New Orleans Property Tax Guide: Pay, Search, Due Dates & Exemptions
New Orleans property tax is handled by different offices depending on the task. The City of New Orleans Bureau of Treasury handles tax bills and payments, while the Orleans Parish Assessor handles assessed values, property records, homestead exemption and assessment appeals.
This guide explains how to search a New Orleans tax bill, pay online or in person, check due dates, understand fees and interest, apply for homestead or special assessment level, appeal an assessment, avoid tax-sale problems, and use the correct official office before you act.
Quick Answer: Where to Start
To pay or search a New Orleans property tax bill, start with the City of New Orleans Bureau of Treasury or the official Find Tax Bill page. Treasury handles tax bills, online payments, payment posting, partial payment questions, tax sales, redemptions and payment-history requests.
To correct property value, ownership, assessed value, homestead exemption, special assessment level or appeal a valuation, start with the Orleans Parish Assessor’s Office. The Assessor does not collect property tax payments.
Fast Route: Pick the Right New Orleans Property Tax Page
Use this table before opening an official site. It helps you avoid paying the wrong bill, missing an appeal window, or asking the Assessor about a payment issue.
| Your Need | Start Here | Why | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay a property tax bill | Bureau of Treasury | Treasury collects real estate property taxes for the City. | Use the official Pay Property Tax page or payment portal. |
| Find a current tax bill | Find Tax Bill | The City tool routes current bills by address. | Search the address and open the bill link. |
| Search old tax bills | Historical Tax Bills | The City provides historical bill search from 2008 onward. | Search by name, location address or tax bill number. |
| Value looks too high | Orleans Parish Assessor | The Assessor values property and handles assessment review. | Review open rolls and appeal rules. |
| Need homestead exemption | Orleans Parish Assessor | Homestead applications are handled through the Assessor. | Prepare ID, ownership proof and accepted utility bill. |
| Property is in tax sale | Treasury Tax Sales | Treasury handles tax sale, tax lien certificate and redemption information. | Review current tax-sale guidance and contact Treasury quickly. |
New Orleans Property Tax Due Dates and Timeline
City Treasury FAQ says property taxes are usually due January 31 each year. Tax bills are typically mailed in late December, although mailing and payment timing can change when bills are printed later.
For 2026, the City announced that property tax bills were available and taxpayers had until February 28, 2026, to submit payments before 1% monthly interest began. Always confirm the date on the current tax bill and official City notice.
| Date or Period | What It Usually Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| July open rolls period | Assessor assessment rolls are opened for public inspection and valuation review. | Review Assessor records and file an appeal if value or classification is wrong. |
| Late December | City FAQ says real property tax bills are typically mailed around this period. | Do not wait for mail only; use the official Find Tax Bill tool. |
| January 31 | Property taxes are usually due by this date. | Pay early and confirm posting. |
| 2026 special deadline | City announced 2026 taxpayers had until February 28, 2026 before interest. | Use current City notices for the exact tax year deadline. |
| After delinquent date | Interest begins accruing on unpaid taxes. | Check the current payoff amount before paying. |
| Tax sale cycle | Delinquent taxes can move toward tax sale or redemption issues. | Contact Treasury before the account reaches sale or redemption deadlines. |
Due-date warning: Do not rely only on last year’s deadline. New Orleans has used year-specific payment windows, so always verify the current bill and official City announcement.
How to Pay New Orleans Property Tax
The official City Pay Property Tax page says to visit the property tax payment site, look up the bill by tax bill number or address, and complete payment. Online payment is available for e-check, debit card and credit card.
Allow time for payment posting. The City says payments may take 24–48 hours to reflect on the account. If there is an error, contact Treasury before paying a future bill.
- Open the official New Orleans Pay Property Tax page.
- Click the payment route and search by tax bill number or property address.
- Confirm the tax year, property address, owner name, total due and delinquent date.
- Choose e-check or card and review service fees before submitting.
- Save confirmation, then check back after 24–48 hours for posting.
| Payment Route | How It Works | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| Online e-check | Enter checking account information through the payment portal. | City lists no service fee, but account must be ACH-enabled. |
| Online debit or credit card | Pay through the online system with accepted cards. | City lists a 2.49% service fee for debit and credit cards online. |
| In person | Pay at Bureau of Treasury during regular business hours. | In-person credit card payments have a convenience fee and American Express is not accepted. |
| Mail payment with the bill stub from the property tax bill. | Use the correct Treasury mailing instructions on the bill to avoid delinquency problems. | |
| Partial payment | City guidance says taxpayers may pay all years due or make partial payments. | Partial payments are not allowed when paying online, and unpaid balances accrue interest. |
How to Search New Orleans Property Tax Bills
The City provides two practical bill-search routes. Use Find Tax Bill for current tax-bill access by address. Use Historical Tax Bills when you need older tax bill PDFs or records from 2008 onward.
Search carefully. A property can have different names, old owner records, address variations, tax bill numbers and years. Always confirm the tax bill number before paying.
New Orleans Property Tax Payment Fees and Posting Rules
Service fees are separate from the property tax balance. The City says neither the City of New Orleans nor the Bureau of Treasury receives any part of the card fee.
Review the payment screen before submitting. If the account is delinquent, includes older years, or has tax-sale activity, confirm payoff details before relying on a displayed balance.
| Payment Type | Official Fee Detail | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Online e-check / ACH | No service fee listed by the City. | Use accurate routing and account numbers to avoid rejection. |
| Online debit card | City lists a 2.49% fee. | Compare with e-check before paying. |
| Online credit card | City lists a 2.49% fee. | Review the total fee before submitting. |
| In-person credit card | City lists a 2.7% convenience fee at the Bureau of Treasury. | American Express is not accepted for in-person card payments. |
| Payment posting | City says to allow 24–48 hours for payment to reflect. | Check posting after payment, especially near deadline. |
| Payment history | City says payment-history requests should be emailed to taxresearchunit@nola.gov. | Use official email for formal history requests. |
Best low-cost route: If your account allows it, online e-check is usually the simplest fee-free option listed by the City. Card payments are convenient but add a non-refundable third-party fee.
Bureau of Treasury vs Orleans Parish Assessor
The two offices have different jobs. The Bureau of Treasury handles the money side. The Orleans Parish Assessor handles the value and exemption side.
Do not send assessment appeals to Treasury or payment questions to the Assessor. Wrong-office routing can cost time near a deadline.
| Office | Main Role | Use This Office For | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of New Orleans Bureau of Treasury | Bills, collections and payment records. | Property tax payment, tax bill lookup, payment history, delinquent taxes, tax sale, redemption. | 1300 Perdido St., Room 1W40; 504-658-1701 or 504-658-1712. |
| Orleans Parish Assessor | Values, assessment rolls and exemptions. | Property search, fair market value, assessed value, homestead, SAL, appeal, BOR forms. | East Bank: 1300 Perdido St.; West Bank: 225 Morgan St.; office hours M–F 8:30 AM–4:00 PM. |
| Board of Review route | Formal assessment appeal after Assessor review route. | BOR appeal forms and supporting evidence during open rolls deadlines. | Use Orleans Parish Assessor appeal instructions and current open-roll notice. |
| Louisiana Tax Commission route | State-level review after local Board of Review process where applicable. | Further assessment appeal procedure after local steps. | Use official appeal instructions with the BOR decision. |
How New Orleans Property Tax Is Calculated
New Orleans property tax starts with the Assessor’s fair market value. The Louisiana Constitution requires residential property and land to be assessed at 10% of fair market value. Commercial and industrial buildings are assessed at 15% of fair market value.
Millage rates are then applied to assessed value after exemptions where applicable. Neighborhood-specific districts and special millages can affect the final bill, so an estimator may not match every property exactly.
| Term | Plain Meaning | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Fair market value | The Assessor’s estimate of what the property is worth. | This is usually the value you challenge during open rolls. |
| Assessed value | A percentage of fair market value used for taxation. | Residential and land are generally 10%; commercial and industrial buildings are generally 15%. |
| Homestead exemption | Exempts part of a qualifying primary residence from many property taxes. | It can remove the first $75,000 of market value, or $7,500 assessed value. |
| Millage | The tax rate applied to taxable assessed value. | Different taxing authorities and districts can affect the final bill. |
| Tax bill | The amount billed by the City after values, exemptions and millages are applied. | Treasury handles the bill and payment, not the Assessor. |
- Search the Assessor record for fair market value and assessed value.
- Check whether homestead exemption appears.
- Review the City tax bill for millage and district charges.
- Use official bill data for payment, not a rough estimate.
New Orleans Homestead Exemption and Special Assessment Level
Every homeowner in Orleans Parish may qualify for a homestead exemption on their primary residence. The Assessor says this exempts the first $75,000 of the home’s market value from taxation.
Homestead is not automatic for every new owner. You must apply and prove ownership, occupancy and identity. If you recently bought a home, verify the exemption appears in the Assessor record and the tax bill.
| Program | Who It Helps | What to Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead Exemption | Owner-occupants using the home as their primary residence. | Proof of ownership, valid Louisiana driver’s license or ID with matching address, and accepted utility bill. |
| Special Assessment Level | Certain homeowners who meet age, disability, veteran or other qualifying conditions and income rules. | ID, Social Security or VA award letter where applicable, income tax return or IRS non-filing letter if required. |
| Disabled veteran exemption | Qualified disabled veterans with homestead property. | VA award documentation and homestead records. |
| First responder additional exemption | Qualified public safety personnel where the City program applies. | Annual reapplication documents and proof requested by the Assessor. |
| Nonprofit exemption | Certain exempt property owners, such as qualifying churches or nonprofit property. | Nonprofit or exempt-use documentation through Assessor forms. |
- Open the Orleans Parish Assessor homestead page.
- Confirm the home is your primary owner-occupied residence.
- Prepare proof of ownership.
- Prepare Louisiana ID with the property address.
- Prepare an accepted current utility bill. The Assessor says Sewerage & Water Board, internet and Delta bills are not accepted for this purpose.
- Apply online or schedule an appointment through the Assessor.
Online Homestead Application: Document Checklist
The Orleans Parish Assessor provides an online homestead application route. For online filing, prepare electronic copies before you begin.
If there is more than one applicant listed on the form, the Assessor’s online appointment guidance says each applicant must be present for the virtual appointment.
| Document | Why It Matters | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana driver’s license or state ID | Shows identity and residence address. | Address does not match the property. |
| Proof of ownership | Shows you own the property claiming exemption. | Relying only on a closing email without final ownership proof. |
| Accepted utility bill | Shows normal residential usage at the property. | Uploading Sewerage & Water Board or internet bill when the Assessor says those are not accepted. |
| Completed homestead form | Provides the official claim details. | Leaving owner or property fields incomplete. |
| Virtual appointment device | Online appointment may require camera, microphone and internet access. | Waiting until appointment time to test Zoom or browser access. |
How to Appeal a New Orleans Property Assessment
The Orleans Parish Assessor says a property owner may personally appeal the Assessor’s estimated market value during the open rolls period. Do not appeal just because taxes are high; the appeal should focus on value, property facts, classification or assessment issues.
For the 2027 assessment roll, the Assessor announced public inspection from July 15, 2026 through August 17, 2026, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The same update says Board of Review appeal submissions by hand or mail require four copies of the BOR appeal form and supporting materials.
| Appeal Step | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Search Assessor record | Review fair market value, land, building, assessment and homestead details. | Save the property record before filing. |
| Review open rolls dates | Assessment appeals are tied to the public inspection period. | Use the current-year Assessor announcement, not an old deadline. |
| Prepare evidence | Evidence should show why the value or assessment detail is wrong. | Use sales, appraisal, condition photos, repair estimates or property-record corrections. |
| Use online appeal or BOR form | Assessor may provide an online appeal route and Board of Review forms. | Follow the current-year instructions exactly. |
| Submit copies if required | Current Assessor update says four copies are required for BOR hand or mail submissions. | Do not send only one copy if the BOR process requires four. |
- Open the Orleans Parish Assessor property search.
- Confirm fair market value, assessed value and homestead status.
- Check the current open rolls and online appeal dates.
- Download the correct BOR form if using paper appeal.
- Prepare evidence and copies before the deadline.
Evidence Checklist for a New Orleans Assessment Appeal
A strong assessment appeal explains why the Assessor’s fair market value or property detail is wrong. A weak appeal only says the tax bill is too expensive.
Put the strongest proof first and connect each document to the lower value, exemption correction or property-record change you want.
| Evidence | Best For | How to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Recent sale or closing statement | New buyers whose assessment is higher than purchase evidence. | Show arm’s-length sale price and date. |
| Comparable sales | Market value disputes. | Use nearby, similar properties with close sale dates. |
| Independent appraisal | High-value, unusual or complex property. | Use an appraisal near the assessment date when possible. |
| Repair estimates | Condition problems affecting value. | Show contractor estimates, invoices or inspection reports. |
| Photos of damage or condition | Roof, foundation, fire, flood, vacancy or deferred maintenance issues. | Date photos and describe how each issue affects value. |
| Survey, deed or building record | Lot size, ownership, square footage or legal-description issues. | Highlight the specific record that corrects the Assessor data. |
| Rental or income data | Income-producing property. | Use rent roll, vacancy, expenses and market support where relevant. |
| Homestead documents | Missing or denied exemption problems. | Use ID, utility bill, ownership proof and appointment confirmation. |
Delinquent Taxes, Tax Sales and Redemption
Unpaid New Orleans property taxes can become delinquent and may move into tax sale, tax lien certificate or redemption issues. Treasury says the tax sale and adjudication process changed effective January 1, 2026, so older assumptions may be wrong.
Payment amounts can change because interest accrues on delinquent taxes. Some tax bill pages show 1% monthly interest on delinquent taxes, and City announcements also refer to 1% monthly interest after the payment deadline.
| Issue | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Delinquent balance | Unpaid taxes after the deadline accrue interest. | Check the current payoff before sending payment. |
| Partial payment | May reduce balance but does not stop interest on unpaid amounts. | Confirm how the payment will be applied before relying on it. |
| Tax sale | Delinquent property can be included in tax-sale processes. | Use Treasury tax sale guidance and contact Treasury before deadlines. |
| Redemption | Existing tax-sale title may have redemption requirements. | Use the current Treasury redemption instructions and legal help if needed. |
| Adjudication | Older delinquent property issues may involve adjudicated property rules. | Check current Treasury guidance because 2026 rules changed. |
Tax-sale warning: A tax-sale or redemption issue can affect ownership rights. Do not rely on a general guide for legal decisions. Use official Treasury instructions and qualified help for tax-sale property.
Mortgage Escrow, Mailed Bills and Address Problems
The City says if a bank or mortgage lender pays your property tax from escrow, you will still be mailed a property tax bill. Do not assume the bill is paid just because your mortgage company is supposed to handle it.
Failure to receive a bill can still create problems near the deadline. Use the online bill tools to verify the balance, tax year, address and payment status.
Use Find Tax Bill even if you expect a mailed bill.
Ask the lender for payment confirmation and check City posting later.
Keep tax bill PDFs, payment confirmation and mortgage statements.
Use Assessor and Treasury routes if owner or mailing data looks wrong.
New Orleans Homebuyer Checklist
New homeowners should not wait for the next tax bill to check assessment and exemption status. The most common problems involve missed homestead exemption, escrow assumptions, incorrect mailing address, surprise supplemental tax roll changes or a value increase after purchase.
- Search the Orleans Parish Assessor property record after closing.
- Confirm ownership, mailing address, fair market value and assessed value.
- Apply for homestead exemption if the home is your primary residence.
- Check whether the prior owner’s exemption or tax status changed.
- Search the City tax bill when bills become available.
- Verify whether your mortgage escrow paid the bill before the deadline.
New buyer warning: A closing statement, escrow estimate or seller credit does not automatically prove the City bill or Assessor exemption record is correct.
Supplemental Tax Roll and Changed Assessment Notices
The Orleans Parish Assessor explains that change orders causing increased tax liability are submitted as a supplemental assessment roll. Owners placed on a supplemental assessment roll are provided written notice and appeal procedures by mail.
Take supplemental notices seriously. They may involve a changed value, exemption correction, omitted property, ownership update or other assessment issue that affects taxes after the original bill.
- Do not ignore the notice.
- Compare the notice to the Assessor property record.
- Identify what changed and which tax year is affected.
- Read the appeal procedure and deadline on the notice.
- Contact the Assessor before paying if the assessment appears wrong.
Homestead Abuse and Recording Protection
The Assessor warns that receiving a homestead exemption when not entitled is considered non-compliant and an abuse of the law. Only claim homestead on your true primary residence.
Property owners should also watch for recording and ownership issues. If your mailing address, owner name or exemption record looks wrong, act early before tax bills or appeal deadlines arrive.
A person or married couple can have only one domicile and one homestead exemption.
The address on your ID must match the property for homestead filing.
The Assessor lists an exemption fraud hotline for suspected improper exemptions.
Search Assessor records after ownership changes, inheritance or refinance activity.
New Orleans Property Tax Contacts and Locations
Use these contacts for routing. Check official pages for holiday closures, appointment rules and current service instructions before visiting.
| Office | Location | Phone / Hours | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bureau of Treasury | 1300 Perdido St., Room 1W40, New Orleans, LA 70112 | 504-658-1701 or 504-658-1712; online payment page lists 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Monday–Friday. | Tax bills, payments, payment posting, payment history, delinquent taxes and tax sale questions. |
| Assessor East Bank | 1300 Perdido St., New Orleans, LA 70112 | Assessor pages list Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM. | Property search, homestead, SAL, appeals and assessment records. |
| Assessor West Bank | 225 Morgan St., New Orleans, LA 70114 | Assessor pages list Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM. | West Bank assessment and exemption services. |
| Homestead phone | Use Assessor homestead page or appointment route. | Assessor homestead application page lists 504-754-8811 and 504-368-7642. | Homestead application and online appointment questions. |
Common New Orleans Property Tax Mistakes
Most problems come from waiting for mail, confusing Treasury with the Assessor, missing open rolls, or assuming escrow and homestead are automatic.
Use the official bill-search tool if the bill has not arrived.
Confirm year, address, owner and bill number before submitting payment.
Assessment appeals should focus on value, facts, exemption or classification.
New owners must verify and apply for their own exemption when eligible.
Check payment posting after paying, especially near a deadline.
Delinquent tax and redemption issues need official Treasury guidance quickly.
Related Property Tax Guides
These internal guides can help you understand property tax basics before using official New Orleans and Orleans Parish systems.
Official New Orleans Property Tax Links
Use these official links when you are ready to search, pay, request history, apply for exemption, appeal assessment, or confirm an account-specific balance.
New Orleans Property Tax FAQs
Where do I pay New Orleans property tax?
Use the City of New Orleans Pay Property Tax page or payment portal. The Bureau of Treasury handles property tax payments.
How do I find my New Orleans property tax bill?
Use the official Find Tax Bill page for current bills. For historical tax bills from 2008 onward, use the City historical tax bill search.
When are New Orleans property taxes due?
City Treasury FAQ says property taxes are usually due January 31. For 2026, the City announced a February 28, 2026 payment deadline before interest. Always confirm the current bill.
Do New Orleans property taxes accrue interest after the deadline?
Yes. City announcements and tax bill pages refer to 1% monthly interest on delinquent taxes after the payment deadline.
Does the City charge an online e-check fee?
The City Pay Property Tax page lists no service fee for online e-check or ACH payments.
What is the online card fee for New Orleans property tax?
The City lists a 2.49% service fee for online debit and credit card payments. Review the final payment screen before submitting.
Can I make a partial payment online?
The City says partial payments are not allowed when paying online. Partial payment questions should be checked with Bureau of Treasury.
How long does payment posting take?
The City says to allow 24–48 hours for payment to reflect on the account.
Which office handles property value in New Orleans?
The Orleans Parish Assessor handles fair market value, assessed value, property records, homestead exemption and assessment appeals.
Does the Orleans Parish Assessor collect tax payments?
No. The Assessor says it does not send tax bills, accept tax payments, seize property or sell property for taxes.
How is residential property assessed in Orleans Parish?
The Assessor FAQ says residential property and land are assessed at 10% of fair market value.
How is commercial property assessed in Orleans Parish?
The Assessor FAQ says commercial and industrial buildings are assessed at 15% of fair market value.
What is the New Orleans homestead exemption?
The Orleans Parish Assessor says homestead exempts the first $75,000 of a qualifying primary residence’s market value from taxation.
What documents are needed for homestead exemption?
The Assessor lists proof of ownership, valid Louisiana driver’s license or ID with matching address, and an accepted utility bill such as Entergy, cable or AT&T landline.
Are Sewerage & Water Board bills accepted for homestead proof?
The Assessor’s homestead guidance says Sewerage & Water Board bills are not accepted for the utility-bill proof requirement.
What is Special Assessment Level?
Special Assessment Level is a separate Assessor program for qualifying homeowners who meet specific age, disability, veteran or other eligibility and income requirements.
When can I appeal my New Orleans assessment?
Assessment appeals are tied to the Assessor’s open rolls period. For the 2027 roll, the Assessor announced public inspection from July 15 through August 17, 2026.
Can I appeal because my taxes are too high?
The Assessor says you do not dispute or appeal the assessment just because taxes are high. Focus on the property value or assessment details.
What evidence helps a New Orleans assessment appeal?
Useful evidence can include comparable sales, closing statement, appraisal, repair estimates, dated condition photos, survey, deed records, rental data or exemption documents.
What is a supplemental tax roll?
A supplemental tax roll can result from Assessor change orders that increase tax liability. Owners are provided written notice and appeal procedures by mail.
Who handles New Orleans tax sales and redemption?
The City of New Orleans Bureau of Treasury handles tax sale, tax lien certificate and adjudication guidance.
How do I request New Orleans property tax payment history?
City Treasury guidance says property owners needing payment history should email taxresearchunit@nola.gov.
What is the Bureau of Treasury phone number?
The New Orleans online payment page lists Bureau of Treasury phone numbers 504-658-1701 and 504-658-1712.
What are Orleans Parish Assessor office hours?
The Assessor’s site lists office hours as Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Is CountyPropertyTaxes.us an official government website?
No. This is an independent informational guide. Use official City of New Orleans and Orleans Parish Assessor pages for final account-specific action.
Bottom Line
For New Orleans property tax, use City Treasury for tax bills, payments, payment history, delinquent taxes and tax-sale questions. Use the Orleans Parish Assessor for property value, homestead exemption, special assessment level, property records and assessment appeals. Always check the current bill, deadline and open-roll notice before taking action.
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