District of Columbia · Property tax exemptions for veterans · Updated Oct 2026
District of Columbia property tax exemptions for veterans (2026)
Every statewide property tax break for veterans in District of Columbia that our guide lists, from disabled-veteran exemptions to breaks for surviving spouses. What each is worth, the VA rating it needs, the deadline and how to apply.
Short answer
The main property tax break for veterans in District of Columbia is the Disabled Veterans' Homestead Deduction. Cuts your home's assessed value by $445,000.
Worth
$445,000
VA rating
50% or higher (or individual unemployability)
Income limit
Total household federal adjusted gross income for 2024 under $163,500 for Tax Year 2026.
Deadline
October 1 - March 31 for the full tax year; April 1 - September 30 for half.
Property tax breaks for veterans in District of Columbia
Disabled veterans
Disabled Veterans' Homestead Deduction
Cuts your home's assessed value by $445,000.
Who qualifies
A veteran rated by the VA as totally and permanently disabled from a service-incurred or service-aggravated condition, or paid at the 100% rate for unemployability; domiciled in DC; owns at least 50% of the home on the deed; lives in it as a principal residence (up to 5 units). Co-ops are not eligible. If you get this, you cannot also get the regular homestead deduction, senior/disabled relief or the assessment cap credit.
Income limit
Total household federal adjusted gross income for 2024 under $163,500 for Tax Year 2026.
How to apply
Apply online through the Mayor's Office of Community Affairs / Office of Veterans Affairs ('Veterans Homestead Tax Deduction Application', after a few screening questions); help at 441 4th Street NW, Suite 770N, or (202) 724-5454. Have your VA rating letter (total and permanent, or paid at 100% for unemployability), deed and household income ready. Active-duty members also submit DD-2058 showing DC as their legal residence. Homes held by an LLC or an irrevocable trust (other than a special needs trust) do not qualify.
Deadline
October 1 - March 31 for the full tax year; April 1 - September 30 for half.
Renewal
Continues while you qualify; cancel (ASD-105) within 30 days if you stop qualifying.
For surviving spouses of veterans and service members
These breaks are for the surviving spouse. See every break a surviving spouse in District of Columbia can claim or keep on the surviving spouses page.
Surviving spouses
Disabled Veterans' Spouse Homestead Deduction
Cuts your home's assessed value by $445,000.
Who qualifies
The surviving spouse or domestic partner of a deceased veteran whose home was receiving the Disabled Veterans' Homestead Deduction at the veteran's death, or would have qualified for it had the veteran applied (the veteran was rated totally and permanently disabled, or paid at the 100% rate for unemployability). The home must qualify for the homestead deduction. Available from October 1, 2025 (Tax Year 2026).
Income limit
The household must meet the same income test as the senior/disabled relief (D.C. Code 47-863(a)(1A)(A)): for Tax Year 2026, total household federal AGI for 2024 under $163,500 (per OTR's figure for that test).
How to apply
File the application with the DC Office of Veterans Affairs (441 4th Street NW, Suite 770N; (202) 724-5454), which certifies the veteran's disability to OTR. Bring the veteran's VA rating letter, death certificate, proof of marriage or domestic partnership, deed and household income.
Deadline
Same filing periods as the homestead deduction under D.C. Code 47-850(c): October 1 - March 31 for the full tax year; April 1 - September 30 for half.
Renewal
Continues while you qualify; cancel within 30 days if you stop qualifying.
Apply online through the Mayor's Office of Community Affairs / Office of Veterans Affairs ('Veterans Homestead Tax Deduction Application', after a few screening questions); help at 441 4th Street NW, Suite 770N, or (202) 724-5454.
Have your VA rating letter (total and permanent, or paid at 100% for unemployability), deed and household income ready.
Active-duty members also submit DD-2058 showing DC as their legal residence.
Homes held by an LLC or an irrevocable trust (other than a special needs trust) do not qualify.
Deadline: October 1 - March 31 for the full tax year; April 1 - September 30 for half.
Renewal: Continues while you qualify; cancel (ASD-105) within 30 days if you stop qualifying.
File the application with the DC Office of Veterans Affairs (441 4th Street NW, Suite 770N; (202) 724-5454), which certifies the veteran's disability to OTR. Bring the veteran's VA rating letter, death certificate, proof of marriage or domestic partnership, deed and household income.
Deadline: Same filing periods as the homestead deduction under D.C. Code 47-850(c): October 1 - March 31 for the full tax year; April 1 - September 30 for half.
Renewal: Continues while you qualify; cancel within 30 days if you stop qualifying.
Savings estimate for District of Columbia
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for District of Columbia
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Pre-set for veterans: you own and live in the home and are a veteran. Add your VA rating, and change any answer.
Document checklist for District of Columbia
Pick the breaks you plan to apply for. You get a checklist of forms, documents, steps and deadlines to print or keep on your phone.
Questions about veterans property tax breaks in District of Columbia
Who qualifies for property tax breaks for veterans in District of Columbia?
Disabled Veterans' Homestead Deduction: A veteran rated by the VA as totally and permanently disabled from a service-incurred or service-aggravated condition, or paid at the 100% rate for unemployability; domiciled in DC; owns at least 50% of the home on the deed; lives in it as a principal residence (up to 5 units). Co-ops are not eligible. Disabled Veterans' Spouse Homestead Deduction: The surviving spouse or domestic partner of a deceased veteran whose home was receiving the Disabled Veterans' Homestead Deduction at the veteran's death, or would have qualified for it had the veteran applied (the veteran was rated totally and permanently disabled, or paid at the 100% rate for unemployability). The home must qualify for the homestead deduction.
Is there an income limit for veterans' property tax breaks in District of Columbia?
Disabled Veterans' Homestead Deduction: Total household federal adjusted gross income for 2024 under $163,500 for Tax Year 2026. Disabled Veterans' Spouse Homestead Deduction: The household must meet the same income test as the senior/disabled relief (D.C. Code 47-863(a)(1A)(A)): for Tax Year 2026, total household federal AGI for 2024 under $163,500 (per OTR's figure for that test).
When is the deadline for veterans to apply in District of Columbia?
Disabled Veterans' Homestead Deduction: October 1 - March 31 for the full tax year; April 1 - September 30 for half. Disabled Veterans' Spouse Homestead Deduction: Same filing periods as the homestead deduction under D.C. Code 47-850(c): October 1 - March 31 for the full tax year; April 1 - September 30 for half.
Do veterans have to reapply every year in District of Columbia?
Disabled Veterans' Homestead Deduction: Continues while you qualify; cancel (ASD-105) within 30 days if you stop qualifying. Disabled Veterans' Spouse Homestead Deduction: Continues while you qualify; cancel within 30 days if you stop qualifying.
Where do veterans apply for property tax breaks in District of Columbia?
The DC Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) handles the homestead deduction, senior/disabled relief, assessment cap credits and senior tax deferral; you apply online at MyTax.DC.gov. The Disabled Veterans' Homestead Deduction is applied for through the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs. DC's tax year runs October 1 - September 30. For the Disabled Veterans' Homestead Deduction: Apply online through the Mayor's Office of Community Affairs / Office of Veterans Affairs ('Veterans Homestead Tax Deduction Application', after a few screening questions); help at 441 4th Street NW, Suite 770N, or (202) 724-5454.
Can veterans get more than one property tax break in District of Columbia?
Disabled Veterans' Homestead Deduction: If you get this, you cannot also get the regular homestead deduction, senior/disabled relief or the assessment cap credit.