| Assessor Brian Wilson |
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What does the Assessor do?
The primary role of the Assessor is to establish the value for tax purposes of all property located within the parish. The end result of the assessor’s work provides a large portion of the money needed to run the local government.
Property Value and Assessed Valuation
The assessed value of your property is determined by analyzing sales information of similar homes in your area. Your residential property then receives an assessed valuation of 10% of its estimated property value. For example, an estimated property value of $100,000 would calculate to an assessed value of $10,000.
Taxable property is divided into two classes. Real property includes land and all buildings, structures, improvement to the land, and mobile homes. Personal property includes machinery and equipment, fixtures, furniture, and other items that are movable in nature. Household goods, vehicles licensed to operate on public highways, and personal effects are exempt from property taxation.
Personal Property
The law requires that all businesses report all ownership of any taxable moveable property. Each year the taxes are generated on the information provided by the business owner themselves on the LAT-5 forms that are mailed to the business owners. The forms are generally mailed to the business owners in February and must be returned to our office within 45 days. The LAT-5 reports that are filed with our office are strictly confidential. Once the reports are returned to us, a depreciation schedule furnished by the Louisiana Tax Commission is used to arrive at the assessed value.
Appeals Process
Each year in accordance with the revised statutes, the assessor’s office opens its books for public inspection. The books are open for 15 calendar days (as distinguished from 15 business days) for inspection by the public to review current assessments. It is at that time, that you may discuss any discrepancies in the assessed value of your property. After public inspection, the Metro Council sits as a board of review to hear any complaints. If the Metro Council agrees with either the Assessor or complainant, either of the parties can appeal their decision to the Louisiana Tax Commission. After the first of August each year, a call to the Assessor's office will reveal the open dates scheduled for that year.