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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Washington County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Washington 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 special taxing districts within county)
1st Due
Dec 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Washington County, Louisiana operates a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, law enforcement, and parish government operations. Property owners pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, which varies significantly depending on location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts.

The effective property tax rate in Washington County typically ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value, depending on which special districts apply to your specific property location. Louisiana assesses property at fair market value with no assessment cap, meaning assessed values can increase without limitation based on market conditions. Property taxes are a critical revenue source for the parish, funding approximately 60% of local government services and contributing significantly to school district budgets.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (mills)Description
Parish General Fund5.75Basic parish government operations, roads, administration
School Board Operations12.50Washington Parish School Board general operations
School Board Maintenance3.25School building maintenance and improvements
Fire Protection District2.00-8.00Varies by fire district within parish
Drainage District1.50-4.00Varies by drainage district location
Road District2.00-5.00Varies by road maintenance district
Health Unit0.50Parish health services
Library1.75Washington Parish Library system

Rates shown are for FY 2024-2025 levy year. Total effective rate typically ranges from 28.25 to 42.75 mills (2.83% to 4.28%) depending on special district combinations. One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Washington 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 Washington County are triggered by two main events: change in ownership or completion of new construction that increases a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the Tax Assessor issues a supplemental assessment reflecting the change in value, and the property owner receives an additional tax bill for the remaining portion of the fiscal year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to this difference. The amount is then prorated based on the number of months remaining in the fiscal year from the date of the triggering event. For example, if a property sells in January and the new assessment increases the value by $50,000, with 8 months remaining in the fiscal year and a total tax rate of 35 mills, the supplemental tax would be approximately $1,167 ($50,000 × 0.035 × 8/12 months).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$75,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $225,000
  • Tax Rate: 32.50 mills (3.25%)
  • Annual Tax: $7,313
  • Monthly Escrow: $609

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$75,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $525,000
  • Tax Rate: 35.75 mills (3.58%)
  • Annual Tax: $18,795
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,566

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$75,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $925,000
  • Tax Rate: 38.25 mills (3.83%)
  • Annual Tax: $35,381
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,948

All credits shown require application and are not automatically applied. Tax rates vary by specific location within the parish.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Washington County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders mandate escrow regardless of down payment amount. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill, plus insurance premiums, and holds these funds in a separate account to pay your tax bills when due.

Property taxes in Washington Parish are payable in three installments: November 15, February 18, and May 15, or may be paid in full by the November deadline. Lenders typically pay the full annual amount by the November 15 deadline to avoid multiple payment processing. Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing payments made on your behalf and any adjustments needed to your monthly escrow amount. You can verify tax payments by contacting the Washington Parish Tax Collector's office or checking online payment records with your property's tax identification number.

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 for the 2024-2025 tax year? A: Taxes may be paid in three installments due November 15, 2024; February 18, 2025; and May 15, 2025, or paid in full by November 15, 2024.

Q: What is the Homestead Tax Credit and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Tax Credit reduces your taxable assessed value by up to $75,000 for your primary residence. This is a tax credit that requires application with the Washington Parish Assessor's office. You must apply by December 31st following the year you establish homestead occupancy.

Q: Are there other tax credits available that require application? A: Yes, disabled veterans may qualify for additional credits, and senior citizens over 65 may qualify for assessment freeze programs. All credits require separate applications with specific documentation and must be renewed periodically. Contact the Assessor's office for current application forms and deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Louisiana requires property reassessment every four years, though the Washington Parish Assessor may conduct interim reviews for properties that have changed ownership or undergone significant improvements.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest. After the final due date of May 15, unpaid taxes accrue interest at 1.25% per month, and properties may eventually be subject to tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Washington Parish offers online payment options through the Tax Collector's website. Payments can be made by electronic check or credit/debit card, though convenience fees may apply for card payments.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your property's location determines which special districts apply (fire protection, drainage, road maintenance, etc.). Properties in incorporated areas may have different district combinations than rural properties, resulting in varying total tax rates across the parish.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Washington Parish Assessor's office by September 15th following the assessment. If unsatisfied with the Assessor's decision, you may appeal to the Louisiana Tax Commission by December 31st of the same year.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Washington Property Taxes By County - 2025tax-rates.org
02
County
Washington County, OR Property Tax Calculator - SmartAssetsmartasset.com
03
County
Property Tax Statement - Washington County, MNwashingtoncountymn.gov
04
State
2024-25 Property Tax Statementwashingtoncountyor.gov
05
Tax Doc
Secured Property Taxes General Informationttc.lacounty.gov
06
Tax Doc
Louisiana Tax Commissionstax.latax.la.gov
07
County
LA County Assessor - LACounty.govassessor.lacounty.gov
08
Tax Doc
TYPES OF PROPERTY TAX AND ASSESSMENT ...leg.state.nv.us
09
Chapter 6.13 RCW: HOMESTEADSapp.leg.wa.gov
10
County
WASHINGTON COUNTY REAL PROPERTY TAX SERVICESwashingtoncountyny.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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