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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Franklin County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
~1% of assessed value (varies by special districts including fire, drainage, and school districts)
1st Due
Dec 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Franklin County, Louisiana operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, law enforcement, infrastructure maintenance, and parish operations. Property taxes in Franklin County are based on assessed values determined by the parish assessor, with tax rates set by various taxing authorities including the parish government, school board, and special districts.

The effective tax rate in Franklin County varies significantly by location within the parish due to different combinations of special taxing districts, but generally ranges around Louisiana's state average of approximately 1% of assessed value. Your actual tax rate depends on which fire districts, drainage districts, school districts, and other special assessment areas serve your property. The Louisiana Tax Commission oversees the property tax system statewide, while local assessment and collection are handled by parish officials.

Property owners should note that tax rates and assessments can change annually based on budget needs of the various taxing authorities, and several tax credits are available to qualifying property owners, though these require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Parish General FundTBDBasic parish operations and services
School DistrictTBDFranklin Parish School Board operations
SheriffTBDLaw enforcement services
Fire ProtectionVariesFire district services (varies by district)
Drainage DistrictsVariesFlood control and drainage (varies by location)
Road DistrictsVariesRoad maintenance (varies by district)
Total Estimated RateTBDCombined millage rate

Note: Specific tax rates for FY 2025-2026 have not been finalized by Franklin County taxing authorities. The proposed tax rate is greater than the no-new-revenue tax rate, indicating an increase for the 2025 tax year. Your actual rate depends on which special districts serve your property location. Contact the Franklin Parish Assessor's Office for current rates and district maps.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Franklin 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 Franklin County are additional property tax assessments that occur outside the regular annual assessment cycle. These are typically triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year.

When supplemental taxes are assessed, they are calculated from the date of the triggering event through the end of the current tax year. For example, if you purchase a newly constructed home in March that wasn't on the previous year's assessment roll, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering March through December of that tax year.

The supplemental tax amount is calculated using the same millage rates that apply to your property's location, but only for the portion of the year the change was in effect. If your property's assessed value increased by $50,000 due to improvements and your total millage rate is 100 mills (10%), your annual additional tax would be $500, but a supplemental bill issued in July would only cover July-December (approximately $250).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (10% assessment ratio): $30,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$7,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $22,500
  • Annual Tax (estimated 100 mills): $2,250
  • Monthly Escrow: $187.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (10% assessment ratio): $60,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$7,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $52,500
  • Annual Tax (estimated 100 mills): $5,250
  • Monthly Escrow: $437.50

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (10% assessment ratio): $100,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$7,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $92,500
  • Annual Tax (estimated 100 mills): $9,250
  • Monthly Escrow: $770.83

Note: Homestead Credit amounts are estimates and require application with the Franklin Parish Assessor. Actual tax rates vary by location within the parish due to special districts. Credits shown are tax reductions, not assessment reductions.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Franklin County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects a portion of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, typically one-twelfth of the annual amount plus a small cushion as allowed by federal law.

Franklin County property taxes are paid in two installments, with the first half due by February 28 and the second half due no earlier than July 20. Your lender will pay these bills directly from your escrow account when they become due. After each payment, your lender should provide you with documentation showing the payment amount and remaining escrow balance.

Each year, your lender must provide an escrow analysis statement showing the previous year's activity and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to assessment changes or rate increases, your monthly escrow payment may increase accordingly. You have the right to request copies of your actual tax bills and verify that payments were made correctly and on time.

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 Franklin County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first half by February 28, 2026, and second half no earlier than July 20, 2026. Property owners can choose from three payment options when they receive their tax bills.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary tax credit is the Homestead Credit for primary residences, which requires a separate application with the Franklin Parish Assessor's Office. This credit is NOT automatic and must be applied for. Contact the Assessor's Office for applications and eligibility requirements for this and other potential credits.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit provides tax relief on your primary residence and may limit assessment increases in future years. It does NOT reduce your property's market value but provides a credit against your tax bill. You must apply for this credit - it is not automatically granted.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Franklin County? A: Louisiana law requires property to be assessed at fair market value, with periodic reassessments conducted by the parish assessor. Assessment schedules and methods are determined by the Franklin Parish Assessor's Office.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Franklin Parish Assessor's Office within the timeframe specified on your assessment notice. If unsatisfied with the assessor's decision, you may appeal to the Louisiana Tax Commission.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges as specified by Louisiana law. Contact the Franklin Parish Tax Collector's Office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Franklin Parish Tax Collector's Office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for property tax bills.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Franklin County? A: Your total tax rate depends on which special districts serve your property, including fire districts, drainage districts, and school districts. Properties in different areas of the parish may have different combinations of these districts, resulting in varying total tax rates.

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