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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Union County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
2.97 mills (0.297%) base rate plus special district assessments - varies by location
1st Due
Dec 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Union County, Louisiana operates on a property tax system that funds essential county services, including general government operations, public safety, and various special district services. The county's effective tax rate is approximately 2.97 mills (0.297%) for general county operations, with additional special district assessments that can bring the total rate higher depending on your specific location within the county.

Property tax rates in Union County vary significantly based on the special taxing districts where your property is located. These districts may include services like sanitation, vector control, and 4-H/Extension services. The fiscal year runs from July 1st to June 30th, and tax bills are typically issued in late fall with payment due dates split between December 31st for the first half and March 1st for the second half. Your actual tax burden will depend on both your property's assessed value and the specific combination of taxing districts that serve your area.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on the most recent levy data available:

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Union County General2.9668General county operations, public safety, administration
Island City Sanitation0.5814Sanitation services (specific areas only)
4-H/Extension Services0.1619Agricultural extension and youth programs
Vector Control0.0239Mosquito and pest control services

Note: These rates apply to the current assessment period and are expressed in mills (dollars per $1,000 of assessed value). The Island City Sanitation district only applies to properties within that specific service area. Your total tax rate will be the sum of the county rate plus any applicable special district rates for your property location. Rates are subject to annual adjustment based on budget requirements and assessed value changes.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Union 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 property taxes in Union County are triggered by specific events that change a property's ownership or physical characteristics during the tax year. The most common triggers include property sales (change of ownership), new construction completion, additions or improvements to existing structures, and subdivision of land parcels.

When a supplemental assessment occurs, the tax is calculated based on the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the fiscal year. For example, if you purchase a home in January that was previously assessed at $150,000 but now has a market value of $200,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessment ($50,000 difference) covering the period from January through June 30th (end of fiscal year). This supplemental bill is separate from the regular annual tax bill and typically must be paid within 30 days of issuance.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessment Rate: 10% of market value = $30,000 assessed value
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if qualified): $7,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $23,000
  • Annual Tax (2.9668 mills): $23,000 × 0.0029668 = $68.24
  • Monthly Escrow: $5.69

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessment Rate: 10% of market value = $60,000 assessed value
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if qualified): $7,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $53,000
  • Annual Tax (2.9668 mills): $53,000 × 0.0029668 = $157.24
  • Monthly Escrow: $13.10

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessment Rate: 10% of market value = $100,000 assessed value
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if qualified): $7,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $93,000
  • Annual Tax (2.9668 mills): $93,000 × 0.0029668 = $275.91
  • Monthly Escrow: $22.99

Note: Examples use base county rate only. Add applicable special district rates for your area. Homestead exemption requires application and approval.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Union County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill, plus insurance premiums. These funds are held in a separate account and used to pay your tax bills when due.

Lenders typically pay the first half of your property taxes by December 31st and the second half by March 1st. Your lender will receive tax bills directly from the Union County Tax Assessor's office and should provide you with copies. You can verify that payments were made correctly by checking the Union County Sheriff's Office tax records online or by calling their office. If you pay off your mortgage or refinance, you'll need to arrange direct payment of property taxes, and any escrow balance will be refunded to you within 30 days of loan closure.

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 Union County property taxes due? A: Property taxes are split into two payments for the current fiscal year (July 1 - June 30). The first half is due December 31st, and the second half is due March 1st. Late payments incur penalties and interest.

Q: What is the homestead exemption and how do I apply? A: The homestead exemption reduces your assessed value by up to $7,000 for owner-occupied residences. You must apply with the Union County Assessor's office and provide proof of residency. This is NOT automatic and requires annual verification.

Q: Are there other tax credits available? A: Yes, Louisiana offers various tax credits including senior citizen exemptions, disability exemptions, and veterans' exemptions. Each requires a separate application with specific documentation and deadlines. Contact the Union County Assessor's office for current programs and application requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Louisiana requires periodic reassessment of all properties. Union County follows the state schedule for reappraisals. You'll receive notice if your assessment changes significantly.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, property owners can appeal their assessments to the Union County Board of Review. Appeals must be filed within specific deadlines after receiving your assessment notice, typically within 30 days.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Properties with delinquent taxes may be included in the annual tax sale held in September of the year following the delinquent tax year.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Union County Sheriff's Office or Tax Collector to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do special district taxes vary by location? A: Special districts provide specific services like sanitation or vector control to defined geographic areas. You only pay for districts that serve your property location, which is why tax rates vary throughout the county.

Q: What if I disagree with a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental assessments can be appealed using the same process as regular assessments. Contact the Union County Assessor's office within 30 days of receiving the supplemental bill to discuss your options.

Q: How do I verify my property tax payments were received? A: Contact the Union County Sheriff's Office or check their online records system to verify payment posting. Keep all payment receipts for your records.

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