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Updated 2025 Tax Year

St. Helena County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in St. Helena 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
Varies by taxing district - includes parish, school, fire protection, and special district levies
1st Due
Nov 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

St. Helena Parish property taxes fund essential local services including public schools, parish government operations, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance. The parish operates on a calendar year assessment basis, with property values determined by the St. Helena Parish Assessor's Office. Property taxes in St. Helena Parish are administered at the parish level, with taxes becoming due on November 15 each year and becoming delinquent on December 31.

The effective property tax rate in St. Helena Parish varies by location within the parish due to different special taxing districts, including school district levies, fire protection districts, and other special assessments. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to differ based on their specific location and the combination of taxing authorities that serve their area. The Louisiana homestead exemption system provides assessment growth limitations for qualifying homeowners, but these benefits require proper application and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Note: 2025 property tax rates for St. Helena Parish have not yet been finalized. Rates are determined annually by local government for each fiscal year beginning in July. The following represents typical components:

ComponentRate RangeDescription
Parish General FundVariesBasic parish government operations and services
School District LevyVariesPublic school funding and operations
Fire Protection DistrictVariesLocal fire department services (varies by district)
Special AssessmentsVariesBond payments and special district services

Levy Year: Rates shown apply to the fiscal year beginning July 2025 (when finalized)

Important: Your actual tax rate depends on your property's location within St. Helena Parish and which special taxing districts serve your area. Contact the St. Helena Parish Assessor's Office for your specific millage rate combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in St. Helena 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 St. Helena Parish 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 sale or transfer of property to new owners, completion of new construction or major improvements, and changes in property classification or use.

When a supplemental tax is triggered, the parish calculates the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessment, then applies the current tax rate to determine the additional tax owed. For example, if a property's assessed value increases from $100,000 to $150,000 due to completed renovations, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the $50,000 increase at the applicable millage rate for the remaining portion of the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessment Rate (10%): $30,000
  • Homestead Exemption: $7,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $22,500
  • Estimated Annual Tax (assuming 50 mills): $1,125
  • Monthly Escrow: $94

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

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

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property (No Homestead)

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessment Rate (10%): $100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $100,000
  • Estimated Annual Tax (assuming 50 mills): $5,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $417

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

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in St. Helena Parish require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in escrow until taxes are due on November 15. Lenders typically collect 1/12 of your annual property tax bill each month, plus a two-month cushion as required by federal law.

After paying your property taxes, your lender will provide you with documentation showing the payment made to St. Helena Parish. You should verify this payment appears correctly on your tax records. If your property taxes increase or decrease significantly, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly, usually providing 60 days notice of any payment changes. You have the right to request an escrow account analysis annually to review the accuracy of your payments and any surplus or shortage in the account.

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 St. Helena Parish? A: Property taxes are due November 15 each year and become delinquent on December 31. For 2026, the first payment due date is January 31.

Q: What homestead exemption is available and how do I apply? A: Louisiana provides a homestead exemption that caps annual assessment increases and provides up to $7,500 exemption from assessed value. This is NOT automatic - you must apply with the St. Helena Parish Assessor's Office. The exemption limits how much your assessment can increase each year, not your market value.

Q: What other tax credits are available? A: Additional credits may be available for senior citizens, disabled veterans, and other qualifying circumstances. All credits require separate applications and documentation. Contact the Assessor's Office for specific requirements and deadlines.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Louisiana properties are reassessed every four years. St. Helena Parish follows the state schedule for reappraisal cycles.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the St. Helena Parish Assessor's Office during the appeal period, typically in August-September. You'll need evidence supporting your claimed value.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Properties become delinquent on December 31, and penalties and interest begin accruing immediately. Contact the St. Helena Parish Sheriff's Office (tax collector) for specific penalty rates.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the St. Helena Parish Sheriff's Office for current online payment options and accepted methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your location within St. Helena Parish determines which fire districts, drainage districts, and other special taxing authorities apply to your property. Each adds millage to your total 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
ST. HELENA PARISH ASSESSORlla.la.gov
02
Tax Doc
Summary Tax Rate - Fire Departmentfire.lacounty.gov
03
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQcityofsthelena.gov
04
St. Helena Parish Assessorlla.la.gov
05
Tax Doc
Louisiana Tax Commissionstax.latax.la.gov
06
Tax Doc
RIB 21-027 Sales Tax Return Filing Deadlines Extended ...dam.ldr.la.gov
07
HLS 243ES-15legis.la.gov
08
State
Louisiana Laws - Louisiana State Legislaturelegis.la.gov
09
Tax Doc
Louisiana Property Tax Basicshouse.louisiana.gov
10
https://data.brla.gov/api/views/a4h4-zi7e/rows.csv...data.brla.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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