homestead or Senior/Disabled relief in MyTax.DC
The regular April 1, 2026 first-level deadline has passed
Evidence that addresses value—not just tax frustration
How to file the first-level review online
Use the Recorder when you need the legal document—not just the tax owner display
DC’s Recorder of Deeds provides online document images and index information from August 1921 to the present. The Recorder is part of OTR, but its recorded-document search is different from the MyTax.DC assessment record.
5th Floor
Washington, DC 20024
Document images and index information from August 1921 to present.
Use the SSL across assessment, GIS and land-record research
Class 3 or Class 4 problem?
A $15 tax certificate answers a different question than the free property search
A free MyTax.DC lookup is useful for routine account research. A formal DC real-property tax certificate is designed to show current general taxes and certain special liabilities relevant to a property transaction.
What the certificate can identify
Order through MyTax.DC
The 2026 DC annual tax lien sale began August 19
The 2026 informational guide says the general tax-sale threshold is $2,500 in delinquent taxes before the tax-sale fee.
The guide lists a $200 delinquent-tax threshold before the tax-sale fee.
The current notice states an additional $200 Tax Sale Fee is added at sale.
If you are the property owner
Have the SSL ready before calling
Office / system |
Use it for |
Contact |
Best preparation |
|---|---|---|---|
Office of Tax and Revenue |
Assessment, billing, relief, MyTax support and real-property account questions. |
SSL, premise address, tax year and exact account question. |
|
Recorder of Deeds |
Deeds, mortgages, liens, releases and recording. |
Party names, SSL, approximate date and document type. |
|
RPTAC |
Second-level real-property assessment appeal after first-level decision. |
First-level decision notice and 45-day deadline date. |
|
Department of Buildings |
Class 3 vacant or Class 4 blighted classification questions. |
Address, SSL, current classification and evidence of property status. |
Match the source to the decision
- Assessment and market value
- Owner display
- Tax class
- Current bills and payment information
- Relief applications and actions
- Assessment appeal access
- Legal ownership and title
- Recorded mortgages and liens
- Exact boundary location
- Vacant/blighted classification dispute
- Formal closing tax status
- Professional purchase due diligence
DC property assessment and records FAQs
How do I search DC property tax records?
Open MyTax.DC.gov, find the Real Property section and choose “Search Real Property by Address or SSL.” Enter the property address or Square-Suffix-Lot number, then click the SSL hyperlink in the search results to open the detailed property record.
Can I search MyTax.DC by owner name?
The standard public real-property workflow is designed around address or SSL rather than a typical county-style owner-name field. If only an owner name is known, use recorded-document research or another verified source to identify the property address or SSL first.
What does SSL mean in DC property records?
SSL means Square, Suffix and Lot. It is the property identifier used across DC real-property assessment, billing, deed, GIS and tax-certificate workflows. Some parcels have no meaningful suffix, while others use one or two letters.
Is a DC property assessed at 100% of market value?
OTR assessment materials state that DC strives to assess real property at 100% of estimated market value. The assessment is the estimated market value used as the starting basis for tax calculation; it is not itself the property-tax rate or tax bill.
When are DC property taxes due in 2026?
Regular first-half real-property tax was due March 31, 2026. The regular second-half payment is due September 15, 2026. OTR states that delayed bills receive adjusted due dates, so verify the actual MyTax.DC account when a property appears on a delayed-billing list.
What is the 2026 DC Homestead Deduction?
For Tax Year 2026, the Homestead Deduction reduces qualifying residential property’s assessed value by $91,950 before tax is calculated. OTR publishes an annual savings figure of $781.58 at the applicable residential rate.
How do I appeal a DC property assessment?
You must begin with OTR’s First-Level Administrative Review. Search the property in MyTax.DC and use the Appeal Application. The regular 2026 filing date was April 1, 2026, while qualifying new owners may have a later deadline tied to the purchase date. RPTAC is the second level and generally must be filed within 45 days of the first-level decision notice.
Where can I search DC deeds and liens?
Use the DC Recorder of Deeds. Its online public-record system provides document images and index information from August 1921 to the present. OTR warns that the online search itself is hosted on a privately operated website, so begin from the official Recorder page.
How much does a DC real-property tax certificate cost?
OTR charges a non-refundable $15 per lot. Certificates are emailed within 10 business days after payment confirmation, and OTR states that rush requests are not accepted. The certificate can show tax arrears and certain water, BID, vault-rent and special-assessment liabilities.
What should I do if a DC property is listed as vacant or blighted?
Class 3 vacant and Class 4 blighted classifications are controlled by the DC Department of Buildings. If you believe the classification is wrong, verify the SSL and property status and contact DOB rather than treating the issue as only an OTR assessment-value appeal.

Khushboo Bobade is the editor and digital publisher of CountyAuditors.org. She oversees the research and editorial process for the website, ensuring that information about county auditor offices, property records, and government resources is accurate, verified, and easy for visitors to understand.
10 Ohio Property Tax Calculators & Auditor Tools
Built specifically for Ohio's 35% assessment ratio, current DTE forms, and 2026 Homestead, Owner-Occupancy, CAUV, Conveyance Fee, and Board of Revision rules. Every number reflects verified Ohio Department of Taxation amounts.
Annual Tax Bill Estimator
OHIOApplies Ohio's 35% assessment ratio plus your county's effective millage tier — the actual math your auditor uses.
Homestead Reduction Calculator
DTE 105A2026 Ohio Homestead: $29,000 general or $58,000 enhanced (100% disabled vet, KIA spouse). OAGI under $41,000 required for non-veteran applicants.
Owner-Occupancy & Non-Business Credits
DTE 105CEvery Ohio owner-occupied home qualifies for the 2.5% Owner-Occupancy Credit plus the automatic 10% Non-Business Credit. Most owners don't realize these stack.
Conveyance Fee Calculator
ORC 322When you sell or transfer Ohio property, the auditor collects $1 state + up to $3 county per $1,000, plus $0.50 per parcel. Counties choose their rate.
CAUV Agricultural Savings
DTE 109Ohio's Current Agricultural Use Value cuts taxable value dramatically for farmland (10+ acres, or smaller with $2,500+ annual gross income).
Mill Rate Converter
Ohio tax rates appear three ways on auditor sites: mills, percent, or dollars per $1,000. Convert between them instantly.
Parcel Number Cleaner
Ohio's 88 counties each format parcels differently — Franklin uses 010-123456-00, Cuyahoga uses 001-23-456, Hamilton uses 100-0001-0001-00. Auto-detects.
35% Ratio Sanity Check
Ohio law sets taxable value at 35% of market value. If yours is significantly higher, you're a strong BOR appeal candidate.
BOR Appeal Savings
DTE 1A successful Board of Revision complaint typically cuts your value 10–20%. Filing is free and stays in effect until the next reappraisal.
BOR Deadline Countdown
MAR 31Ohio's statutory Board of Revision filing deadline is March 31 for the prior tax year. Miss it and you wait until next year — no extensions.
Verify with the official Ohio source
These calculators use the verified 2026 Ohio Department of Taxation amounts and statutory rules. For your exact bill, exemption status, and county-specific deadlines, always confirm with your county auditor and the Ohio Revised Code:
Estimates use Ohio's 35% statutory assessment ratio and effective tax rate tiers averaged across major Ohio counties. Your actual bill depends on local school levies, voted millage, inside vs. outside millage splits, House Bill 920 reduction factors (HB 920), and special assessments. The 2026 Homestead general amount ($29,000) and enhanced amount ($58,000) reflect HB 187 inflation indexing — your county auditor's office may show slightly different transitional figures. Nothing here is legal or tax advice. CountyAuditors.org is an independent informational directory, not affiliated with any county government.