Louisiana Property Taxes and the Homestead Exemption
Property taxes here are generally lower than in many states, and the homestead exemption is a meaningful part of why. It also trips up buyers who assume the listing's tax figure is what they'll pay.
The short version. Louisiana's homestead exemption removes a portion of the assessed value of an owner-occupied primary residence from most parish property taxes. It generally must be filed for with the parish assessor and does not transfer from a previous owner. Your tax bill may differ from the seller's.
How the bill is built
Your parish assessor sets an assessed value. Local millages, which vary by parish and by the taxing districts your address falls into, are applied to the taxable portion of that value after exemptions. Two homes at the same price in different parishes — or in different districts within one parish — can carry noticeably different bills.
Why the listing's tax number can mislead
- The seller may have had a homestead exemption you'll need to file for yourself.
- The seller may have had additional exemptions you don't qualify for.
- The assessment can be revisited after a sale.
- New millages may have passed since the last bill.
What to do
Ask the parish assessor's office what the taxes would look like for you, as a new owner, before you're committed. After closing, file for the homestead exemption on your primary residence — it's one errand that pays you back every year.
General information, not advice. I'm a REALTOR®, not a lender, insurance agent, attorney or CPA. Figures and rules change. Confirm anything that affects your money with the appropriate licensed professional for your situation.
Questions buyers ask
What is the Louisiana homestead exemption?
A constitutional exemption that removes a portion of the assessed value of your primary residence from most parish property taxes. It applies to the home you own and occupy, and you generally need to file for it with your parish assessor — it isn't always automatic when you buy.
Will my taxes be the same as the current owner's?
Not necessarily. The assessment can change after a sale, and the previous owner's exemptions do not transfer to you. Ask the assessor's office what the taxes would be for you rather than relying on the current bill.
Where do I find a property's tax information?
Each parish assessor publishes property records, and most have an online search. For specific numbers on a specific address, the assessor's office is the authoritative source.
Do I need to file for the exemption every year?
In most parishes you file once and it continues as long as the property remains your primary residence, though rules and procedures can vary. Confirm with your parish assessor after closing.
Information is believed reliable but not guaranteed and is subject to change. Verify specifics for any property or situation with the appropriate licensed professional.
Want the real tax picture on a home?
Send me the address and I'll pull the assessor's record with you.