New Orleans Property Tax Appeals Guide

How New Orleans homeowners can challenge property tax assessments and claim exemptions.

New Orleans Property Tax Overview

Louisiana has some of the **lowest property tax rates in the nation**, with New Orleans' effective rate at approximately **0.55%**. However, the low rate doesn't mean property taxes are negligible — rising home values and complex millage structures mean your tax bill may still be higher than expected.

| Parish | Effective Rate | 2025 Avg Assessment Increase | |--------|---------------|----------------------------| | Orleans | 0.58% | 6.5% | | Jefferson | 0.52% | 5.8% | | St. Tammany | 0.45% | 7.2% | | St. Bernard | 0.55% | 5.2% |

Louisiana's Assessment System

What This Means On a $300,000 home: - Assessed value: $30,000 (10% of market value) - Homestead exemption: -$7,500 - Taxable value: $22,500 - At 55 mills: Tax bill ≈ $1,237/yr

The Protest Process

Step 1: Review Your Assessment Assessment notices are mailed during reassessment years (every 4 years). Check the Orleans Parish Assessor's website for your current assessed value.

Step 2: File an Appeal (Open Rolls Period) During the open rolls period (typically 15 days in August/September), you can: - Visit the assessor's office to discuss your assessment informally - File a formal appeal with the Board of Review

Step 3: Board of Review - Free to file - Present comparable sales and condition evidence - Board issues a decision

Step 4: Louisiana Tax Commission If the Board of Review doesn't resolve your appeal, you can escalate to the Louisiana Tax Commission.

Exemptions and Freezes

Homestead Exemption ($75,000) - Applies to the first $75,000 of fair market value - Must be primary residence - File with parish assessor — one-time filing

Senior Freeze Louisiana offers an **assessment freeze** for homeowners 65+ with adjusted gross income at or below $100,000: - Your assessed value is frozen at its current level - As long as you remain eligible, your assessment doesn't increase - This is separate from the homestead exemption and stacks with it

Disability Freeze Similar to the senior freeze, available to homeowners with qualifying disabilities, regardless of age.

Special Assessment Level Some New Orleans properties in designated redevelopment areas may qualify for reduced assessment levels for a period of years.

Why Low Rates Don't Mean Low Bills

Each entity sets its own millage rate, and together they create the total rate that determines your bill.

Action Steps

1. Verify your homestead exemption is filed with the Orleans Parish Assessor 2. Check eligibility for the senior or disability assessment freeze 3. Review your assessed value against recent sales of comparable homes 4. During the open rolls period, visit the assessor to discuss any discrepancies 5. File a formal appeal with the Board of Review if needed

FAQ

How often does New Orleans reassess property? Louisiana reassesses properties every 4 years. Between reassessment years, your assessed value generally stays the same unless you make significant improvements or the property changes hands.

Is New Orleans property tax really that low? The rate is low (0.55% effective), but millage rates from multiple taxing authorities add up. On a $400,000 home, after the homestead exemption, your annual tax bill is approximately $1,800 — modest compared to Texas but not negligible.

Can I freeze my assessment in New Orleans? If you're 65+ with income at or below $100,000, Louisiana's senior freeze locks your assessed value at its current level. This is particularly valuable during reassessment years when values might otherwise increase significantly.

Get early access

We're expanding our partner network here. Join the early-access list — typical activation within 30 days.