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Renters credit in District of Columbia

Varies

Can Renters Get a Tax Break in District of Columbia?

Short answer: Yes: District of Columbia offers the Schedule H Homeowner and Renter Property Tax Credit. Refundable credit of up to $1,425 (2025) for lower-income renters and homeowners, where 20% of rent paid counts as property tax; claimed on Schedule H with Form D-40 or filed on its own. Federal AGI of the tax filing unit $66,000 or less if under 70, or $90,000 or less if 70 or older (2025).

Schedule H can be filed as a standalone claim on MyTax.DC.gov even if you are not otherwise required to file a DC return. Rent paid for a unit owned by a government, house of worship, or nonprofit that is exempt from property tax does not qualify. Rent on your own home isn't deductible on your federal return; the exceptions are a home office used for your business or renting out part of the place you rent.

Records to keep: Keep your lease, rent receipts or a landlord rent certificate, and proof of household income. Check your state's current-year form and deadline before you apply.