Expert Tips To Reduce Your Property Tax Bill in Louisiana

By Gregg Tepper

I have been married to my wonderful wife Letha for 27 years. We have 3 children: Max, Alexander and Charlotte. I have been a licensed Realtor in the New Orleans area for 17 years and am the Operator of The Tepper Group with Keller Williams Realty in Mandeville. Our team services the entire New Orleans and Baton Rouge metro areas. Our team of partners has over 40 years of experience. We helped 141 families buy, sell or lease in 2022.

Tax Assessor Office Links:

https://jpassessor.net
https://tangiassessor.com
https://www.stbassessor.com
https://stjohnassessor.org
https://www.livingstonassessor.com
https://www.ebrpa.org
https://stpao.org
https://www.ascensionassessor.com

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Are you unknowingly overpaying on your property taxes? Imagine discovering that, with just a few simple steps, you could save hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars each year. The truth is that many homeowners miss out on valuable tax exemptions that could significantly lighten their financial load.

If you live in Louisiana, a mass property tax reassessment happens every four years. This is a requirement set forth by the Louisiana State Constitution, and with the exception of Orleans Parish, all parishes in the state must adhere to this reassessment cycle. There’s no avoiding it unless, of course, there’s an amendment to the Constitution.

This year’s reassessment is particularly important because the values will be based on data collected between July 2022 and June 2023. It’s crucial to understand that the parish assessors don’t conduct individual appraisals on each property. Instead, they utilize what’s known as “mass appraisals.” This means they assess the value of entire neighborhoods, subdivisions, or similar groups of properties, especially in rural areas, to determine the taxable value. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Important dates. The rolls are now open so that you can get a preliminary look at your reassessed property value. The finalization of these values varies from parish to parish, so we’ve included links to the tax assessor sites so you can check the specifics for your parish. In Saint Tammany, the rolls are open, and you can view your preliminary tax bill. Here’s a short list of what you need to remember to have a chance at lowering your property tax bill:

• The final bill will be set on August 29th.
• The official window for objections is from August 29th to September 14th.
• The time to dispute your tax bill is not when you receive it in December—it is now.

2. Reassessed value. The reassessed value of your property will determine your taxes, calculated at 10% of your home’s value for residential properties and 15% for commercial properties. For example, if your reassessed value sees a 30% increase, like mine did, it can be a tough pill to swallow, especially if the reassessment still undervalues your property.

3. Homestead and special exemptions. If you want to manage your property taxes effectively, the first step is ensuring your homestead exemption is in place. Next, check if you qualify for any special exemptions. Here are the types of exemptions you must know:

• Special exemptions. These can include exemptions for first responders, 100% disabled veterans, or even a senior freeze. Many people aren’t aware that a senior freeze is available, which could save a substantial amount of money if implemented in time.
• Land use discounts. Additionally, there are special land use discounts for tree farms, hay farms, and similar properties. Your parish tax assessor’s office will have a comprehensive list of these exemptions, or you can call them directly for more information.

4. Disputing your tax bill. If you don’t qualify for any exemptions, you still have the option to dispute your tax bill. However, you can’t simply argue that the taxes are too high without evidence. You’ll need to make a case by comparing your property’s assessment with similar properties in your area. If you can demonstrate that your assessment is unfair compared to your neighbors, you stand a better chance of having your tax bill reduced.

Property tax reassessments are a necessary part of homeownership in Louisiana, but they don’t have to be a financial burden. By understanding the reassessment process, checking your exemptions, and being proactive about disputing your tax bill, you can potentially save a significant amount of money. If you need assistance, our team is ready to help. Remember, being informed and prepared is your best defense against unexpected tax increases.

Our team is here to help you with this process. If you need help managing your taxes or have any questions, feel free to contact us anytime. We look forward to helping you!