In addition to the Sheriff's duties as the chief law enforcement officer for the Parish of Jefferson, the Sheriff also serves as Ex-Officio Tax Collector for Jefferson Parish by authority of the Louisiana Constitution, Louisiana Revised Statutes, and Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances. The Bureau of Revenue and Taxation performs the duties and responsibilities as ex-officio tax collector, which includes the collection and distribution of the sales/use taxes, occupational license taxes, ad valorem (property) taxes imposed by the Parish of Jefferson, Jefferson Parish School Board, the Jefferson Parish Law Enforcement District, and several other taxing agencies. In addition, the Sheriff is responsible for the collection and distribution of fees and fines stemming from various traffic and misdemeanor offenses as ordered by the parish courts and 24th Judicial Court.
Local sales, license, and property taxes provide the major source of funding for the multitude of services we depend upon. These include such vital services as police and fire protection, education, sewerage and drainage projects, and road construction. In addition, local tax dollars provide funds for economic development, recreational facilities, and a number of community projects.
The Bureau of Revenue and Taxation currently is responsible for collecting and distributing nearly $800 million annually in taxes, licenses, fees and fines. Our normal process includes collection, data entry, editing, and balancing processes culminating in the distribution of all funds to the proper governmental agencies by the 10th of the month following the month of collection. Payments may be made by the citizens and businesses in person, by mail, or online.
The administrative office of the Bureau is located in the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Administration Building, 1233 Westbank Expressway, in Harvey and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Taxpayers are advised to schedule an appointment to discuss their individual tax matter. The telephone number is 504-376-2472.
To achieve its goals and objectives, the Bureau is comprised of several divisions and sections with specific duties and responsibilities. A brief description of each of these divisions and sections follows:
The Sales/License Tax Division collects local sales and use taxes, occupational license tax, chain store tax, insurance premium tax, alcohol beverage permits, and miscellaneous permits. These taxes may be remitted via mail, hand-delivery, or filed and paid online via our website. Its office is located in the Jefferson Parish General Government Building, 200 Derbigny Street, Suite 1200, in Gretna and is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The telephone is 504-363-5637.
The Property Tax Division's primary function is to collect property taxes on real estate and moveable property based on the assessed value as determined by the Jefferson Parish Assessor's Office. Its duties also include organizing and directing annual tax sales.
Property tax bills may be remitted via mail, hand-delivery, or paid online at our website. Its office is located in the Jefferson Parish General Government Building, 200 Derbigny Street, Suite 1200, Gretna and is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The telephone number is 504-363-5710.
The Fines and Bonds Section collects defendant fines and fees as ordered by First Parish Court, Second Parish Court, and 24th Judicial Court. This section is also responsible for cash bonds dealing with the release of persons arrested for various offenses.
Fines and fees may be paid at First Parish Court, 924 David Drive in Metairie, 2nd Parish Court, 100 Huey P. Long Avenue in Gretna, and the Jefferson Parish General Government Building in Gretna. Hours of operation for First Parish Court are 8:30 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 2nd Parish Court hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. and 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The primary responsibility of this section is to pursue formal agreements and initiate legal action regarding delinquent taxpayers. The section also serves legal documents including Writ of Levy and Distraint to effect collection of delinquent taxes and coordinates criminal tax enforcement including executing arrest warrants for criminal prosecution of individuals for criminal tax evasion.
This section is located in Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Administrative Building, 1233 Westbank Expressway, in Harvey and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Due to the nature of its activity, taxpayers are advised to schedule an appointment to discuss delinquent accounts. The telephone number is 504-376-2459.
The Audit Section focuses on ensuring taxpayer compliance with local tax ordinances and the discovery of unreported or under-reported tax revenues. Audits are assigned at random, upon review of taxpayer returns, and upon information received from other taxing jurisdictions (local, state, and federal).
This section is located in Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Administrative Building, 1233 Westbank Expressway, in Harvey and is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Due to the nature of its activity, taxpayers are advised to schedule an appointment to discuss accounts currently under audit. The telephone number is 504-376-2491.
The Field Services Section's primary responsibility is to visit the taxpayer's business location to assist in the collection of delinquent taxes. Field representatives, assigned to work certain areas, monitor the status of delinquent accounts and serve legal notices. This section is located in Jefferson Parish General Government Building, 200 Derbigny Street, Suite 1200, Gretna. Field representatives arrive in the office daily and conduct fieldwork from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Bureau of Revenue and Taxation is committed to provide Jefferson Parish taxpayers and businesses the most courteous, professional, and cost effective service possible. We will continue to improve and enhance our operations keeping pace with advancements in technology and changes in the marketplace.
For more information about Revenue and Taxation, contact Chief Gregory A. Ruppert via email.