Orleans Parish property assessment rolls open July 15 until Aug. 15

Orleans Parish property owners whose property assessments have increased should received their 2014 revaluation letter in the mail and if they disagree, are invited to discuss this revaluation from July 15 to August 15, said Orleans Assessor Erroll G. Williams.

Individuals may visit the As­sessor’s Offices on the fourth floor of City Hall, 1300 Perdido St., or the Algiers Courthouse, 225 Morgan St. Beginning July 22, property owners may also visit the Lakeview Christian Center, 5885 Fleur De Lis Dr. These locations will be open on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Property owners are encouraged to visit the location closest to their place of work or residence.

To contest an assessment value, individuals must bring their assessment letter and documentation to support their claim, such as a recent appraisal, a builder’s contract, photos or insurance coverage of the property, said Assessor Williams.

No appointment is necessary; individuals will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis at all locations.

Those unable to visit offices during the allotted time period or who wish to bypass this step may file an appeal directly to the Board of Review at the locations listed before 4 p.m., Tuesday, August 20.

“Property assessments determine the fair market value of taxable property in the Parish. Fair market values are the basis for fair taxation, so that every property owner pays their fair share to build and maintain a quality community,” said Assessor Williams.

The Orleans Parish Assessor utilizes a computer-assisted, mass appraisal system for maintaining property data and values to achieve greater tax equity. The public can access this data at www.nolaassessor.com.

“You do not dispute the property assessment because you think your taxes are too high. That is a discussion to take up with the taxing authorities,” said Assessor Williams. “You should see me because you think the value placed on your property is inaccurate due to estimations on its size, comparable sales or market values.”

This is the first year the public has been able to review the assessment rolls for an entire month. Previously, the open rolls period were limited by state law to August 1 to 15. State Representative Jared Brossett worked with Assessor Williams to expand the review period in order to reduce lines to see the Assessor.

This article originally published in the July 15, 2013 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.