Where to send your Louisiana property tax payment

Louisiana property taxes go to your parish tax assessor's office, not to the state. Each parish (Louisiana's term for county) collects its own taxes, so the office you contact depends on where your property is located. You can find your parish tax assessor's mailing address, phone number, and online payment portal on the Louisiana Department of Revenue website or by searching "[your parish name] tax assessor."

Most parishes now accept payments online through their official websites. Some also accept payments by mail, phone, or in person at their office. A few parishes use third-party payment processors, so check your tax bill or your assessor's website to see which methods are available in your area. Online payments often post within one to three business days; mailed payments take longer depending on mail delivery and processing time.

Your property tax bill will show the assessor's office address and payment instructions. If you cannot find your bill, contact your assessor's office directly — they can tell you the amount owed, the due date, and the payment methods they accept.

Key Takeaways

  • Louisiana property taxes are paid to your parish tax assessor's office, which you can locate through the Louisiana Department of Revenue website or by searching your parish name.
  • Most parishes offer online payment through their official websites, and many also accept payments by mail, phone, or in person.
  • Property tax bills in Louisiana are typically due on December 31 of the year the tax is assessed, though some parishes offer installment payment plans.
  • Late payments incur penalties and interest that vary by parish, so paying by the due date avoids additional costs.
  • If you own property in multiple parishes, you will receive separate bills from each assessor's office and must pay each one separately.

Payment important date and penalties for late payments

Louisiana property taxes are generally due by December 31 of the year the tax is assessed. However, some parishes allow a grace period or offer installment payment plans, so check your specific bill or contact your assessor's office to confirm the exact due date for your property.

Payments received after the due date incur penalties and interest. The penalty structure varies by parish — some charge a flat percentage of the unpaid tax, while others use a sliding scale based on how late the payment is. Interest also accrues on unpaid balances. These additional costs can add up quickly, so paying on time is the most cost-effective option.

If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact your assessor's office when ready. Some parishes offer payment plans or may work with you on timing, especially if you are facing a temporary hardship. Waiting until after the due date passes makes the debt larger and harder to resolve.

Online payment portals and third-party processors

Most Louisiana parishes have moved to online payment systems. To pay online, go to your parish assessor's website and look for a "Pay Taxes" or "Make a Payment" link. You will typically need your property account number or parcel number, which appears on your tax bill. Online payments usually require a credit card, debit card, or bank account information.

Some parishes use their own in-house payment systems, while others contract with third-party processors like GovPayNet, PayIt, or similar services. These processors may charge a convenience fee on top of your tax payment — the fee amount and whether it is passed to you or absorbed by the parish varies. Check your parish's website or call the assessor's office to learn whether a fee applies before you submit payment.

Online payments are usually the fastest way to pay and provide when ready confirmation. Keep your confirmation number or receipt for your records, especially if you are paying a large amount or if the payment is close to the due date.

Mailed and in-person payment options

If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail your payment to your parish tax assessor's office. Write your property account number or parcel number on the check or money order, and include your tax bill or a copy of it if possible. Mail your payment to the address shown on your bill, and allow at least two weeks for delivery and processing, especially if the due date is approaching.

Many assessor's offices also accept payments in person during business hours. Bring your tax bill and a form of payment — cash, check, or debit card, depending on what the office accepts. In-person payments are processed when ready, so this is the fastest method if you need to pay close to the important date.

Some parishes accept phone payments as well. Call your assessor's office to ask whether they offer this option and what information you will need to provide. Phone payments typically require a credit or debit card.

What to do if you cannot locate your tax bill

If you did not receive your property tax bill in the mail, contact your parish tax assessor's office directly. Provide them with your property address or parcel number, and they can tell you the amount owed and the due date. Some assessor's offices allow you to view your bill online if you create an account on their website.

Bills are usually mailed in the fall, but mail can be delayed or lost. If you have not received your bill by mid-November, call your assessor's office rather than waiting. They can confirm whether a bill was sent and provide you with the information you need to make your payment on time.

If you have moved since you purchased the property, make sure your assessor's office has your current mailing address. You can update your address by contacting the office directly or through their online portal if one is available.

Installment payment plans and payment deferrals

Some Louisiana parishes allow property owners to pay their annual tax bill in installments rather than in one lump sum by December 31. The availability and terms of installment plans vary by parish — some offer two or four payments spread across the year, while others have different arrangements. Contact your assessor's office to ask whether your parish offers installment payments and how to set one up.

Louisiana also has a Homestead Property Tax Exemption that reduces the assessed value of a primary residence, which lowers the tax bill itself rather than changing the payment schedule. This exemption is separate from payment plans and requires a one-time filing with your assessor's office. If you own your home and live in it as your primary residence, ask your assessor whether you are may be able to access.

Seniors and disabled property owners may be may be able to access for additional tax relief programs in Louisiana. These programs can reduce the amount of tax owed or defer payment. Contact your assessor's office or the Louisiana Department of Revenue to learn what programs may be available based on your situation.

Paying property taxes on properties in multiple parishes

If you own property in more than one Louisiana parish, you will receive a separate tax bill from each parish's assessor's office. Each bill must be paid to the correct assessor — you cannot combine payments or send one check to cover multiple properties in different parishes.

Keep track of all your bills and their due dates. Set reminders for each important date so you do not miss a payment on any property. Late payments on one property do not affect the others, but penalties and interest will accrue on any unpaid balance.

If you own multiple properties and find it difficult to track separate bills and important date, consider setting up automatic payments through each parish's online portal if that option is available. Some assessor's offices allow you to enroll in automatic payment plans that deduct your tax payment on a set schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most parishes accept credit card payments through their online portals, but some charge a convenience fee for this method. Check your parish assessor's website or call their office to confirm whether credit card payments are accepted and whether a fee applies. Debit cards and bank transfers may have lower or no fees.

What happens if I pay my property taxes late?

Late payments incur penalties and interest that vary by parish. The longer the payment is overdue, the more you owe in additional charges. If your property tax debt remains unpaid for an extended period, your parish may place a tax lien on your property or pursue other collection actions. Paying as soon as possible after the due date stops additional penalties from accruing.

Do I need to include my property account number when I pay?

Yes, including your property account number or parcel number helps may support your payment is credited to the correct property, especially if you own multiple parcels. Your account number appears on your tax bill. If you are paying online, you will usually enter this number as part of the payment process.

Can I set up automatic payments for my Louisiana property taxes?

Some parishes offer automatic payment options through their online portals or by contacting the assessor's office directly. Automatic payments can be set up to deduct your tax payment on a specific date each year or in installments. Ask your assessor's office whether this option is available and what information you need to provide to enroll.

What if I disagree with the amount on my property tax bill?

If you believe your property is assessed at an incorrect value, you can file a formal objection with your parish tax assessor's office. The process and important date for objections vary by parish, so contact your assessor's office to learn the steps. You should still pay your tax bill by the due date while your objection is being reviewed to avoid penalties and interest.