| Assessor Brian Wilson |
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Considerations for homeowners
Before the Sale
It is always a good idea to have an abstract of title run on the property that you intend to purchase. The abstract is prepared by professional title abstractors who check the chain of title for a certain period of time to determine if there are any flaws or clouds on the property which may affect your undivided ownership. From this abstract of title, the attorney passing the sale can render a title opinion as to the merchantability and validity of your ownership. Most lenders require this abstract before lending money on property, and while it adds to the closing cost, it is a good investment. Buyers may also request that a tax certificate be obtained from the Sheriff and Tax Collector of East Baton Rouge Parish. This certificate can be obtained at a very nominal cost and reflects that the taxes have been paid up to date. Title insurance is also a good protective device if the buyer checks the policy for any and all exclusions before buying it.
At the Time of the Sale
It is extremely important to remember that during the closing of the sale that the taxes are settled, not paid. As the new property owner, you should be sure to obtain a tax bill after the first day of December of that year and make arrangements for payment, either personally or through your escrow account with the mortgage company. Make sure you read the article on tax sales and adjudications on this website.
Homestead Exemption
In order to qualify for homestead exemption, Louisiana State Law requires that the homeowner must own and occupy the residence by December 31st of the applicable tax year. If the homeowner purchases a home in 2005, the homeowner would be eligible for homestead exemption in the 2005 tax year. Louisiana State Law allows an individual one homestead exemption up to $75,000. Application for homestead in East Baton Rouge Parish can be made by applying in person at either the Main office or the Coursey Branch office. The homestead exemption is a tremendous benefit for homeowners. After qualifying for homestead exemption, the property owner does not need to reapply each year, unless there have been changes in the title of the property. The homestead exemption law gives property owners a tax break on their property taxes. The amount of savings that you would receive is generally about $750.00 per year depending on your assessed value and the millage rate in your area. It is important to remember that the homestead exemption does not exempt municipal taxes. If a property owner lives inside any city limits, he will owe some taxes regardless of the assessed value. The assessor’s office sends a homestead card to each homeowner around September or October of each year. This process enables the assessor to monitor the homestead exemptions and provides the homeowner with a copy for their personal records indicating that their property is still receiving the homestead exemption. After receiving the homestead exemption card, you should retain this copy for your records. Do not return it to the assessor’s office unless you no longer reside in the home. If you do not receive your homestead exemption card by November 25th of each year, and you are still residing in your home, please call our office as soon as possible.
Building Something New?
If you are a land owner in East Baton Rouge Parish and wish to add improvements to your property, parish law requires that a permit be obtained in order for you to begin construction. Call 225-389-3221 before beginning construction. Once the improvement is made, field inspectors for the East Baton Rouge Parish Assessor Office will then make an inspection on your new addition to insure that your improvement is complete and your property is assessed properly. An adjustment will then be made on the East Baton Rouge Parish Tax rolls to reflect your new improvement. That will in turn reflect on your tax bill.
Special Assessment Level
Those who qualify for the special assessment should be aware that this does not automatically freeze the amount of their tax bill. Only the assessed value will be frozen. The amount of taxes due could change due to an increase in a millage rate in your area or the size of living area is increased.
Requirements:
- One of the owners must be 65 years of age or older.
- Owner or owners must have a total combined adjusted gross income of less than $62,180.
- Applicants must own, occupy, and receive a homestead exemption on the property.
There are also special circumstances that would allow a surviving spouse who is 55 years of age or older or who has minor children to receive the special assessment level if the deceased spouse had previously qualified for it. If you are a surviving spouse, please call the East Baton Rouge Parish Assessor’s Office to see if you qualify.