Property tax ‘freeze’ available for eldery St. Mary residents

For homeowners 65 years of age or older who qualify for homestead exemption or currently have homestead exemption, a special assessment, or “freeze,” of a home’s assessed value is available for those meeting certain income requirements.
“If a household’s adjusted gross income is $71,562.52 or less, homeowners may apply to have their assessed values frozen for this year and future years,” said St. Mary Parish Assessor Jarrod K. Longman.
He added, “Once someone has applied and has been approved for the ‘freeze,’ there is no need to apply year after year. This is a one-time application that will keep the assessed value of your home the same going forward.”
In order to have the “freeze” applied to your assessment this year, individuals must file an application before the tax roll closes in September.
It is also important to note that the “freeze” only applies to assessed value, not millage rates, which can change from year to year.
Applications are available in the Assessor’s Office on the second floor of the St. Mary Parish Courthouse in Franklin or at 402 Roderick St. in Morgan City at the Assessor’s satellite office.
Other individuals that qualify for the “freeze” include:
—Those with a service-connected disability rating of 50 percent or more from the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs.
—Members of the armed forces of the United States or the Louisiana National Guard who owned and last occupied such property who are killed in action or who are missing in action or a prisoner of war for a period exceeding 90 days.
—Any persons permanently and totally disabled as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of court or as certified by a state or federal administrative agency charged with the responsibility for making determinations regarding disability.
“If you or someone you know may qualify for this special assessment, please inquire with our office in Franklin at (337) 828-4100 ext. 252 or our Morgan City office at (985) 385-1700. Our staff will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have,” Longman concluded.