Louisiana Revised Statute 47:2154 requires that Parish & Municipal Tax Collectors seize and offer for sale, properties upon which delinquent taxes are due. This means that the Sheriff, as Tax Collector, must conduct a “sale” of delinquent tax properties. These properties are offered at the amount of taxes due with incurred costs (certified mailings, advertisements, recording fees, etc.) Purchase of these properties at a tax sale does not immediately convey title to the properties purchased.

When you purchase property at a tax sale you are buying a “Tax Deed” which conveys certain rights unto the purchaser. Upon purchase, the property is placed in the purchaser’s name. The purchaser is then immediately entitled to a 5% buyer’s fee plus 1% per month on the amount paid until redemption. The tax purchaser may try to acquire the property after three years have elapsed since the recording of the tax deed. Acquisition of the property is up to the courts and would depend heavily on the percentage of the property purchased, adherence to notification laws, and other factors as determined by the courts. It is the purchaser’s responsibility to familiarize themselves with these laws prior to purchasing at a tax sale.

FAQs Archive | Page 2 of 17 | Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office

Q: Do you have a Reserve Deputy program? Who would I contact for information about joining the Reserve Deputy program?

Our Reserve Deputy program is an extremely valuable part of our team and is available to assist in the performance of enforcement activities. Approved applicants are required to attend a Reserve Deputy Academy and must volunteer at least 24 hours each month to assist the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office. For information about joining our Reserve Deputy program, please call our Human Resources Division at 337-236-5667 or send an email to Human Resources.

Q: How can I get a copy of an accident report?

The Records Department of the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office, located at 316 W. Main Street in Lafayette, distributes accident reports between the hours of 8AM and 4:30PM Monday through Friday. Please allow 3 – 7 days after your incident before attempting to pick up an accident report. Visit our Records page for more details including reporting an accident online. For additional questions about this process, please call our Records Department at 337-236-5845 .

Q: What is property redemption?

When property is purchased at a tax sale the original owner has a three year period in which to redeem the property by paying the original sale amount, including applicable fees, the 5% buyer’s premium, and 1% per month interest. The redemptions are handled by the Lafayette Parish Tax Collector’s Office and the receipts are forwarded monthly to the tax purchaser.

Q: How does the tax sale work?

The properties are offered at the amount of taxes, liens, and costs associated with the property. Louisiana law requires a “bid down” process in which we sell the least amount of the property that someone will buy for the full amount due. Bidding is opened at 100% of the property. If more than one person is interested in the property, the next bidder may offer to pay the amount due for a lesser percentage of the property. Bidding may continue down to our lowest acceptable bid which is 1/1,000,000 of 1% (one millionth of 1 percent).

Do you have a Reserve Deputy program? Who would I contact for information about joining the Reserve Deputy program?

How can I get a copy of an accident report?

What is property redemption?

What is a tax sale?

What am I buying?

How does the tax sale work?

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