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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Calcasieu County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Calcasieu 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
Approximately 1% base rate plus varying district rates depending on location within parish
1st Due
Nov 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Calcasieu Parish (County) operates Louisiana's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, parish government operations, law enforcement, fire protection, and various special districts. Property taxes in Calcasieu Parish are assessed annually on a calendar year basis, with taxes becoming due on November 15th each year and becoming delinquent on December 31st if not paid.

The effective property tax rate in Calcasieu Parish varies significantly depending on your specific location within the parish due to multiple overlapping taxing districts. These special districts may include school districts, fire protection districts, drainage districts, and other municipal services. Louisiana operates on approximately a 1% base assessment rate statewide, but your actual rate will depend on the combination of parish-wide levies and the specific special taxing districts that serve your property location.

Property owners should note that most tax credits and exemptions require formal application and are not automatically applied to your tax bill. The parish assessor's office can provide specific information about which taxing districts apply to your property and what exemptions or credits you may be eligible to receive.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Note: 2025 tax rates are not yet finalized. The following represents the general structure of Calcasieu Parish property taxes:

ComponentRateDescription
Parish General FundVariesBasic parish government operations
School DistrictVariesLocal school funding (varies by district)
Fire ProtectionVariesFire department services (varies by district)
Drainage DistrictVariesFlood control and drainage (varies by district)
Library DistrictVariesParish library system
Sheriff/Law EnforcementVariesParish law enforcement services
Road/Bridge MaintenanceVariesInfrastructure maintenance

Important: Tax rates vary significantly by location within Calcasieu Parish due to different combinations of special taxing districts. Contact the Calcasieu Parish Assessor's Office to determine the exact rate that applies to your specific property address. Rates are set annually and may change from year to year based on local government budget needs and voter-approved measures.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Nov 15
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 Louisiana are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. Common triggers include the purchase of property (change of ownership), completion of new construction, major renovations that increase property value, or changes in property use that affect exemption eligibility.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, it represents the difference between the previously assessed tax amount and the new tax amount, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if you purchase a home in June that was previously receiving a homestead exemption that you don't qualify for, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the difference between the exempted and non-exempted tax amounts for July through December.

Example: If you buy a $400,000 home in August that was receiving a homestead exemption, and your annual tax without exemptions is $4,000 compared to the previous owner's $3,200 with exemptions, you would owe a supplemental bill of approximately $267 (($4,000 - $3,200) × 5 months ÷ 12 months) for August through December.

Example Calculation

Note: These examples use estimated rates as 2025 rates are not yet finalized. Actual rates vary by specific location within the parish.

$300,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: -$7,500 (example amount)
  • Net Taxable Value: $292,500
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.2% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: $3,510
  • Monthly Escrow: $293

$600,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: -$7,500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $592,500
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.2% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: $7,110
  • Monthly Escrow: $593

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: -$7,500 (if eligible and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $992,500
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.2% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: $11,910
  • Monthly Escrow: $993

Important: Homestead exemptions and other tax credits require formal application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Calcasieu Parish Assessor's Office to apply for available exemptions.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Calcasieu Parish require borrowers to establish an escrow account to ensure property taxes are paid on time. Your lender will collect monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill plus insurance premiums. The lender holds these funds in a separate escrow account and pays your property taxes directly to Calcasieu Parish when they become due on November 15th.

Lenders are required to provide an annual escrow analysis showing the previous year's activity and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You may receive an escrow shortage notice requiring additional payments if taxes exceeded the escrowed amount.

Property owners should verify that their lender has paid property taxes correctly and on time by checking with the Calcasieu Parish Tax Collector's office. If you don't have an escrow account, you are responsible for making tax payments directly to the parish by the November 15th due date to avoid penalties and interest charges.

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

When are property taxes due in Calcasieu Parish? Property taxes are due November 15th each year and become delinquent on December 31st. Taxes are assessed on a calendar year basis.

What homestead exemption is available and how do I apply? Louisiana provides a homestead exemption from state, parish, and special district property taxes for your primary residence. This exemption must be applied for through the Calcasieu Parish Assessor's Office and is not automatic. The exemption limits assessment increases rather than reducing market value.

Are there other tax credits available? Various tax credits may be available including senior citizen exemptions, disability exemptions, and veterans' exemptions. All require formal application through the assessor's office. Contact them directly for eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

How often are properties reassessed? Louisiana law requires property reassessment every four years, though the assessor may conduct interim assessments for properties that have changed ownership or undergone significant improvements.

How do I appeal my property assessment? Property owners can appeal assessments through the Calcasieu Parish Assessor's Office. Appeal deadlines and procedures are typically provided with assessment notices.

What happens if I pay taxes late? Properties become delinquent on December 31st if taxes aren't paid. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges that continue to accrue until paid in full.

Can I pay property taxes online? Contact the Calcasieu Parish Tax Collector's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Why did my tax rate change from last year? Tax rates can change annually based on local government budget needs, voter-approved measures, and changes to special taxing districts. Rates vary by location within the parish based on which districts serve your property.

Do I need to reapply for exemptions each year? Most exemptions remain in effect once approved, but you should notify the assessor's office of any changes that might affect eligibility, such as no longer using the property as your primary residence.

How do special districts affect my tax rate? Your property may be located within multiple special taxing districts (fire, drainage, library, etc.) that each levy separate taxes. The combination of these districts determines your total effective tax rate.

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
Tax Doc
Louisiana Property Tax Basicshouse.louisiana.gov
03
Calcasieu Parish Police Juryapp.lla.state.la.us
04
Tax Doc
calcasieu parish tax assessment districtapp.lla.state.la.us
05
News and Updates | Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, LAcalcasieu.gov
06
FOR FILING PERIODS BEGINNING JULY 2022dam.ldr.la.gov
07
HLS 25RS-894 ORIGINAL 2025 Regular Session HOUSE ...legis.state.la.us
08
HLS 243ES-15legis.la.gov
09
Homestead Exemptionlegis.la.gov
10
Tax Doc
Louisiana Tax Commissionstax.latax.la.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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