Kate Schubel
District of Columbia tax guide: overview
The District of Columbia has a mixed bag of tax benefits and drawbacks. On one hand, its progressive income tax structure gets steep rather quickly, but on the other, retirees will not have to pay tax on Social Security benefits. D.C. also boasts one of the lowest sales tax rates in the states.
However, high property tax bills are not uncommon, especially for heirs, as Washington, D.C. hosts one of the states with scary death taxes.
We'll dive into this diverse tax landscape to discover all that the Nation's Capital has to offer for current and prospective residents.
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[Data for this state tax guide was gathered from a number of sources including the Census Bureau, the state’s government website, the Sales Tax Handbook, and the Tax Foundation. Property taxes are cited as a rate percentage rather than the assessed value.]
District of Columbia income tax
The District of Columbia has a graduated individual income tax rate that ranges from 4% to 10.75%, according to the Tax Foundation.
District of Columbia taxes in retirement: Social Security retirement and Railroad Retirement benefits are tax-exempt in Washington D.C. However, military retirement pay is fully taxable.
District of Columbia sales tax
Washington, DC has a 6% city sales tax rate.
Source: Sales Tax Handbook
- Groceries: Exempt
- Prescription drugs: Exempt
- Clothing: Taxable
How much are property taxes in DC?
In the District of Columbia, the average effective property tax rate is 0.57%, which is lower than in most states. Even so, homeowners face high median property tax bills, due in part to high home prices.
District of Columbia Property Tax Breaks for Retirees
Homeowners of all ages might qualify for Washington D.C.'s homestead exemption, but eligible homeowners 65 and older may also be able to reduce their property tax by 50%. For 2025 property tax reductions, the total 2023 federal adjusted gross income of everyone living in the property, excluding tenants, must be less than $159,750. Applicants must also have at least 50% ownership of the property and reside at the property to qualify.
Washington DC gas tax
Gasoline: $0.24 per gallon.
Diesel: $0.24 per gallon.
Source: Sales Tax Handbook
District of Columbia taxes on alcohol and tobacco
District of Columbia tobacco taxes
Product | Tax Amount |
|---|---|
Cigarettes | $2.50 per pack of 20 |
Other Tobacco Products | 67% of wholesale price |
Source: Sales Tax Handbook
District of Columbia alcohol taxes
Product | Tax Amount |
|---|---|
Wine | $0.30 per gallon |
Beer | $0.09 per gallon |
Liquor | $1.50 per gallon |
Source: Sales Tax Handbook
District of Columbia estate and inheritance taxes
For 2025, Washington, D.C. estates valued over $4,873,200 are subject to a city estate tax. Rates in 2025 range from 11.2% to 16%.
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