St. Tammany property tax assessments show huge increases

St. Tammany Parish property owners may find their property tax bills going up, owing to the rising property values.

Reassessments are underway, and St. Tammany Parish Assessor Louis Fitzmorris told WWL's Tommy Tucker property values have taken a big leap over the last four years.

"This year, we're looking at about 20 percent," said Fitzmorris.

Fitzmorris said he welcomes, even encourages, people to file for a review if they disagree with the assessment.

"What is the value of your property, what do you believe it's worth?" he said.

Fitzmorris said they will consider every review requested, but homeowners need to be able to back up their challenge.

"You can put that 'my taxes are too high.' and we're going to agree with you, but you need to give me something else," said Fitzmorris, "like the condition of the home, maybe even the condition of the neighborhood and stuff."