Assessment Ratio
10% (residential)
Appeal Deadline
August 1 - September 15, 2026
Official Form
Board of Review appeal form
Risk of Increase
No
How Assessment Works in Louisiana
Louisiana assesses residential property at 10% of fair market value. Land is also assessed at 10%. Your tax bill is based on this assessed value, not the full market value. The assessor determines fair market value, and you pay taxes on 10% of that amount.
How to File in Louisiana
File an appeal with the parish Board of Review during the open period (August 1 through September 15). The assessment roll is open for public inspection for 15 days beginning August 1.
Step-by-Step
Louisiana Appeal Process
Review the assessment roll when it opens for public inspection (August 1).
If you disagree with your assessment, file a written appeal with the parish Board of Review.
Attend the Board of Review hearing and present your evidence.
If denied, appeal to the Louisiana Tax Commission within 10 days.
If still unresolved, appeal to the district court.
FAQ
Louisiana Property Tax Appeal Questions
How does the 10% assessment ratio work in Louisiana?
If your home has a fair market value of $300,000, the assessed value is $30,000 (10%). Your tax bill is calculated on $30,000, not the full $300,000. If the assessor overvalues your home, the excess is multiplied by the tax rate.
Can my Louisiana assessment increase on appeal?
No. The Board of Review generally cannot increase your assessment as a result of your appeal. Your value can stay the same or be reduced.
Does Louisiana have a homestead exemption?
Yes. Louisiana offers a generous homestead exemption that exempts the first $75,000 of market value ($7,500 of assessed value) from parish and local taxes for owner-occupied homes.
What is the effective property tax rate in Louisiana?
Louisiana property tax rates vary by county, municipality, and school district, but the effective rate (annual tax paid divided by market value) typically ranges from about 0.5% to 2.5%. Because Louisiana assesses property at 10% (residential) of market value, your actual tax bill depends on both the assessed value and the local millage or mill levy applied on top of it. If your assessed value is higher than comparable sales support, filing a appeal is one of the only ways to reduce your effective rate without waiting for a reassessment.
How long does a property tax appeal take in Louisiana?
Most Louisiana appeals take between 6 weeks and 6 months from filing to final decision. After you file Board of Review appeal form, the assessor or review board schedules a hearing — typically within 30 to 90 days — and issues a written decision shortly after. Cases that settle informally resolve faster, while cases that advance to a formal hearing or court appeal can take several additional months. ProtestMax prepares your full evidence packet in minutes so you can file immediately and start the clock.
Can I appeal my property taxes every year in Louisiana?
Yes. In Louisiana, homeowners generally have the right to appeal their property tax assessment every year, as long as you file by the August 1 - September 15, 2026 deadline. Even if you won a reduction last year, your assessor can revalue your property the following year, and you retain the right to challenge the new value. Annual appeals are especially important during years when market values are flat or falling but assessments keep rising.
What evidence is most persuasive in Louisiana hearings?
The strongest evidence in a Louisiana appeal hearing is recent comparable sales — homes similar to yours in size, age, condition, and location that sold for less than your assessed value within the last 6 to 12 months. Equity comparisons (similar homes assessed for less than yours) are also highly persuasive. Photos of deferred maintenance, structural issues, or negative location factors (busy roads, flood zones, power lines) strengthen your case further. ProtestMax assembles all of this evidence into a hearing-ready packet tailored to Louisiana's rules.