Louisiana Homestead Exemption Program

What is the Louisiana Homestead Exemption Program?

The Louisiana Homestead Exemption helps homeowners pay less in property taxes by reducing the part of their home’s value that gets taxed.

In Louisiana, homes are usually taxed at 10% of their market value. So, for example, if your home is worth $200,000, its assessed tax value would be $20,000. The Homestead Exemption removes $7,500 from that amount, meaning you only pay taxes on $12,500. To get help from this program, you must apply. Once you’re approved, the exemption will be applied to your property taxes each year— unless something changes, like selling your home or moving to a different primary residence. If that happens, you need to let your local tax office know.

Am I eligible for the Louisiana Homestead Exemption Program?

To get help from the Louisiana Homestead Exemption Program, you must:

• Own the home
• Live in the home as your primary residence.

Special Assessment Level Freeze (Property Value Freeze)

Louisiana offers a Special Assessment Level Freeze that can help certain homeowners who already have the Homestead Exemption. This additional exemption freezes the assessed value of your home, preventing your property taxes from going up, even if the property value increases.

To qualify for the Property Value Freeze, you must:

• Already have the Homestead Exemption and be one of the following:
  • 65 or older
  • A veteran with a service-connected disability of 50% or more, or a military member who was missing in action, or a prisoner of war for over 90 days
  • Be permanently and totally disabled, as certified by a court or government agency

• Have a household income of $100,000 or less (this amount may change over time).

How do I apply for the Louisiana Homestead Exemption Program?

To apply for the Louisiana Homestead Exemption, you must go in person to your parish’s tax assessor office.  Bring the following with you:

1. A photo ID, like a driver’s license
2. The deed to your home that shows you own the property

If you are also applying for the property tax freeze, you will need to bring:

3. Proof of income (for you and your spouse, if married)
4. Proof of disability, if eligible under the disability requirement
5. Proof of military service or veteran status, if eligible under veteran requirement

Make sure to have all the documents with you when you apply and the tax assessor will help you through the application process.

What if I need help applying for the Louisiana Homestead Exemption Program?

If you want to learn more about the Louisiana Homestead Exemption Program or have questions about applying, you can:

• Contact the Louisiana Tax Commission by calling 225-219-0339 or emailing lataxinfo@la.gov.
• Call or visit your parish’s tax assessor’s office. Find your tax assessor office.