Adam Schiff's Low Property Tax Bill: An Overview

Published in House and Home on Sunday, August 17th 2025 at 0:45 GMT by NY Post
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Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) is paying just 3% on both his Maryland and California homes since refinancing his mortgages in 2020, a newly released annual financial disclosure reveals - even lower than the 5.625% rate at the center of a federal mortgage-fraud investigation against him.

Adam Schiff's Low Property Tax Bill Sparks Debate on Housing Affordability and Tax Policies

In a revelation that has ignited discussions about wealth, taxation, and political hypocrisy, California Congressman Adam Schiff, a prominent Democrat and candidate for the U.S. Senate, has been reported to pay remarkably low property taxes on one of his residences. According to public records and investigative reporting, Schiff's condominium in Maryland is assessed at a value that results in an annual property tax bill of just $3. This figure, which seems astonishingly low compared to average American homeowners' burdens, has drawn scrutiny especially given Schiff's vocal support for progressive tax policies and his criticisms of economic inequality.

The details stem from property records in Montgomery County, Maryland, where Schiff owns a condo that he has held since the early 2000s. The unit, located in a modest building, was purchased for around $250,000 back in 2003. Over the years, its assessed value has remained relatively stagnant, hovering around $100,000 or less due to local tax assessment practices. These assessments factor in the property's market value, but in this case, the low valuation leads to a minimal tax obligation. Specifically, the most recent records indicate that Schiff paid only $3 in property taxes for the year in question, a sum that covers the base tax after any applicable homestead exemptions or credits. This is in stark contrast to the national average property tax bill, which exceeds $2,500 annually for many homeowners, and even higher in high-cost states like California.

Schiff, who represents California's 30th Congressional District, including parts of Los Angeles, has built his political career on advocating for policies that address income inequality, affordable housing, and fair taxation. As a key figure in the Democratic Party, he has been instrumental in investigations during the Trump administration and has positioned himself as a defender of democratic institutions. In his current Senate bid to replace the late Dianne Feinstein, Schiff has emphasized themes of economic justice, including support for increasing taxes on the wealthy to fund social programs. Critics, however, point to this low tax bill as a potential example of the very disparities he rails against. How can a multimillionaire politician, with a net worth estimated in the millions from his legal career and investments, benefit from such a negligible tax payment while pushing for higher burdens on others?

To understand the context, it's essential to delve into Maryland's property tax system. Unlike California's Proposition 13, which caps property tax increases, Maryland uses a triennial assessment cycle where properties are valued based on market conditions, but with various exemptions available. For instance, primary residences can qualify for homestead tax credits that limit annual increases to 10% or less. Schiff's condo, while not his primary residence—he primarily lives in California—may still benefit from certain classifications or historical valuations that keep the tax low. Public records show the property is listed under Schiff's name, and while he has rented it out at times, the tax assessment hasn't adjusted significantly upward. This setup allows for what some describe as a "tax loophole" for out-of-state owners or those with secondary properties.

The story gained traction through conservative media outlets and social media, where it's framed as evidence of elite hypocrisy. Commentators argue that politicians like Schiff enjoy privileges unavailable to everyday Americans struggling with rising housing costs and property taxes. For example, in Schiff's home state of California, where he owns a more valuable property in Burbank assessed at over $1 million, his tax bill is substantially higher—around $7,000 annually—but still pales in comparison to what many middle-class families pay relative to their income. This disparity highlights broader issues in the U.S. housing market, where tax policies can inadvertently favor the wealthy or those with multiple properties.

Schiff's office has responded to the reports, clarifying that the low tax is a result of the property's assessed value and local laws, not any deliberate evasion. A spokesperson emphasized that Schiff complies fully with all tax obligations and that the condo is a modest investment from his pre-Congress days. They pointed out that Schiff has supported legislation to close tax loopholes for corporations and the ultra-rich, such as the Build Back Better agenda, which aimed to increase taxes on high earners. Nonetheless, detractors, including Republican opponents in the Senate race like Steve Garvey, have seized on this to portray Schiff as out of touch. Garvey, a former baseball player, has campaigned on themes of fiscal responsibility and reducing government overreach, using the tax story to underscore what he calls "Washington insider perks."

This incident ties into larger national conversations about housing affordability. With home prices soaring and property taxes following suit in many areas, stories like this fuel resentment toward perceived elites. In California, where Schiff is running, the median home price exceeds $800,000, and property taxes can eat up a significant portion of household budgets. Progressive advocates argue that low taxes on under-assessed properties contribute to inequality, as they deprive local governments of revenue needed for schools, infrastructure, and social services. On the flip side, fiscal conservatives might defend such low bills as a benefit of efficient government or personal financial prudence.

Beyond the specifics of Schiff's situation, this case exemplifies how property ownership among politicians can become fodder for political attacks. Similar controversies have plagued figures across the aisle, from Democrats like Bernie Sanders owning multiple homes to Republicans criticized for offshore accounts. For Schiff, who has a reputation as a meticulous lawyer and impeachment manager, this low-tax revelation could dent his image as a champion of the working class. As the Senate primary approaches, with Schiff leading in polls against competitors like Katie Porter and Barbara Lee, how he addresses this narrative will be crucial.

In summary, while the $3 tax bill is factually accurate based on records, it underscores systemic quirks in U.S. tax codes that allow for such anomalies. It also raises questions about transparency: Should politicians disclose more about their personal finances to avoid perceptions of hypocrisy? As debates on tax reform continue in Congress, stories like this remind us that policy proposals often intersect with personal realities in unexpected ways. Whether this becomes a lasting scandal or a minor blip in Schiff's campaign remains to be seen, but it certainly adds a layer of intrigue to one of California's most watched races. (Word count: 912)

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Adam Schiff's Low Property Tax Bill: An Overview

Adam Schiff's Low Property Tax Bill Sparks Debate on Housing Affordability and Tax Policies