Property tax debt can feel overwhelming. When bills pile up and deadlines pass, the fear of losing your home becomes very real. If you’re behind on property taxes in New Orleans, you’re not alone—and you have options.
Understanding how the system works and what steps you can take will help you regain control. Whether you’re exploring payment plans, considering tax relief programs, or thinking about selling your property, acting quickly is essential to protect your financial future.
Understanding New Orleans Property Taxes
Property taxes in New Orleans are assessed annually based on the value of your home. The Orleans Parish Assessor’s Office determines your property’s assessed value, which is then used to calculate what you owe. Tax bills are typically mailed in November, with payment due by December 31st of that year.
If you miss this deadline, penalties and interest start accumulating immediately. The longer you wait, the more you’ll owe—and the closer you get to serious consequences like tax liens or even tax sales.
Key Deadlines to Remember
- November: Property tax bills are mailed
- December 31st: Payment deadline
- Following year: Unpaid taxes may be sold at a tax sale
Missing these deadlines doesn’t just mean extra fees. It puts your home at risk of being sold to satisfy the debt.
Options for Homeowners
If you’re struggling to pay your property taxes, several options can help you avoid foreclosure and get back on track.
Payment Plans with the City of New Orleans
The City of New Orleans offers payment plans for homeowners who can’t afford to pay their full tax bill at once. These plans allow you to spread out your payments over several months, making the debt more manageable.
To qualify, you’ll need to contact the Bureau of the Treasury and provide documentation of your financial situation. While payment plans can prevent immediate collection action, interest and penalties will continue to accrue on the unpaid balance.
Tax Relief Programs
Louisiana offers several property tax relief programs for eligible homeowners:
- Homestead Exemption: Reduces your assessed property value, lowering your tax bill
- Special Assessment Level: Available for homeowners 65 and older or those with disabilities
- Freeze on Assessment Increases: For seniors and disabled homeowners who meet income requirements
Check with the Orleans Parish Assessor’s Office to see which programs you qualify for. These exemptions can significantly reduce your tax burden and prevent future delinquency.
The Risk of Foreclosure
Unpaid property taxes in New Orleans can lead to serious consequences. When taxes remain unpaid for three years, the city can sell your tax debt at a public tax sale. The buyer of that debt gains the right to foreclose on your property if you don’t pay within a redemption period.
How Tax Sales Work
At a tax sale, investors bid on delinquent tax debts. The winning bidder pays your back taxes to the city, plus penalties and interest. You then owe that amount to the investor, not the city.
You’ll have three years from the date of the tax sale to redeem your property by paying the full amount owed, plus additional interest and fees. If you can’t pay within that timeframe, the tax sale purchaser can file to take ownership of your home through a tax foreclosure.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
The closer you get to a tax sale, the fewer options you have. Once your property is sold at auction, the redemption period begins—and the costs only increase. Acting now, before a tax sale occurs, gives you more control over the outcome and helps you avoid foreclosure New Orleans homeowners face when debts spiral out of control.
Sell Your House As-Is
If you can’t afford to pay your back taxes or don’t want to deal with payment plans and mounting interest, selling your home might be the best solution. Selling to cash home buyers New Orleans offers a way to clear your tax liens and move forward without the stress of repairs or lengthy closing processes.
Benefits of Selling for Cash
When you sell your house as is New Orleans investors will buy it in its current condition—no repairs, no renovations, no cleaning required. This is especially valuable if you’re dealing with financial hardship and don’t have the resources to prepare your home for the traditional market.
Cash buyers can close quickly, often in as little as 7 days. This speed matters when you’re facing tax deadlines or foreclosure. The faster you close, the sooner you can pay off your tax debt and avoid further penalties.
How It Works
Selling to companies that buy houses New Orleans is straightforward:
- Contact a cash buyer: Reach out to local New Orleans home buyers who specialize in purchasing properties with tax liens
- Get a fair offer: Receive a no-obligation cash offer based on your home’s condition and market value
- Close on your timeline: Choose a closing date that works for you
- Walk away debt-free: Use the proceeds to pay off your tax liens and start fresh
Unlike traditional sales, there are no agent commissions, closing costs, or unexpected fees. The cash offer you receive is what you get.
Why Choose Bertucci Investment Group
At Bertucci Investment Group, we specialize in helping New Orleans homeowners facing financial challenges. We buy houses in any condition, including those with tax liens, code violations, and other issues that make traditional sales difficult.
Our Process
Fast Cash Offers: We provide competitive cash offers within 24 hours of receiving your property details. No waiting, no uncertainty.
We Cover All Costs: You won’t pay a dime in closing costs or fees. We handle everything, so you can focus on your next chapter.
Close in 7 Days: Need to sell house fast New Orleans? We can close in as little as 7 days, giving you the speed you need to resolve your tax debt and move on.
No Repairs Needed: We buy houses as-is. Whether your home needs minor updates or major repairs, we’ll make you a fair offer based on its current condition.
Real Results for Real People
Our clients have sold inherited houses, avoided foreclosure, and walked away from rental properties they no longer wanted to manage. We’ve helped families dealing with divorce, relocation, and financial hardship. When you work with us, you’re not just another transaction—you’re a person we’re committed to helping.
Take the First Step Toward Financial Freedom
Being behind on property taxes doesn’t have to mean losing your home. Whether you pursue a payment plan, apply for tax relief, or decide to sell, taking action now protects your future.
If you’re ready to explore selling your home for cash, contact Bertucci Investment Group today. Fill out our simple form or call us at (504) 920-4747 to receive your fair cash offer within 24 hours. We buy houses New Orleans homeowners need to sell quickly, and we’re here to make the process as easy as possible.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get in touch with local cash home buyers New Orleans trusts and discover how quickly you can turn this situation around.