From the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia:
“AG Racine today announced the first enforcement action brought by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) against owners of long-term vacant or blighted homes who made false claims to avoid paying the higher property taxes that the District imposes on empty or blighted properties.
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) filed a lawsuit against the owners of a crumbling and vacant Ward 6 home, alleging that they made false claims to the District to avoid paying the vacant property tax since at least 2015. This enforcement action represents a new front in OAG’s efforts to combat the District’s affordable housing crisis and to ensure property owners uphold their legal responsibilities.
“Too many District residents are struggling to find safe and affordable places to live, while more than 3,000 homes sit vacant across the city,” said AG Racine. “The Council has imposed higher taxes on vacant and blighted houses to motivate owners to keep properties in use and in good repair. But instead of fixing up, renting out, or selling these homes, some owners repeatedly lie to avoid paying the taxes they owe. That’s not acceptable, and we’re putting owners on notice: if you own a vacant home, you must register it with the District and pay all required taxes. If you try to cheat the system, the Office of the Attorney General will hold you accountable.”
“This is an important step in what should be the final chapter...
COLUMBUS, OH (WOWO) A legal dispute involving Columbus-based startup OH.io and three former executives has escalated with new court filings and a statement from their attorney disputing allegation...