DC Tax Abatement Program

The DC Tax Abatement Program provides an exemption from the DC 1.1% Recordation Tax and an allowable credit from
your seller(s) of 1.1% equal to the DC Transfer Tax. That's a 2.2% swing in favor of the first-time homebuyer. Additionally,
the program provides a five-year real estate tax abatement that begins October 1 following your date of closing.

In order to qualify, you must prove that you live in the District of Columbia and meet the income requirement. This article
describes the DC Tax Abatement Program and answers several commonly asked questions about the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the DC Tax Abatement program entitle me to do?

Assuming you qualify, you are exempt from paying transfer and recordation taxes. This means not only are you
exempt from the 1.1% (of the purchase price) recordation tax; but customarily, the seller’s 1.1% (of the purchase price)
transfer tax is credited to you at settlement. You will also be exempt from paying real property taxes for 5 years
beginning the next full tax year after filing.

What are the qualifying factors to get DC Tax Abatement?

The qualifying factors for DC Tax Abatement are as follows:

1) The purchase price for the property must be $319,920 or less;

2) The income threshold – max gross income – must be

Persons in household Household income limits

1 $53,760
2 $61,440
3 $69,120
4 $76,800
5 $82,920
6 $89,100
7 $95,220
8 $101,400

3) The property must be a principal residence; and

4) The purchaser must be domiciled in the District of Columbia.

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5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite #700, Washington, DC 20015

Phone: (202) 362-1500 Fax: (202) 362-5901 Website: www.federaltitle.com
What does “domiciled” in the District of Columbia mean?

To be domiciled in the District of Columbia you must (a) get a DC government issued ID such as a DC Driver’s license; (b)
register to vote in DC; and (c) file DC Personal Income taxes. Please note: The purchaser can obtain/do the above
mentioned after the purchase.

What documents are required to get the Tax Abatement?

The documents usually required are:

1) Last 2 years income taxes;

2) Last 2 W-2s;
3) Last 2 paystubs.

If there are any extenuating circumstances (i.e., gaps in your employment, self-employment, etc.) the District of Columbia
may require additional documentation from you before approving the abatement application.

Who files the documents so I can get tax abatement?

The settlement agent files the required documents with the deed after closing.

I am in the military, does my housing allowance count as income despite it being non-taxable income? Do I need
to change my State of Legal Residence?

Yes. The DC Recorder of Deeds looks at all sources of income, not just taxable income.

Yes, you need to be domiciled in the District of Columbia which includes filing DC income taxes. You can fill out and file a
form DD2058 to change your residency to the District of Columbia.

How do I know that my tax abatement application was approved?

The settlement company handling your closing will know immediately, because your deed will go on record without
transfer and recordation taxes. You will also receive a letter from the District of Columbia confirming that you qualified for
the tax abatement and list the years you will be exempt from property tax.

If I qualify for tax abatement, why is my lender still collecting taxes in escrow?

The real property tax exemption does not start until the next full tax year. In other words, if you settle in April 2009 and
the tax period for 2009 is October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009, you will not be given the exemption until the 2010
tax period. You will be required to pay real property taxes for April through September 2009. Your real property tax
exemption will start 2010 and finish 2015.

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5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite #700, Washington, DC 20015

Phone: (202) 362-1500 Fax: (202) 362-5901 Website: www.federaltitle.com