If you recently received your Capitol Hill property tax assessment and were shocked by the increase, you’re not alone. Across Washington, DC, many homeowners and rental property investors are seeing higher assessments driven by rising home values, zoning adjustments, and citywide reevaluations.
According to the DC Office of Tax and Revenue’s 2025 Real Property Assessment Report, residential property values in DC rose by 7.8% compared to last year, with neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Logan Circle, and Columbia Heights seeing some of the highest gains. While a stronger market benefits long-term property values, it can also mean a higher tax bill – sometimes unfairly so.
The good news is that you can appeal your assessment and potentially lower your taxes. In fact, between 20% and 40% of property owners who file appeals each year successfully reduce their tax bills (Tax Foundation, 2025). Here’s how to take control and protect your investment.
Step 1: Gather Your Evidence
If your property’s assessed value seems inflated, the first step is to review how your tax assessor calculated it. Request a copy of the property record from the DC Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) to verify details such as:
- Square footage
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Lot size and building type
Simple errors – like a miscounted bedroom or incorrect property data – can cause inflated assessments.
Next, gather comparable property data (comps) for similar homes in your neighborhood that sold recently. If those properties sold for less than your assessment, you have strong grounds to appeal.
Step 2: Understand the Appeals Process
In Washington, DC, property owners can file an appeal through the Real Property Tax Administration (RPTA). The process is straightforward, but deadlines matter.
- Appeals for the 2025 tax year must be filed within 45 days of receiving your assessment notice.
- You can file online, in person, or by mail through the DC OTR portal.
- Supporting documents – such as recent appraisals, comparable sales, or photos showing condition issues – strengthen your case.
Following all submission rules and timelines precisely will increase your chances of a successful outcome.
Step 3: File and Present Your Case
Once your evidence and appeal forms are ready, submit them to the appropriate office and pay any required filing fee.
You’ll be notified of your hearing date, where you (or your representative) can present your argument. During the hearing, be prepared to:
- Explain why your property’s assessed value is inaccurate
- Provide data and documentation to support your claim
- Answer questions clearly and professionally
If your appeal is approved, the assessment will be lowered to reflect the property’s true market value, which can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually.
Why Appealing Matters for Property Investors in Capitol Hill
For rental property owners, an inflated property tax assessment can significantly impact cash flow. Higher taxes mean higher expenses, which reduce profitability – especially in competitive markets like Capitol Hill.
By successfully appealing your property tax assessment, you can:
- Lower annual operating costs
- Keep rent competitive
- Improve your long-term return on investment (ROI)
Appealing takes time, but it’s worth it. And if you’d rather not handle the process alone, Real Property Management DC Metro can help.
Partner with Real Property Management DC Metro to Maximize Your Capitol Hill Investment
At Real Property Management DC Metro, we help property owners across Capitol Hill, H Street Corridor, Columbia Heights, and throughout Washington, DC manage their investments with precision and profitability.
Our property management experts can:
- Review your property’s financial performance and expenses
- Identify opportunities to reduce costs – including overvalued tax assessments
- Handle tenant placement, rent collection, maintenance, and legal compliance
- Protect your property while maximizing rental income year after year
When property taxes rise, it doesn’t have to eat into your profits. With the right management partner, you can maintain strong returns and peace of mind.
Call Real Property Management DC Metro today at 202-269-0303 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you protect your Capitol Hill investment in 2025 and beyond.
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