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Updated 2025 Tax Year

St. John the Baptist County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
44.999 mills (4.4999% of assessed value), varies by special districts and location within parish
1st Due
Dec 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

St. John the Baptist Parish operates under Louisiana's property tax system, where property taxes fund essential local services including schools, parish government operations, law enforcement, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance. The parish uses a millage-based system where tax rates are expressed per $100 of assessed value, with the current combined rate at 4.4999% (44.999 mills) for the 2025 tax year.

Property tax rates in St. John the Baptist Parish vary significantly by location within the parish due to overlapping special taxing districts, including school districts, fire protection districts, drainage districts, and other municipal service areas. Your actual tax rate depends on which special districts serve your property location. The parish assessor determines assessed values, while various taxing authorities set their individual millage rates that combine to create your total property tax bill.

Assessment values are based on fair market value as of the assessment date, and property owners may be eligible for various tax credits and exemptions that require separate applications. Most tax relief programs are not automatic and have specific application deadlines and qualification requirements.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Parish General FundVariesBasic parish government services and operations
School DistrictVariesLocal school district operations and maintenance
School BondsVariesVoter-approved school construction and improvement bonds
Fire ProtectionVariesFire department services (varies by district)
Drainage/LeveeVariesFlood protection and drainage maintenance
LibraryVariesParish library system operations
Total Combined Rate4.4999%Combined rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: Individual millage rates vary significantly by property location within St. John the Baptist Parish due to different combinations of special taxing districts. Contact the Parish Assessor's office at (985) 652-9797 for your specific district rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in St. John the Baptist 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 St. John the Baptist Parish are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements made to existing properties during the tax year. These supplemental bills are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change.

For example, if you purchase a home in October that was previously assessed at $150,000 but now has a market value of $250,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessed value ($100,000 difference) covering October through December. The supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($100,000 ÷ 100) × 4.4999% × (3 months ÷ 12 months) = $112.50 for the remainder of the tax year.

Supplemental taxes are typically due 30 days from the date of the supplemental bill and are separate from your regular annual property tax payment due March 31st.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Exemption: -$7,500
  • Net Assessed Value: $292,500
  • Annual Tax: ($292,500 ÷ 100) × 4.4999% = $1,316.22
  • Monthly Escrow: $109.69

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exemption: -$7,500
  • Net Assessed Value: $592,500
  • Annual Tax: ($592,500 ÷ 100) × 4.4999% = $2,666.19
  • Monthly Escrow: $222.18

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

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Exemption: -$7,500
  • Net Assessed Value: $992,500
  • Annual Tax: ($992,500 ÷ 100) × 4.4999% = $4,466.01
  • Monthly Escrow: $372.17

Note: Homestead exemption requires annual application and primary residence qualification. Additional exemptions may be available for seniors, disabled veterans, or other qualifying circumstances.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in St. John the Baptist Parish require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely tax payments. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The lender pays your property taxes directly to the parish when they become due on March 31st each year.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and account balances. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or millage rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You should receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits and payments made from your account.

If you pay your mortgage off or don't have an escrow account, you're responsible for making property tax payments directly to the St. John the Baptist Parish Tax Collector by the March 31st deadline. The parish offers online payment options and accepts payments by mail, in person, or through authorized payment centers.

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. John the Baptist Parish? A: Property taxes for FY 2025-2026 are due in full by March 31, 2026. There is no option for installment payments.

Q: What homestead exemptions are available and do I need to apply? A: The basic homestead exemption reduces assessed value by up to $7,500 for primary residences. You must apply annually with the Parish Assessor's office. Additional exemptions may be available for seniors, disabled veterans, and other qualifying groups - all require separate applications.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: The homestead exemption provides an assessment freeze that limits annual increases in assessed value to 10% or less, plus provides up to $7,500 reduction in assessed value. You must file an application with the Assessor's office and maintain the property as your primary residence.

Q: When can I appeal my property assessment? A: Open Book dates are August 15-29, 2025. You can review your assessment and file appeals during this period. Contact the Assessor's office at (985) 652-9797 to schedule an appointment.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. After March 31st, properties may be subject to tax sale proceedings if taxes remain unpaid.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, St. John the Baptist Parish offers online payment options through their official website. Contact the Tax Collector's office for current online payment portal information.

Q: Why did my tax rate change from last year? A: Tax rates can change due to voter-approved millages, new special district formations, or changes in existing district boundaries. Your specific rate depends on which taxing districts serve your property location.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Louisiana law requires property reassessments every four years, though market value adjustments may occur annually. The Parish Assessor maintains current assessment information on their website.

Q: What if I receive a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental taxes are due within 30 days of the bill date and result from ownership changes, new construction, or significant property improvements during the tax year.

Q: Where can I get help with property tax questions? A: Contact the St. John the Baptist Parish Assessor's office at (985) 652-9797 or visit their website for assessment questions. For payment questions, contact the Parish Tax Collector's office.

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