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Updated 2025 Tax Year

St. James County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in St. James 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
0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value (varies by taxing district location)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

St. James Parish property taxes fund essential local services including public schools, parish government operations, fire protection, and drainage maintenance. Property owners pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable millage rates, which vary significantly depending on the specific taxing districts where the property is located within the parish.

The effective tax rate in St. James Parish typically ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value, though this can vary considerably based on your property's location and the special taxing districts that apply. Properties are assessed at fair market value without a statewide assessment cap, making the homestead exemption particularly valuable for qualifying homeowners. All property taxes are collected annually with a single due date, and rates vary by specific taxing districts including school districts, fire protection districts, and drainage districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The 2025 tax rates for St. James Parish will be set by local authorities closer to the fiscal year. Historical millage rates include:

ComponentApproximate Rate (mills)Description
Parish General Fund5-8 millsBasic parish operations and services
School District15-25 millsPublic school funding (varies by district)
Fire Protection3-7 millsFire department services (varies by district)
Drainage District2-5 millsFlood control and drainage maintenance
Road Maintenance2-4 millsParish road upkeep
Total Range27-49 millsVaries significantly by location

Note: One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. Actual rates vary by special taxing districts within St. James Parish. Contact the St. James Parish Assessor's office for current rates specific to your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

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. James Parish are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the parish calculates additional taxes owed based on the increased assessment for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in July that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now appraises at $350,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on the $150,000 increase for the remaining 9 months of the tax year. The calculation would be: ($150,000 ÷ $1,000) × applicable millage rate × (9 months ÷ 12 months). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 60-90 days of the triggering event and become due upon receipt.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if qualified): -$7,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $292,500
  • Annual Tax (40 mills average): $292,500 ÷ $1,000 × 40 = $11,700
  • Monthly Escrow: $975

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if qualified): -$7,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $592,500
  • Annual Tax (40 mills average): $592,500 ÷ $1,000 × 40 = $23,700
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,975

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if qualified): -$7,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $992,500
  • Annual Tax (40 mills average): $992,500 ÷ $1,000 × 40 = $39,700
  • Monthly Escrow: $3,308

Note: Homestead exemption requires application and qualification. Actual tax rates vary by specific location within the parish.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in St. James Parish require property tax escrow accounts, collecting monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your annual property tax bill. Lenders typically collect an initial escrow deposit at closing covering 2-6 months of taxes, then analyze the account annually to adjust monthly payments based on actual tax bills and account balance.

Property taxes are due March 31st annually, and your lender should make payment before this deadline to avoid penalties. You'll receive an annual escrow analysis statement showing how your money was used and any required payment adjustments. If your account has a shortage, you can either pay the deficit in full or spread it over 12 months with increased monthly payments. Property owners should verify their lender made timely payments, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when escrowed.

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 St. James Parish property taxes due for 2025? A: Property taxes are due in full by March 31, 2025. No partial payment discounts are available.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary tax credit is the homestead exemption ($7,500 off assessed value), which requires application with the St. James Parish Assessor's office. Additional exemptions may be available for seniors, veterans, or disabled persons, but all require separate applications and qualification.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: The homestead exemption provides $7,500 off your assessed value (not market value) and caps assessment increases at 10% annually once granted. You must apply with the assessor's office and use the property as your primary residence. This is not automatic and requires application.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: St. James Parish conducts property reassessments every four years, with the most recent completed in 2024. However, assessments can change annually due to improvements, sales, or market adjustments.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Properties become delinquent after March 31st and may eventually face tax sale proceedings if unpaid.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the St. James Parish Sheriff's office (tax collector) for current online payment options and accepted methods.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the St. James Parish Assessor's office within specific deadlines, typically in August or September. Contact the assessor's office for current appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within the parish? A: Different areas of St. James Parish fall under various special taxing districts (fire, drainage, school districts) that each levy additional millage rates, creating different total tax rates depending on your property's specific location.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
Assessor Portal - COUNTY OF LOS ANGELESportal.assessor.lacounty.gov
02
Tax Doc
Parish & Municipality Tax Tabletaxes.mfn.dps.la.gov
03
Tax Doc
Louisiana Tax Commissionstax.latax.la.gov
04
County
DATES & DEADLINES – St. Johns County Tax Collectorsjctax.us
05
Tax Doc
RIB 21-027 Sales Tax Return Filing Deadlines Extended ...dam.ldr.la.gov
06
Louisiana Laws Table of Contentslegis.la.gov
07
Tax Doc
Tax Year 2024 - Quadrennial Reappraisalapp.lla.state.la.us
08
Jefferson Parish Assessorkenner.la.us
09
St. James Parishlla.la.gov
10
St. James Parish - The official website of Louisianalouisiana.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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