Tax and Business Licensing

TAXES

This site provided general information about frequently asked questions about City of Gretna property taxes. Any specifics concerns or questions can be addressed by calling the Department of Taxes and Licensing.

What is a millage?

A millage is a tax voted on and approved by voters, renewable every 10 years, and dedicated to provide a particular service, such as:

General Alimony	Ambulance
Fire Protection	Police Protection
Recreation	Rec. Srv. & Soc. Services to the Aged

How is your property tax bill amount determined?

Each year the City of Gretna establishes its millage rates based on millages approved by the voters.

The total millage rate set by the City's governing authority is applied (multiplied) by the assessed value (determined by the Assessor), which results in the property tax bill amount for each year.

How did you arrive at the assessed value?

That is a function of the Jefferson Parish Assessor, not the City of Gretna Tax Department.

How is it determined?

The LA Constitution establishes the assessment on residential property at 10% of its fair market value and commercial property at 15%.

Each Parish has an Assessor, (Lawrence Chehardy) whose responsibility is to assess each piece of property within the Parish, which the City of Gretna is apart of.

Your property assessment is determined by taking 10% of the fair market value (including land and improvements). For example: Property valued at $70,000, the assessed value would be $7,000, which is 10% of its fair market value.

If I have a question regarding my property's assessed value or a change of address?

Your call should be directed to the Jefferson Parish Assessor's Office at (504) 362-4100. In addition, change of address may be directed in writing to the Assessor's Office located at 200 Derbigny Street, First Floor, Gretna, LA 70053.

When are taxes due?

Taxes are due are due upon receipt and payable by December 31 of each year and thereafter 1% interest is added to any unpaid bill each month.

What will occur if I do not pay my tax bill?

The LA Constitution authorizes the tax collector as of the expiration of the year for which taxes due to advertise and sell property for which the property taxes have not been paid in the manner prescribed by law for judicial sales. If your property has been the subject of a tax sale, the redemption period as prescribed by law is three years from the date of recordation of said sale.

How do I redeem your tax sale property?

Please contact the Tax and License Department at: (504) 363-1555 or (504) 363-1556.

When are tax payments considered delinquent?

If postmarked by December 31, payment is considered received timely.

BUSINESS LICENSING

Whether you are considering the possibility of starting a business in the City of Gretna or looking for a business located in our city, we hope that the information provided here will be of assistance to you.

This site contains a brief summary of the City's business Occupational License Tax requirements. It provides important license tax information to citizens and the business community considering operating a business in the City of Gretna. In addition this site addresses the most frequently asked questions regarding opening a business in our city.

If this website content does not contain the information needed to address your questions or concerns regarding operating a business in the city limits, please feel free to either use our Constituent Request Form on the city's Website or contact the Office of Taxes and Licenses for assistance at (504) 363-1555 or (504) 363-1556, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

What is a Business Occupational License Tax?

A business Occupational License Tax is a revenue generating measure levied for the privilege of doing business in the City of Gretna in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statue 47:341.

Who is required to pay an Occupational License Tax?

Section 22:31 of the Gretna Code of Ordinances requires anyone who conducts or purports to conduct, either directly or indirectly to, any business, profession, trade or occupation with a fixed place of business within the city of to pay an Occupational License Tax.

Where to start?

One of the most important factors in starting your business is selecting a location. Prior to engaging in any purchase, lease or rental agreement, we strongly recommend that you consult with the City Zoning Department at (504) 363-1505 to ensure that your desired business activity will be permitted at the selected location.

Depending upon the nature of the desired business type, several licenses and inspections may be required by the City and various State Agencies prior to the City's issuance of a license to open and operate your business.

When is the deadline for an Occupational License?

An Occupational License is required at the time that a business starts operation in the City of Gretna.

Department News & Notices

Gretna Needs Your Vote!
Published: Thursday, March 17, 2011
Reader's Digest slected Gretna as 1 of 100 to receive $1,000 grant in it's "We Hear You America" Campaign. Help us win the top grant of $40,000!
Rededication of Fire Millage proceeds
Published: Thursday, April 16, 2009
A resolution providing for canvassing the returns and declaring the result of the Special Election held in the City of Gretna, State of Louisiana, on Saturday, April 4, 2009 to re-dedicate all of the ...
Louisiana Economic Development Launches Call Center for Louisiana's Hurricane-Affected Businesses
Published: Tuesday, September 09, 2008
LED is helping all businesses thata were affected by Hurricane Gustav. Check out what they have to offer here....
Indebtness to the City of Gretna
Published: Friday, October 12, 2007
The City of Gretna will no longer allow individuals and/or other entities who are indebted to the City of Gretna to enjoy the benefits and services of the City of Gretna. It is the City of Gretna's in...