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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lafourche County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by district due to multiple overlapping special taxing authorities and millage rates
1st Due
Nov 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lafourche Parish property taxes fund essential local services including public schools, parish government operations, law enforcement, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance. The parish uses an assessment-based system where property is typically assessed at a percentage of fair market value, with various millage rates applied by different taxing authorities. Property taxes are levied each November 1st based on assessed values as of the prior January 1st.

The effective tax rate in Lafourche Parish varies significantly by location within the parish due to multiple overlapping special taxing districts, including school districts, fire protection districts, drainage districts, and other special assessments. Property owners may be subject to different combinations of these district taxes depending on their specific location. The parish follows Louisiana's constitutional framework for property taxation, with various homestead protections and exemptions available to qualifying property owners.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentMillage RateDescription
Parish GeneralVariesGeneral parish operations and services
School DistrictVariesLocal school district funding
Fire ProtectionVariesFire department services (district-specific)
Drainage DistrictsVariesFlood control and drainage maintenance
Special AssessmentsVariesBond payments and special projects

Note: Specific millage rates for the 2025 tax year have not yet been set and will be determined by local taxing authorities. Actual rates vary significantly by property location within Lafourche Parish due to different combinations of special taxing districts. One mill equals $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Nov 1
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 Lafourche Parish are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that occur after the January 1st assessment date but before the end of the tax year. When property changes hands or new construction is completed, the assessor may issue a supplemental assessment to capture the change in value or ownership for the current tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in June that was previously assessed at a lower value due to homestead exemptions held by the previous owner, you may receive a supplemental tax bill for the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessment without exemptions, prorated for the remaining months of the tax year. Similarly, if you complete a major renovation or addition, the increased assessed value may result in additional taxes for the portion of the year after completion.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessment Ratio: ~10% = $30,000
  • Homestead Exemption: $7,500 (on first $75K of assessed value)
  • Net Taxable Value: $22,500
  • Estimated Annual Tax (assuming 50 mills total): $1,125
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$94

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessment Ratio: ~10% = $60,000
  • Homestead Exemption: $7,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $52,500
  • Estimated Annual Tax (assuming 50 mills total): $2,625
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$219

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessment Ratio: ~10% = $100,000
  • Homestead Exemption: $7,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $92,500
  • Estimated Annual Tax (assuming 50 mills total): $4,625
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$385

Note: Homestead exemption requires application and approval. Millage rates are estimates and vary by specific location within the parish.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lafourche Parish require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in escrow until taxes are due on December 31st. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your estimated annual tax bill each month, plus a cushion of up to two months' payments as allowed by federal law.

Your lender will conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or millage rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may increase. Conversely, if taxes decrease or if there's an overage in your escrow account, you may receive a refund or see reduced monthly payments. You can request an escrow analysis from your lender at any time and should review it carefully when received annually.

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 Lafourche Parish? A: Property taxes are due and payable by December 31st. Interest is charged on payments made after January 1st of the following year.

Q: What homestead exemption is available and how do I apply? A: Louisiana's homestead exemption removes the first $7,500 of assessed value from taxation and caps annual assessment increases. You must apply with the Lafourche Parish Assessor's office and meet residency requirements. This is not automatic.

Q: Are there other tax credits available? A: Yes, including credits for disabled veterans, elderly citizens, and certain improvements. Each requires a separate application with specific documentation and deadlines. Contact the Assessor's office for current programs and requirements.

Q: How often is property reassessed? A: Louisiana law requires reassessment every four years, though the Assessor may conduct interim adjustments for significant changes in property condition or market conditions.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: Interest accrues on unpaid taxes beginning January 1st. Properties with delinquent taxes may eventually be sold at tax sale.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's office, which serves as the tax collector, for current online payment options and accepted methods.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Your property may be subject to multiple taxing districts (school, fire, drainage) depending on location. Each district sets its own millage rate, and your total tax is the sum of all applicable districts.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Lafourche Parish Assessor within specific deadlines, typically in the fall. You can present evidence of comparable sales or property condition issues to support your appeal.

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