St. Tammany Property Tax rates are set each year by a combination of parish, school, and special district millage, and the resulting bill shows the residential property tax assessment, commercial property tax rates, and any municipal tax surcharge applied to your parcel. The St. Tammany Parish tax assessor office (701 N. Columbia Street, Covington, LA 70433, phone (985) 809‑8180, email Assessor@STPAO.org) publishes the assessed value calculation, offers a St. Tammany parcel number lookup via its GIS portal, and explains the property tax bill line‑by‑line so owners can see how local school district tax levy and other levies affect the total due.
St. Tammany Property Tax exemptions in Louisiana include the homestead exemption, tax deferral for seniors, and various property tax rebate programs that reduce the taxable amount before the tax delinquency penalties are applied. If you dispute an assessed value, the property tax appeal process begins with a review request to the assessor and proceeds to the Board of Review during the open‑roll period; successful appeals can lower residential property tax assessment or commercial property tax rates. For payment, the St. Tammany tax collector contact (phone (985) 809‑8180) accepts online payments, tracks real‑time payment status, and provides a property tax refund timeline for over‑payments or rebates.
Search St. Tammany Parish Property Tax
Property owners in St. Tammany Parish can look up their tax records through the St. Tammany Parish Assessor’s Office. The assessor maintains ownership details, assessed values, parcel boundaries, and exemption status for every property in the parish. Records are available online and in person at the Justice Center in Covington.
The official search portal for property tax records is the St. Tammany Parish Assessor’s GIS Parcel Viewer, accessible through the official website. Property owners, buyers, real estate agents, and title companies use this portal regularly. The system allows searches by owner name, parcel number, physical address, or subdivision name, and displays parcel details on interactive maps with aerial photography.
Follow these steps to search property tax records in St. Tammany Parish:
- Open the GIS Parcel Viewer on the St. Tammany Parish Assessor’s official website
- Select a search method: owner name, parcel ID, address, or map selection
- Enter the requested details in the search bar
- Review the parcel card showing assessed value, ownership, legal description, and exemption status
- Use the provided links to view current year tax bill details and payment status
- Download or print the record for your files
If the online search returns no results, contact the Assessor’s Office by email at Assessor@STPAO.org for assistance. Office staff can walk you through record retrieval and explain assessment details on the parcel card.
St. Tammany Parish Tax Assessor Office Functions
The St. Tammany Parish Assessor’s Office handles property valuation, ownership transfers, exemption administration, and public records requests. The office’s GIS team has officially mapped 135,000 parcels across the parish. Louisiana law generally assesses residential properties at 10% of their fair market value.
Main duties performed by the Assessor’s Office include:
- Identifying and listing all taxable property in the parish
- Determining fair market value for residential, commercial, agricultural, and public service properties
- Applying assessment ratios set by Louisiana Constitution (10% for residential property)
- Processing homestead exemption applications and renewals
- Maintaining ownership records based on deeds filed with the Clerk of Court
- Certifying the annual tax roll to the Parish Council Board of Review
The Assessor does not set millage rates or collect tax payments. Those functions belong to other parish offices. The Assessor focuses strictly on valuation, classification, and exemption administration.
Office Location and Contact Channels
The St. Tammany Parish Assessor’s Office operates from a single location in Covington. The office sits inside the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center. Walk-in customers use the public counter for record searches, exemption filings, and assessment questions.
Primary contact channels include:
| Channel | Details |
|---|---|
| Assessor@STPAO.org | |
| Website | https://www.stpao.org |
| Parcel Viewer | Available via the St. Tammany Parish Assessor’s official website (GIS Parcel Viewer) |
Public service properties (utilities, pipelines, railroads) are valued by the Louisiana Tax Commission rather than the parish assessor. Parish assessors handle all locally-assessed real property within their jurisdiction.
Property Assessment Values and Millage Rates
St. Tammany Parish uses a two-step process to calculate property tax bills. First, the Assessor determines fair market value and applies the constitutional assessment ratio. Second, taxing authorities set millage rates that multiply against assessed value to produce the final bill.
Louisiana assessment ratios for St. Tammany Parish include:
- Homestead residential property: 10% of fair market value
- Non-homestead residential property: 10% of fair market value
- Public service property: assessed by the Louisiana Tax Commission
- Agricultural and timber land: special use valuation rules apply
One mill equals one dollar of tax per $1,000 of assessed value. If a property has an assessed value of $200,000 and the combined millage is 100 mills, the annual tax bill equals $20,000. The St. Tammany Parish Assessor’s Office records show how the assessed value was calculated and which millage rates apply to each parcel.
Components of the Combined Millage Rate
St. Tammany Parish residents pay taxes to multiple taxing authorities simultaneously. Each authority sets its own millage rate, and the combined total creates the overall property tax bill. The Louisiana Tax Commission publishes annual maximum millage reports for every parish.
Typical taxing authorities on a St. Tammany Parish tax bill include:
| Taxing Authority Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Parish Government | Roads, drainage, general services |
| School Board | Public education funding |
| Fire Districts | Fire protection and emergency services |
| Levee and Drainage Districts | Flood control infrastructure |
| Law Enforcement Districts | Sheriff and police funding |
| Library Boards | Public library operations |
| Municipal Surcharges | City services in Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, Abita Springs |
Millage rates change each year based on the budget needs of each taxing authority. The Assessor’s office posts annual millage rate information on its website during the public inspection period each fall. According to the Bureau of Governmental Research 2026 Property Tax Dashboards, property tax rates in St. Tammany Parish declined again, extending a two-year downward trend.
Residential and Commercial Property Tax Rates
Residential property tax rates in St. Tammany Parish reflect the 10% assessment ratio applied to fair market value. Property owners can estimate their annual bill using the following formula:
- Determine the fair market value of the property
- Multiply by the assessment ratio (10% for residential)
- Subtract the homestead exemption amount (if applicable)
- Multiply the taxable assessed value by the combined millage rate
- Divide by 1,000 to convert mills to dollars
For a $300,000 owner-occupied home with the homestead exemption applied, the calculation works as follows. Fair market value of $300,000 times 10% equals $30,000 in assessed value. Because the Louisiana homestead exemption removes the first $75,000 of assessed value, the entire $30,000 assessment is fully covered by the exemption, resulting in zero taxable value.
Examples of Property Tax Calculations
Sample scenarios show how different property types generate different tax bills in St. Tammany Parish. These examples assume a combined millage rate of 120 mills, which falls within a typical range for the parish. Actual millage rates vary by location within the parish.
| Property Type | Market Value | Assessment Ratio | Assessed Value | Annual Tax (120 mills) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead Residential | $250,000 | 10% | $25,000 | $0 (fully covered by exemption) |
| Non-Homestead Residential | $250,000 | 10% | $25,000 | $3,000 |
| Homestead Residential | $500,000 | 10% | $50,000 | $0 (fully covered by exemption) |
Properties inside the city limits of Mandeville, Covington, Slidell, or Abita Springs carry an additional municipal tax surcharge. Rural properties pay only the parish-wide millage plus any special district taxes.
Homestead Exemption and Other Property Tax Relief
The Louisiana homestead exemption removes up to $75,000 of assessed value from a property owner’s tax bill. The exemption applies to the primary residence only. Rental properties, second homes, and investment real estate do not qualify. Senior homeowners and disabled veterans receive additional exemption benefits beyond the standard $75,000.
To qualify for the homestead exemption, the property owner must occupy the home as their primary residence. The exemption stays in place as long as the owner continues to use the property as their main home. Filing occurs at the parish Assessor’s Office, and the exemption renews automatically each year once granted.
Documents commonly needed for homestead exemption filing include:
- Louisiana driver’s license showing the homestead address
- Voter registration card matching the homestead address
- Vehicle registration showing the homestead address
- Recorded deed or act of sale showing ownership
- Social Security number for verification
Property owners can verify their exemption status on the GIS Parcel Viewer or by contacting the Assessor’s Office. Refer to the official St. Tammany Parish Assessor’s Office for current filing deadlines.
Additional Exemptions and Special Categories
Beyond the standard homestead exemption, Louisiana offers property tax relief for specific groups. Disabled veterans, surviving spouses of military members, and certain elderly residents may qualify for full or partial property tax exemption under specific conditions. The Assessor’s Office processes each application separately.
Other exemption programs available in Louisiana include:
| Exemption Type | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Homestead | Up to $75,000 off assessed value | Primary residence owners |
| Senior Special Assessment | Freezes assessed value at a base year level | Homeowners age 65+ with income limits |
| Disabled Veteran | Additional exemption amount available | Veterans with service-connected disability rating |
| Widow/Widower of Veteran | Full property tax exemption in some cases | Un-remarried surviving spouses |
| Religious and Charitable | Full exemption | Qualified nonprofit organizations |
For the inventory tax situation in St. Tammany Parish, voters in the April 18, 2026 election will decide on a constitutional amendment (Act 221) that authorizes parishes to exempt business inventory from property taxes or reduce the percentage of value that gets taxed. This change affects commercial property owners who hold inventory for sale.
Senior Tax Deferral and Special Assessment Freeze
Senior homeowners in St. Tammany Parish can apply for the Special Assessment Level freeze, which locks the assessed value of their home at a base year level. Once frozen, the assessed value cannot increase above the capped amount, providing long-term tax stability for residents who stay in their homes through retirement.
The Special Assessment Level applies to homeowners age 65 and older whose annual household income falls below the threshold set by the Louisiana Legislature. The income limit adjusts periodically based on state guidelines. Property owners must apply with the Assessor’s Office and provide proof of age and income.
Key features of the senior tax deferral and Special Assessment Level program include:
- Freezes the assessed value at a base year level (often the year the owner turned 65)
- Limits annual increases in assessed value to a small percentage
- Removes property from regular reassessment cycles
- Remains in effect as long as the owner occupies the home and meets income limits
- Combines with the standard homestead exemption for maximum savings
Senior homeowners who do not qualify for the Special Assessment Level can still explore the senior tax deferral option, which postpones payment of property taxes until the home is sold or ownership transfers. Contact the Assessor’s Office for current details on interest rates and deferral terms.
Property Tax Appeal Process and Deadlines
Property owners who disagree with their assessed value can file a property tax appeal in St. Tammany Parish. The appeal process begins with a review request to the Assessor’s Office and proceeds to the Parish Council Board of Review if the dispute remains unresolved. Louisiana law requires all appeals to be filed during a narrow open-roll period each year.
The annual open-roll period runs for at least 15 days, beginning no earlier than August 15 and ending no later than September 15. St. Tammany Parish publishes the exact dates each year on the Assessor’s website. The tax roll opens for public inspection during this window. The current property tax year for St. Tammany Parish is 2026.
Steps in the property tax appeal process include:
- Review the assessed value on the assessment notice mailed by the Assessor’s Office
- Gather supporting evidence: comparable sales, property condition photos, repair estimates
- File Form 3101 (Notice of Appeal Request for Board of Review) with the Assessor before the open-roll deadline
- Attend the informal review meeting with Assessor staff
- Receive the review determination from the Assessor
- File an appeal to the Board of Review if the determination does not resolve the dispute
- Present evidence at the Board of Review hearing
- Appeal further to the Louisiana Tax Commission if necessary
The review request deadline for the 2026 tax year was Friday, August 29, 2026, at 4:30 pm. A REVIEW with the St. Tammany Parish Assessor’s Office must first be filed before any APPEAL is filed with the Board of Review. The Board of Review holds hearings at the Parish Council Chambers located at 21490 Koop Drive in Mandeville.
Evidence and Documentation for Appeals
Successful appeals depend on solid evidence showing the assessed value exceeds fair market value. Property owners should document physical conditions, recent sales of similar properties, and any income-related data for commercial properties. The strongest appeals include multiple comparable sales from the past 12 months.
Useful evidence for property tax appeals includes:
- Recent appraisals from licensed Louisiana appraisers
- Comparable sales of similar properties within the same neighborhood
- Photographs showing property condition, damage, or functional obsolescence
- Construction cost estimates for needed repairs
- Income and expense statements for commercial or rental properties
- Environmental issues that affect property value
Property owners can also hire a property tax consultant or attorney to represent them at hearings. The Louisiana Tax Commission does not publish aggregate appeal outcome statistics, so success rates vary by jurisdiction and evidence quality.
Paying Property Taxes and Real Estate Tax Due Dates
St. Tammany Parish property tax bills are issued once per year. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office handles tax collection, payment processing, and delinquent account management. Bills are typically mailed in the fall, with payment due before the end of the calendar year to avoid delinquency.
Property owners can pay their tax bill through multiple channels. Online payment, mail-in payment, in-person payment, and bank draft options all exist. The Sheriff’s Office Property Tax Division can address questions about payment plans and partial payments.
Payment options for St. Tammany Parish property taxes include:
- Online payment through the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office website
- Payment by mail using the remittance slip on the tax bill
- In-person payment at the Sheriff’s Office tax collection counter
- Bank draft or ACH payment for recurring property taxes
- Escrow payment handled by a mortgage company
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office property tax division provides real-time payment status lookups, printable receipts, and payment confirmation. Property owners can contact the tax division directly with questions about bills, refunds, or payment plans.
Payment Deadlines and Late Payment Rules
Property tax bills in St. Tammany Parish become delinquent after the payment due date each year. Late payments trigger interest charges, penalty fees, and potential tax lien filings. Property owners who cannot pay on time should contact the Sheriff’s Office before the delinquency date to discuss payment arrangements.
Key dates for St. Tammany Parish property tax payments:
| Event | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| Tax bills mailed | Fall (typically October to November) |
| Payment due date | End of calendar year (refer to official tax bill for exact date) |
| Delinquency date | After the stated due date on the tax bill |
| Tax sale (if applicable) | Later in the year after delinquency |
| Public inspection period | August 15 to September 15 (annual open rolls period) |
Mortgage companies that hold escrow accounts typically pay property tax bills on the homeowner’s behalf. Homeowners should verify that their mortgage servicer pays on time and request annual escrow statements for record-keeping.
Tax Delinquency, Liens, and Penalty Information
Delinquent property taxes in St. Tammany Parish generate interest, penalties, and potential tax sale proceedings. The Sheriff’s Office manages delinquent accounts and publishes tax sale announcements in local newspapers and on the parish website. Property owners with delinquent taxes should act quickly to resolve the situation.
Tax delinquency consequences include:
- Interest charges on unpaid amounts
- Penalty fees that compound monthly
- Tax lien filed against the property in public records
- Loss of homestead exemption if the property goes to tax sale
- Tax sale of the property to satisfy the debt
Property owners facing tax delinquency have several options. The Sheriff’s Office can set up payment plans, accept partial payments, and provide information about hardship provisions. The St. Tammany Parish Assessor’s Office can verify whether the owner still qualifies for exemptions that might reduce the total due.
Property Tax Refund Timeline
Property tax refunds in St. Tammany Parish are processed through the Sheriff’s Office property tax division. Common refund situations include overpayment, duplicate payment, successful appeal adjustments, and homestead exemption back-claims for newly eligible owners.
To request a property tax refund, owners should contact the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office property tax division. The division reviews refund requests and processes approved claims through the parish accounting system. Refer to the Sheriff’s Office for current processing timelines.
Documentation commonly required for refund requests:
- Copy of the original tax bill
- Proof of payment (cancelled check, receipt, bank statement)
- Documentation showing the reason for the refund
- Adjusted assessment notice (if the refund relates to an appeal)
- Updated exemption approval (if the refund relates to a new exemption)
Property Tax Records and Public Access
St. Tammany Parish property tax records are public information. The Assessor’s Office and Clerk of Court make these records available to anyone who requests them. Online portals, in-person visits, and written requests all serve as access methods.
Records available through the St. Tammany Parish Assessor’s Office include:
- Parcel identification numbers and legal descriptions
- Current ownership and ownership history
- Assessed values for the current and prior years
- Property classification and exemption status
- Sales history and transfer dates
- Building permits and improvement records
Deed records, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents come from the St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court. The Clerk maintains the official land records index. Recording fees apply to document copies and certified copies. Refer to the Clerk of Court’s official website for current fee schedules and portal access.
Land records services commonly available from the St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court include:
| Service | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Document Search | Find recorded deeds, mortgages, and liens by name or instrument number |
| Certified Copies | Obtain official copies of recorded documents |
| Recording Services | File new deeds, mortgages, and other land record documents |
| Map and Plat Records | Access subdivision plats and survey records |
Property tax audit procedures apply primarily to commercial and income-producing properties. The Assessor’s Office reviews income statements, rental rates, and operating expenses to verify reported values. Property owners selected for audit receive written notice with a deadline for submitting documentation.
GIS Parcel Viewer and Map Tools
The St. Tammany Parish Assessor’s Office maintains a GIS Parcel Viewer accessible through its official website. The system displays parcel boundaries, property lines, and assessment data on an interactive map. Users can zoom, pan, and click parcels to see detailed information.
Features available in the GIS Parcel Viewer include:
- Parcel boundary visualization on aerial photography
- Owner name and mailing address lookup
- Assessed value and exemption status display
- Sales history with deed book and page references
- Subdivision and lot identification
- Printable parcel reports for record-keeping
The GIS team has officially mapped 135,000 parcels in the parish, covering residential, commercial, agricultural, and public service properties. The mapping project continues to expand coverage and improve accuracy for property owners and researchers.
Contact, Local Details, and Map
St. Tammany Parish property owners can reach the St. Tammany Parish Assessor’s Office using the contact information below. The office handles all property valuation, exemption, and assessment record requests in the parish.
| Department | Details |
|---|---|
| Department Name | St. Tammany Parish Assessor’s Office |
| Official Website URL | https://www.stpao.org |
| Direct Public Search Portal Link | Available via the official website (GIS Parcel Viewer) |
| Official Email | Assessor@STPAO.org |
For deed records, mortgages, liens, and other recorded land documents, contact the St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court. Refer to the Clerk of Court’s official website for current contact details, portal access, and office hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
St. Tammany Property Tax information helps homeowners and business owners understand their bills, find exemptions, and avoid penalties. The Assessor’s Office, located in Covington, offers online portals, phone support, and in‑person assistance. Knowing how to check your parcel number, calculate assessed value, and meet payment deadlines can save money and reduce stress.
How can I look up my St. Tammany Property Tax bill online?
Visit the GIS Parcel Viewer at https://maps.stpao.org. Enter your parcel number or address in the search bar. The page displays assessed value, exemption status, and the current tax bill amount. You can also download a PDF of the bill or print a summary. If the portal shows an error, call (985) 809‑8180 for help. This tool works 24/7, so you can verify your bill before the due date.
What is the deadline for paying St. Tammany residential property taxes in 2026?
All residential taxes for the 2026 tax year are due by October 15, 2026. Late payments after this date incur a 5 % penalty plus interest. The Sheriff’s Office accepts payments online, by phone, or at any parish office. Paying early avoids the penalty and ensures your account stays current.
How do I apply for the Louisiana homestead exemption in St. Tammany Parish?
Download the homestead exemption form from the Assessor’s website or pick up a copy at 701 N. Columbia Street. Fill out the form with your name, address, and proof of primary residence such as a driver’s license. Submit the completed form by mail or in person before the August 31 deadline. Once approved, $75,000 is removed from the assessed value, lowering your tax bill.
What steps should I follow to appeal a St. Tammany property tax assessment?
First, review the public‑inspection roll during the open period, usually mid‑August to mid‑September. If you disagree, file a Review Request with the Assessor’s Office by the stated deadline (for 2026 rolls, the deadline was August 29, 2026). Include evidence such as recent sales data or appraisal reports. If the assessor denies the request, you may file an appeal with the Board of Review within 15 days of the decision. Contact (985) 809‑8180 for forms and guidance.
Where can I find commercial property tax rates for St. Tammany Parish?
Commercial rates are listed on the parish’s tax commission page and posted in the Assessor’s annual report. The combined millage rate for commercial properties typically ranges from 7.2 to 9.0 mills, depending on the taxing district. Use the parcel viewer to see the exact rate applied to your property. For precise calculations, multiply the assessed value by the millage rate and divide by 1,000.
How do I avoid tax delinquency penalties in St. Tammany?
Set up automatic payments through the parish’s online portal to ensure timely filing. Keep an eye on mailed notices for any changes to your bill. If you miss a payment, contact the Sheriff’s Office right away to arrange a payment plan before the penalty is applied. Early communication often prevents the 5 % penalty and stops the tax lien from being recorded.