⚜️ UNDERSTANDING HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS & SENIOR PROPERTY TAX FREEZES IN LOUISIANA ⚜️

What Homeowners in Metro New Orleans & The Northshore Should Know

With rising insurance costs, increasing property values, and higher monthly expenses across South Louisiana, many homeowners are looking for ways to help reduce long-term housing costs.

One thing many people either misunderstand or never fully learn about is Louisiana’s Homestead Exemption and the Senior Property Tax Freeze, also known as the Special Assessment Level Freeze.

While these programs do not eliminate property taxes completely, they can absolutely help qualifying homeowners lower or stabilize a portion of their annual property tax bill.

And honestly, many homeowners are surprised to learn they may already qualify.

⚜️WHAT IS A HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION IN LOUISIANA?⚜️

 In Louisiana, the Homestead Exemption removes the first $75,000 of a home’s market value, or $7,500 of assessed value, from parish and state property taxes on your primary residence.

In plain English:
This means a portion of your home’s taxable value is excluded, which can help reduce your yearly property taxes.

However, it is important to understand:
👉 This does NOT remove all property taxes completely.

The exemption generally applies only to:

• Your primary residence
• Owner-occupied homes
• One property per person or married couple in Louisiana

Investment properties, second homes, and vacation homes do not qualify.

⚜️ ORLEANS PARISH HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION ⚜️

Homeowners in Orleans Parish can apply for Homestead Exemption through the Orleans Parish Assessor’s Office.

Typical required documents include:

• Proof of ownership
• Valid Louisiana driver’s license or ID with matching property address
• Current Entergy or cable bill showing the property address

The property must be owner-occupied and used as your primary residence.

One important thing many people overlook:
👉 all documents should match the property address before scheduling the appointment.

Like many things in New Orleans… paperwork matters. 😂⚜️

⚜️ ORLEANS PARISH SENIOR PROPERTY TAX FREEZE ⚜️

In Orleans Parish, homeowners may qualify for the Special Assessment Level “Age Freeze” if:

• They are 65 years or older
• Have a combined annual household income of $102,700 or less
• And already have Homestead Exemption on the property

Applicants are typically required to provide:

• Louisiana driver’s license or ID
• The previous year’s signed federal tax return
• Social Security, retirement, or pension award letters

If a homeowner no longer files taxes, the parish may request an IRS verification letter confirming no return was filed after April 15th.

The freeze helps protect qualifying seniors from rising assessed property values during future reassessments.

However, it is important to understand:
👉 the freeze applies to the assessed value, NOT the tax millage rates themselves.

So if new taxes or millages are approved, property taxes can still increase somewhat over time.

⚜️ JEFFERSON PARISH HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION ⚜️

In Jefferson Parish, homeowners generally must apply for Homestead Exemption in person through the Assessor’s Office.

Documents commonly required include:

• Recorded act of sale
• Photo identification showing the property address
• Proof the home is owner occupied

The exemption remains permanent as long as:

• The homeowner continues occupying the property
• Ownership does not change
• And the property remains the primary residence

If the home is sold or the owner moves, the exemption does not automatically transfer to another property.

⚜️JEFFERSON PARISH SENIOR & DISABILITY FREEZES⚜️

Jefferson Parish also offers the Special Assessment Level Freeze for:

• Seniors 65+
• Qualifying disabled homeowners
• Certain disabled veterans
• And some surviving spouses of military personnel

The purpose of the freeze is to help protect homeowners from rapidly increasing assessments caused by inflation and rising property values.

To qualify, homeowners generally must:

• already have Homestead Exemption
• Meet annual income requirements
• And continue occupying the home

Jefferson Parish also reminds homeowners that:
👉 The freeze does NOT freeze millage rates.

So property taxes can still fluctuate if voters approve additional millages or tax increases.

⚜️ ST. TAMMANY PARISH HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION ⚜️

In St. Tammany Parish, homeowners should apply for Homestead Exemption as soon as they purchase and occupy their home as their primary residence.

Like other Louisiana parishes:

• Only one Homestead Exemption is allowed per homeowner or married couple
• the property must be owner occupied
• And the exemption applies only to a primary residence

Many Northshore homeowners are surprised to learn that simply owning multiple homes does not allow multiple exemptions.

⚜️ ST. TAMMANY PARISH SENIOR FREEZE ⚜️

St. Tammany Parish homeowners may qualify for the Senior Freeze if:

• They are 65 years or older
• Meet the income requirement
• And already have an active Homestead Exemption

The current combined household income limit is generally around $100,000.

One important thing many homeowners may not realize:
👉 once approved, the freeze typically remains permanent as long as:

• Ownership remains the same
• The home continues to be occupied
• And the property value does not increase more than 25% due to major construction or reconstruction

⚜️ IMPORTANT THINGS MANY HOMEOWNERS MISUNDERSTAND ⚜️

There are several common misconceptions about Homestead Exemptions and property tax freezes in Louisiana.

⚜️ The freeze does NOT stop all taxes

It freezes assessed value, not tax millage rates.

⚜️ Homestead Exemption does NOT automatically transfer

If you move or purchase another home, you must reapply.

⚜️ Renovations can affect freezes

Major additions or reconstruction may impact eligibility.

⚜️ You can only have ONE Homestead Exemption

Louisiana does not allow multiple Homestead Exemptions for one person or married couple.

⚜️ City taxes may still apply

Some municipal taxes may not be reduced by the Homestead Exemption.

As a Realtor, I always encourage buyers and homeowners to ask questions about property taxes early instead of after closing.

Many people are surprised to learn they may qualify for exemptions or freezes that could potentially help reduce long-term housing expenses.

Every parish handles applications a little differently, so it is always best to verify the most current requirements directly with your parish assessor’s office before applying.

And honestly, understanding these programs upfront can save homeowners both stress and money later on.

Does Homestead Exemption remove all property taxes?

No. It reduces the taxable value of your primary residence but does not eliminate property taxes completely.

Can I have Homestead Exemption on two homes?

No. Louisiana only allows one Homestead Exemption per homeowner or married couple.

Does the Senior Freeze stop taxes from increasing forever?

Not completely. It freezes assessed value, but millage rates and voter-approved taxes may still change.

Do I need to apply every year?

Usually, no for Homestead Exemption, as long as ownership and occupancy remain the same.

Can renovations affect the Senior Freeze?

Yes. Major improvements or reconstruction that significantly increase the property value may affect eligibility.

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