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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Cameron County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value (varies by taxing districts within parish)
1st Due
Dec 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Cameron Parish (County), Louisiana operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, law enforcement, infrastructure, and emergency services. Property taxes in Louisiana are administered at the parish level, with Cameron Parish serving as one of the state's smaller parishes by population but significant in terms of industrial and energy-related property values.

Property tax rates in Cameron Parish vary significantly by location within the parish due to multiple special taxing districts, including school districts, fire protection districts, drainage districts, and other special assessments. The effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value, though this can be higher in areas with multiple overlapping special districts. Property is assessed at fair market value with various tax credits available to qualifying property owners, though most credits require annual application and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (mills)Description
Parish General5.75Basic parish operations and services
School District15-25Varies by school district within parish
Sheriff6.5Law enforcement services
Fire Protection10-15Varies by fire district
Drainage/Levee3-8Flood protection and drainage maintenance
Library3.5Parish library system
Road District5-12Road maintenance and construction
Industrial DistrictVariableEconomic development initiatives

Note: Rates shown are for FY 2024-2025 levy year. One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. Actual rates vary significantly by specific location within Cameron Parish due to overlapping special taxing districts. Total effective rates typically range from 40-80 mills depending on location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Cameron 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 Cameron Parish are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the parish assessor calculates additional taxes based on the increased assessed value for the remaining months of the current tax year.

For example, if a property undergoes $100,000 in improvements completed in July, and the total mill rate is 60 mills, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($100,000 ÷ $1,000) × 60 mills × (6 months remaining ÷ 12 months) = $3,000 supplemental tax. This supplemental assessment is billed separately from the regular annual property tax bill and typically due within 30 days of the supplemental notice.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$7,500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $292,500
  • Tax Rate: 50 mills (example district combination)
  • Annual Tax: $14,625
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,219

$600,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$7,500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $592,500
  • Tax Rate: 55 mills (example district combination)
  • Annual Tax: $32,588
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,716

$1,000,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$7,500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $992,500
  • Tax Rate: 60 mills (example district combination)
  • Annual Tax: $59,550
  • Monthly Escrow: $4,963

Note: Tax credits shown require annual application with the Cameron Parish Assessor's Office. Rates vary by specific location within the parish.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Cameron Parish require property tax escrow accounts, collecting monthly payments along with principal and interest to ensure timely tax payment. Lenders typically collect 1/12 of the annual tax bill each month, plus an additional 2-month cushion as required by federal regulations. Property tax bills in Cameron Parish are typically issued in late fall, with payment due by December 31st of the tax year.

Escrow accounts are analyzed annually, and lenders must provide detailed statements showing tax payments made on your behalf. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or new special district taxes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Property owners can verify that their lender has paid taxes correctly by checking with the Cameron Parish Tax Collector's office or accessing online payment records through the parish website.

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 Cameron Parish property taxes due for FY 2024-2025? Property taxes are due December 31, 2024. Payments become delinquent January 1, 2025, and begin accruing penalties and interest.

What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? The Homestead Tax Credit provides up to $7,500 in assessed value reduction and requires annual application with the Assessor's Office by December 31st. Additional credits may be available for disabled veterans, seniors over 65, and certain agricultural uses - all requiring separate applications.

How does the Homestead Tax Credit work? The Homestead Tax Credit reduces your assessed value by up to $7,500 annually, which translates to tax savings of approximately $375-$600 depending on your local mill rate. This is NOT automatic and requires filing Form H-1 with supporting documentation.

When does Cameron Parish reassess properties? Cameron Parish conducts property assessments on a rotating basis, with different areas assessed every 3-4 years. Industrial and commercial properties may be assessed more frequently. Property owners receive notice before reassessment.

What are the penalties for late property tax payments? Late payments incur 1% penalty per month plus interest. After three years of delinquency, properties may be subject to tax sale proceedings.

Can I pay property taxes online? Yes, Cameron Parish offers online payment options through their official website. Credit card payments may incur processing fees of 2-3%.

How do special district taxes affect my bill? Cameron Parish has numerous special taxing districts for fire protection, drainage, schools, and other services. Your specific location determines which districts apply to your property, significantly affecting your total tax rate.

How do I appeal my property assessment? Assessment appeals must be filed with the Cameron Parish Assessor within 60 days of receiving your assessment notice. Appeals are heard by the parish Board of Review, with further appeals possible to the state Tax Commission.

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