Filing Your Louisiana Homestead Exemption

Introduction

Congratulations...you just closed on your new home! Now the real fun begins, movers, boxes, getting internet and other utilities set up. So many things to do and then there is homestead exemption. If buying your home was not challenging enough, now you have to file for your exemption. At closing this process was likely explained, but you may be asking yourself what this means! This article will outline for you the importance of homestead exemption and where to file in the Greater Baton Rouge area.

What is Louisiana Homestead Exemption?

The Louisiana Homestead Exemption is a significant financial benefit for homeowners in the state, designed to reduce the burden of property taxes on a resident's primary home. It works by exempting a portion of a home's value from property taxes, specifically the first $75,000 of market value. This exemption helps homeowners save money on property taxes by lowering the taxable value of their primary residence. Importantly, Louisiana law stipulates that an individual can only claim one homestead exemption, up to a maximum of $7,500 of assessed value, regardless of how many houses they own. This policy is crucial for providing financial relief to homeowners, making homeownership more accessible and sustainable for residents across the state.

How Do You File?

The process can be slightly different in each parish. At closing, the title attorney should have mentioned to you about filing your homestead exemption and likely gave you written instructions with your closing documentation that explains what to do. This may seem like a chore, but it is vitally important to make sure your escrow account stays balanced. You will need to bring a copy of your Cash Sale (documentation you received at closing) to the parish Assessor's office and explain you are there to file your homestead exemption. This whole process only takes a few minutes and once you arrive, they will guide you what exactly to do. Certain parishes allow for homestead exception to be filed online, so check to see if this is possible before making a special trip. If you are over 65, ask about having your assessment frozen to prevent your taxes from increasing over time.

What Happens If You Don't File?

At the time you purchased your home, assuming your home was purchased with a mortgage and an escrow account, money was placed into an escrow account to cover yearly expenses associated with owning your new home. Most of the time, these expenses include different types of insurances and property taxes. Each month, a portion of your mortgage payment goes into your escrow account along with the initial balance, to cover these expenses for years to come. If you do not file for homestead exemption, your escrow account will experience a shortage and will not have enough money to pay these expenses when they are due. If this happens, your mortgage payment will increase to help to cover the difference...so don't forget to file!

Where Do I Go to File?

The following list will provide links to learn where to file in the Greater Baton Rouge area:

EBR Assessor - Baton Rouge: Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GyJTss3kJqabmiX86

EBR Assessor - Central: Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/se1LmDd9aGrsDJqE9

West Baton Rouge Parish Assessor: File online: https://www.wbrassessor.org/homestead-exemption/

Ascension Parish Assessor: File online: https://onlinehomesteadapplication.com/filing/ascension

Livingston Parish Assessor: File online: https://livingston.smartcama.com/OnlineHomestead

Pointe Coupee Assessor: Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LJRieuFvGGPRJdBC6

East Feliciana Assessor: Phone Number: (225) 683-8945

West Feliciana Assessor: File online: https://www.wfassessor.com/assessments/homestead-exemptions/

Iberville Parish Assessor: Phone Number: (225) 687-3568

St. Helena Assessor: Google Map LInk: 17911 Hwy. 43 Greensburg, LA 70441

Filing your Louisiana Homestead Exemption is