Property assessment rolls are open!
6th August 2012 · 0 Comments
By Assessor Erroll G. Williams, CLA
Guest Columnist
In accordance with state law, the Orleans Parish Assessor’s office opened its rolls for public inspection beginning Wednesday, August 1 to Wednesday, August 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays only, at the East Bank Office on the fourth floor of City Hall, 1300 Perdido Street, or the Algiers Courthouse, 225 Morgan Street.
Property assessments should represent the estimated fair market value on property in the Parish. Fair market property values are the basis for fair and equitable taxation, so that every property owner pays their fair share to build and maintain a quality community.
The Orleans Parish Assessor’s Office utilizes a computer-assisted mass appraisal system, where practical, to achieve greater tax equity. The public can access this data and learn more about our practices at www.nolaassessor.com.
Property owners whose assessments have changed should have received their 2013 revaluation in the mail. If you disagree with the assessed value placed on their residential or commercial property in Orleans Parish you can contest the revaluation by visiting either office during the times specified above. You should bring your supporting documentation, such as a recent appraisal, a builder’s contract or insurance coverage on the building.
If a property owner continues to disagree with the estimated market value the Assessor places on their property, the owner can then file a formal appeal to the local Board of Review through the Assessor’s Office. However, property owners are encouraged to try to resolve the matter with the Assessor’s Office first, during the open rolls period.
Property owners who do not dispute the assessment should keep the record in their important files.
There are no appointments. Individuals will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis.
To avoid long waits, we recommend you come early in the open rolls process; lines are longest on the last three days of the open rolls period.
If you need to apply for a homestead exemption, or your homestead exemption is not credited to your homestead exempt property (domicile) on the revaluation notice, we recommend that you visit our office soon after the rolls close on August 18 since this is a busy time of year and wait times will be long. You do not need to do this while the rolls are open.
If a property owner thinks taxes are too high, please remember that the Assessor’s Office doesn’t not set the tax rate, levy, or collect property taxes. That discussion should be taken up with taxing authorities (city, school board, sewerage and water board, etc.). Assessments are solely based upon a property’s estimated fair market value.
My mission, as your Assessor, is to create a uniform and transparent valuation system so that all property owners in Orleans Parish receive fair and equitable treatment, according to state law.
We look forward to helping you.
This article was originally published in the August 6, 2012 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper
