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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bienville County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Bienville County, LA. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% to 1.3% depending on location and special district overlay
1st Due
Dec 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Bienville Parish (County) property taxes fund essential local services including schools, roads, law enforcement, and parish government operations. The Louisiana property tax system operates on an assessment-based structure where properties are evaluated annually, and tax rates are set by various local taxing authorities including the parish government, school board, and special districts.

Property tax rates in Bienville Parish vary significantly by location within the parish due to different combinations of special taxing districts. While Louisiana's statewide average effective rate is approximately 1%, actual rates in Bienville Parish can range from 0.8% to 1.3% depending on your specific location and the overlay of municipal, school, and special district taxes. The final tax rates are determined annually by local assessors and parish officials based on assessed property values and budgetary needs of each taxing authority.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Tax rates for Bienville Parish are set annually and vary by location within the parish. The 2025 tax rates have not yet been finalized by local assessors and will be determined based on assessed property values and local government budgets.

ComponentEstimated Rate RangeDescription
Parish General Fund3.0-5.0 millsBasic parish services, roads, administration
School Board15.0-25.0 millsPublic education funding
Sheriff2.0-4.0 millsLaw enforcement services
Fire Protection1.0-3.0 millsFire and emergency services (varies by district)
Library1.0-2.0 millsParish library system
Special Districts0.0-8.0 millsVaries by location (drainage, lighting, etc.)

Note: Rates are expressed in mills (1 mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed value). Your specific rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location. Final rates for the 2025 tax year will be set by parish officials and published by the Bienville Parish Assessor's office.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Bienville County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Dec 31
Delinquent after Dec 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Bienville Parish are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction after the January 1st assessment date. These taxes ensure that property tax obligations are properly allocated between buyers and sellers during ownership transfers, and that new improvements are taxed for the portion of the year they exist.

Supplemental taxes are calculated on a pro-rated basis from the date of change through December 31st of that tax year. For example, if you purchase a home on July 1st that was underassessed, or if you complete a major renovation in June, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering July through December. The supplemental amount is calculated using the same millage rates that apply to your property location, but only for the applicable time period.

Example Calculation

The following examples use estimated millage rates and assume qualification for homestead exemption (which requires application). Actual rates vary by specific location within Bienville Parish.

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessment Rate (10%): $30,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: -$7,500
  • Net Taxable Assessment: $22,500
  • Annual Tax (30 mills): $675
  • Monthly Escrow: $56

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessment Rate (10%): $60,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: -$7,500
  • Net Taxable Assessment: $52,500
  • Annual Tax (30 mills): $1,575
  • Monthly Escrow: $131

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessment Rate (10%): $100,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: -$7,500
  • Net Taxable Assessment: $92,500
  • Annual Tax (30 mills): $2,775
  • Monthly Escrow: $231

Note: Homestead exemption requires annual application and caps assessment increases. Actual millage rates vary by location within the parish.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Bienville Parish require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12 of your annual property tax with each monthly mortgage payment. Your lender collects these funds and pays your property taxes directly to the Bienville Parish Tax Collector when due. Escrow accounts help ensure taxes are paid on time and protect the lender's interest in the property.

Property taxes in Bienville Parish are paid in two installments: the first installment is due September 1st, and the second installment is due December 1st. Your lender will typically pay each installment from your escrow account before the due dates. You should receive an annual escrow statement from your lender showing the account activity and any required adjustments to your monthly payment. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may adjust your monthly escrow payment and could require you to make up any shortage over 12 months.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Bienville Parish? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first installment due September 1st and second installment due December 1st for the current tax year.

Q: What homestead exemption is available and how do I apply? A: Louisiana offers a homestead exemption that exempts the first $7,500 of assessed value from parish and school taxes for your primary residence. This exemption also caps assessment increases to protect against rapid property value growth. You must apply with the Bienville Parish Assessor's office - it is not automatic.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. After December 1st, unpaid taxes begin accruing interest, and additional penalties may apply. Properties with delinquent taxes can eventually face tax sale proceedings.

Q: How is my property assessed and when? A: Properties are assessed annually as of January 1st. The Bienville Parish Assessor determines market value, which is then assessed at 10% for residential property. Assessment notices are typically mailed in late summer.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, you can appeal your assessment to the Bienville Parish Assessor's office, and if not satisfied, to the Louisiana Tax Commission. Appeals must be filed within specific deadlines after receiving your assessment notice.

Q: Are there other property tax credits available besides homestead? A: Louisiana offers various credits for seniors, disabled veterans, and others. Most require annual application and proof of eligibility. Contact the Bienville Parish Assessor's office for available programs and application requirements.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Bienville Parish Tax Collector's office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for property taxes.

Q: Why did my property taxes increase this year? A: Property taxes can increase due to rising property values, increased millage rates set by local taxing authorities, new special district assessments, or loss of exemptions. The homestead exemption helps limit assessment increases for qualified homeowners.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
State
2025 Louisiana State and Federal Assistance Programscrt.state.la.us
02
Untitledsec.gov
03
Tax Doc
Parish & Municipality Tax Tabletaxes.mfn.dps.la.gov
04
Bienville Parish Assessorapp.lla.state.la.us
05
Tax Doc
Louisiana Property Tax Basicshouse.louisiana.gov
06
Revenue Information Bulletin No. 20-021dam.ldr.la.gov
07
HLS 243ES-15legis.la.gov
08
https://data.brla.gov/api/views/a4h4-zi7e/rows.csv...data.brla.gov
09
ACT No. 12legis.la.gov
10
Bienville Parish Sheriffapp.lla.state.la.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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