Where and how to pay Louisiana property tax

Louisiana property tax is collected by your parish (county) tax assessor's office, not by the state. You pay the assessor directly — by mail, in person, online, or sometimes by phone. The office that collects your payment is the same one that sent you the bill, and they handle both residential and commercial property.

Most parishes now accept online payments through their website or a third-party processor. Some allow automatic bank drafts. A few still require checks by mail or cash at the office. The method available to you depends on which parish you live in, since each runs its own system.

Payment is due by a specific date each year — usually December 31st, though some parishes set an earlier deadline. If you miss the deadline, penalties and interest begin to accrue immediately. The amount owed grows each month you do not pay.

Key Takeaways

  • You pay your parish tax assessor's office directly, not the state, and the office that billed you is the one that collects payment.
  • Most parishes accept online payment through their website; some allow automatic bank drafts, checks by mail, or in-person payment at the office.
  • The payment deadline is usually December 31st each year, and penalties start immediately if you miss it.
  • Your tax bill shows the amount due, the deadline, and the office address or website where you can pay.
  • If you cannot pay in full, contact your assessor's office to ask about payment plans or hardship options before the deadline passes.

Finding your parish tax assessor's office and payment information

Your property tax bill lists the assessor's office address, phone number, and often a website. If you have lost the bill, search online for "[your parish name] Louisiana tax assessor" — for example, "Orleans Parish tax assessor" or "Jefferson Parish tax assessor." Each office maintains its own website with payment instructions and deadlines specific to that parish.

Call the office directly if you are unsure whether you owe taxes, what the amount is, or when payment is due. They can tell you your balance, confirm the deadline, and explain which payment methods they accept. Many offices also send bills by mail in the fall, so check your mailbox if you have not received one recently.

Online payment methods by parish

Most Louisiana parishes now offer online payment through their assessor's website. You typically enter your property account number (found on your bill), the amount owed, and your payment method — usually a debit card, credit card, or bank account. Payment usually posts within one to three business days.

Some parishes use a third-party payment processor rather than their own system. The assessor's website will direct you to the correct portal. A few parishes still do not offer online payment and require mail or in-person payment only.

Automatic bank draft (also called automatic withdrawal) is available in some parishes. You authorize the assessor to withdraw the payment from your bank account on or near the due date each year. This method eliminates the risk of forgetting to pay, though you must set it up in advance — usually by submitting a form to the assessor's office.

Paying by mail or in person

If you pay by mail, send your check or money order to the address on your tax bill. Write your property account number on the check. Mail it early enough that it arrives before the deadline — the postmark date does not count as payment; the office must receive it by the due date.

In-person payment at the assessor's office is available during business hours. Bring your bill and a check, money order, or cash. Some offices accept credit or debit cards in person but not by mail. Call ahead if you are unsure what payment methods the office accepts.

What happens if you miss the deadline

If your payment does not reach the assessor by the deadline, penalties and interest begin to accrue. The penalty is typically a percentage of the unpaid tax — often 1 to 2 percent per month, though the exact rate varies by parish. Interest also compounds, so the longer you wait, the more you owe beyond the original tax bill.

After a set period of non-payment (usually one to three years, depending on the parish), the property may be sold at a tax sale to recover the debt. The purchaser at a tax sale acquires a lien on the property and may eventually foreclose. This is a serious consequence, and you should contact your assessor's office as soon as you realize you cannot pay on time.

Payment plans and hardship options

Some parishes offer payment plans for taxpayers who cannot pay the full amount by the deadline. You must request a plan before the deadline passes — waiting until after the due date has passed makes it much harder to negotiate. Contact your assessor's office and explain your situation. They may allow you to pay in installments over several months, though interest and penalties may still apply.

A few parishes have hardship programs or tax relief for seniors, disabled persons, or low-income homeowners. These are separate from the property tax itself and are handled by different offices. Ask your assessor's office whether your parish offers any such programs and how to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Louisiana property tax online with a credit card?

Most parishes accept credit or debit cards for online payment through their website or a third-party processor. Some offices accept cards in person but charge a convenience fee for online card payments. Check your parish assessor's website or call to confirm whether cards are accepted and whether a fee applies.

What if I do not know my property account number?

Your account number is printed on your tax bill. If you have lost the bill, call your parish assessor's office with your address or parcel number, and they will provide it. You can also search your parish's property records online using your address — most parishes maintain a searchable database on their website.

Can I pay someone else's property tax?

Yes. You can pay another person's tax bill if you have their account number and the amount owed. The payment will be credited to that account. You do not need to be the owner; the assessor's office only cares that the correct account is paid. Call the office if you are unsure how to specify which property you are paying for.

What if my tax bill seems wrong?

Contact your assessor's office to dispute the amount. They can explain how the tax was calculated and may allow you to file a formal protest if you believe the assessment is incorrect. Do not skip payment while disputing — continue paying the amount billed to avoid penalties, and the office can refund any overpayment if your protest succeeds.

Do I have to pay if I am selling my property?

Yes, property tax is still owed for the year you own the property, even if you sell partway through the year. At closing, the seller and buyer typically split the year's tax based on how long each owned the property. Your closing agent will handle this calculation, but you remain responsible for your portion until the sale closes.