Washington DC Resources
Washington DC Real Estate Guides for Buyers, Sellers and Owners
DC property tax, recordation and transfer tax, and the programs that apply inside the District.
The short answerIn Washington DC, the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) assesses real property at 100% of market value, sets the tax by property class, and handles billing and tax relief programs. When a property sells, OTR's Recorder of Deeds collects the deed recordation and transfer taxes and records the deed. These guides explain the DC rules buyers, sellers and owners meet most often.
Washington DC real estate guides
- DC Recordation and Transfer Tax: What Buyers and Sellers Pay at ClosingThe two DC deed taxes, who the law assigns them to, and the 0.725% first-time buyer rate.Washington DC · Updated November 2026
- Closing Taxes in DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia ComparedThe deed taxes in all three jurisdictions, side by side.DC, Maryland and Virginia · Updated November 2026
Who handles property tax and recording in Washington DC?
Washington DC has no separate state and county layers. The Office of Tax and Revenue's Real Property Tax Administration handles assessments, ownership and address changes, tax bills, tax relief programs and land recordation. Its Recorder of Deeds collects recordation and transfer tax and filing fees on every instrument it records.
Washington DC area guides from FORWARD
- Washington DC real estate
- West End, DC
- Georgetown, DC
- Spring Valley, DC
- Wesley Heights, DC
- Chevy Chase, DC
- AU Park, DC
- The Palisades, DC
- Dupont Circle, DC
- Capitol Hill, DC
- NoMa, DC
- Washington DC luxury real estate guide
Who advises buyers and sellers in Washington DC?
Marc Cashin and Niki Lang advise buyers and sellers in Washington DC for FORWARD at Corcoran McEnearney. Marc Cashin is a licensed associate real estate broker in DC.
Buying or Selling in Washington DC?
FORWARD at Corcoran McEnearney advises buyers, sellers and owners across Washington DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.
Talk to an AdvisorSources: DC Office of Tax and Revenue, Real Property Tax Service Center; DC OCFO, Tax Rates and Revenues, Property Taxes; OTR, Recorder of Deeds. Updated November 2026.