Louisiana is a tax lien state. The “tax sale deed” that is issued to a successful bidder at the tax title sale, is not a deed to the property but a lien. Counties are known as “parishes” in Louisiana. Tax collection and tax sales are the responsibility of the property tax division of the sheriff’s office in each parish. Prospective bidders must register with the sheriff’s office before the start of the tax sale. The following information is taken from the Parish of Ascension Sheriff’s website:



“All unpaid property taxes are read aloud. After reading of the property, buyers bid for a portion of ownership on the property. By law, the Sheriff accepts bids on an interest in the property starting off at 100% interest and graduating downward until the lowest bid of 1% is received. The Buyer that gets the bid will cover the taxes, interest and costs that are due. The buyer must pay by cash or check when the tax sale is completed. Within a few working days, a tax sale deed is prepared and filed with the Clerk of Court and a copy is mailed to the buyer.” Any unsold property will revert to the parish. The owner has 3 years to redeem and must pay 12 % per annum plus a 5% penalty.



If the lien is redeemed, the purchaser need not do anything; the “tax sale deed” is cancelled with the clerk of court by the tax office. The tax office will simply send the purchaser the redemption money. If the lien is not paid within the 3-year redemption period, the property will revert to the lien holder, but in order to obtain a deed to the property, legal notices must be given. You will need an attorney to give the proper notices and draw up a proper deed to the property.

Summary courtesy of Joanne Musa's State Guide

If you need legal advice about local laws or to initiate a foreclosure process, contact the local attorney listed below. 

If you own a property attained through tax lien and/or deed investing, or need help evaluating a property, contact the realtor below.  He/she is experienced in dealing with tax lien & deed properties.

None listed and you need one, or would like to become our Local Realtor, learn more here, and then please contact us.

If you would like to invest in this Jurisdiction, but do not have the time to attend in person, contact our local investment liaison(s).  He/she is an experienced tax lien & deed investor and can help. (Note:  Tax Sale Resources does not partner with, or guarantee validity of agents credentials.  All arrangements must be made between you and the agent. Fees are determined by the individuals.)

None listed and you need one, or would like to become our Local Investing Liaison, learn more here, and then please contact us.