Louisiana voters can expand property tax break for seniors, disabled vets

A proposed amendment to the Louisiana Constitution on the Nov. 3 ballot would expand a property tax break for seniors and others who meet income requirements.

Early voting for the Nov. 3 election is underway now and continues through Oct. 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Amendment No. 9 would increase special property tax assessment freezes for homeowners and couples who earn up to $150,000 rather than the current income cap of $100,000.

In addition to seniors, special assessment freezes can apply to some disabled military veterans, people who are permanently and totally disabled and their spouses.

Only primary residences that qualify for the homestead exemption are eligible for the freeze. The freeze is on the assessed value of the home, not on the final calculation of the tax bill.

Income eligibility for special assessment levels has grown over time beginning at $50,000 in 2001 and doubling to the current $100,000 in 2020.

Inflationary increases would be added in over time with Amendment No. 9.

Following is an edited explanation of Amendment No. 6 from the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, which provides a voter's guide without taking a position. For PAR's full analysis, go to the complete guide.

Amendment No. 9: Expansion of property tax freezes

Ballot language:"Do you support an amendment to increase the maximum amount of income a person may receive and still qualify for the special assessment level for residential property receiving the homestead exemption?"

Proposed change:The amendment would increase the amount of money a person or couple could earn and still be eligible for the special assessment freeze, boosting the income limit to $150,000. That income cap would be adjusted for inflation starting in the 2028 tax year.

The parish tax assessor would determine income eligibility by verifying an applicant's federal adjusted gross income as reported on a Louisiana income tax return for the year before the special assessment freeze application. The list of people who are eligible for the freeze would otherwise remain the same.

A vote for would:Allow homeowners with incomes up to $150,000 to qualify for a property tax assessment freeze.

A vote against would:Keep the current $100,000 income threshold for a property tax assessment freeze.

Louisiana Constitution amendment guide: Your guide to constitutional amendments on Louisiana midterms ballot

Argument for:Increased eligibility for the property tax freeze helps senior citizens stay in their homes, particularly those on a fixed income struggling with inflation. Elderly people shouldn't worry about losing their homes because of tax payments. The special assessment freeze can help Louisiana attract more retirees, encouraging people to move to the state and those already here to stay.

Argument against:Special property tax breaks erode the tax dollars available to local government agencies that provide needed services and shift the tax burden to fewer taxpayers, in this case younger homeowners who may also struggle to pay their tax bills. As the population ages, Louisiana will have more retirees and fewer people paying full property taxes, denying local government a stable tax base.

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Louisiana voters can expand property tax break for seniors, disabled vets