Guide to Property Assessors Offices - Louisiana

Work with Louisiana property assessors find out the value of your property
By Tai G.

The responsibility of a Louisiana property appraiser is to estimate a property's value. This figure will then be used to determine the taxes due on the property. Additionally, property assessors in Louisiana must maintain records of real estate sales and continually reappraise properties to reflect their fair market value.

If you are a small Louisiana business owner interested in property values, you need to contact your parish's assessor of property in Louisiana. You may also find additional services and resources available, including assessors' maps, property ownership and tax information. Louisiana property tax records are open to the public. You may want to view property assessment records for the following reasons:

1. You can confirm the price brackets of Louisiana property values in a certain area where you're interested in buying.

2. Find out how much your property is valued at if you're interested in selling or refinancing.

3. To determine the amount of Louisiana property tax a property incurs, as determined by Louisiana property assessors offices.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take advantage of a Louisiana property assessments office that maintains online databases Many of the parishes in Louisiana maintain an online presence, and a percentage of those also provide searchable property records for the public. If you're parish's records are available online, you can avoid constant trips to the office every time you need information on a property. If your parish assessor's office does not provide public records online, try other websites. You may have to subscribe for this information; but if real estate is your business, it will be worth the small fee.

I recommend: Louisiana Assessors Association offers a list of Louisiana parish assessors and provides links their websites. Realtor.com offers an interactive map-based property search tool. US Search provides a variety of informational reports that include Louisiana property detail, valuation analysis and area-comparable sales.

Consider the appeals process if you have concerns regarding your Louisiana property value You may receive a Louisiana property tax assessment you disagree with. When this is the case, you can appeal to your parish's assessment office. If a disagreement still exists, you may further appeal to the Louisiana State Tax Commission.

I recommend: You can find the applicable appeals form at the Louisiana State Tax Commission. Real Estate ABC is an online real estate resource that has free home values & sales comparisons, as well as real estate calculators.

Look for a second Louisiana property assessment, if necessary Before you appeal the results of your assessment, you may consider getting a second opinion. This is where an independent appraiser comes into the picture. A private appraiser will not only reevaluate your property, but he will also provide you with the necessary paperwork you would need to submit to your assessor's office in the event that you want to pursue an appeal.

I recommend: Cook, Moore & Associates specializes in commercial and industrial real estate appraisal throughout Louisiana. David R. Miles, MAI, SRA is a member of The Appraisal Institute, a global membership association of professional real estate appraisers. For more Louisiana appraisers, try the Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Board.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

There are some tax exemptions that apply to certain properties or organizations; non-profits, for instance. Check with your Louisiana property appraiser to see whether your business or organization qualifies for a tax exemption.