(Washington, DC)  - The Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) today began mailing 6,500 notices of property tax delinquency and bills to property owners notifying them to pay their outstanding real property taxes before July 31, 2008 or their properties will be sold at the September 17, 2008 Tax Lien sale. 

“These notices represent $45 million in tax liabilities,” said Stephen M. Cordi, deputy chief financial officer for the Office of Tax and Revenue. “We are making every effort to ensure that delinquent property owners are informed of all liabilities and that they have ample opportunity to become current.”

If a tax lien is sold at the annual Tax Lien sale, the owner would be in danger of losing the property. The owner has up to the time of a court-ordered foreclosure to pay the debts and redeem the property. If the original owner redeems the property, the Tax Sale buyer will be reimbursed the amount paid plus interest and costs, as permitted by District law.

Richie McKeithen, director of the Real Property Tax Administration said, “The purpose of the delinquency notice is to encourage property owners to pay their real property taxes and maintain possession of their homes and businesses.”

Anyone with questions on the status of their property taxes should call OTR’s Customer Service Center at (202) 727-4TAX (727-4829) or visit the walk-in center on the first floor of 941 North Capitol Street, NE.