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Citizen Praises Sheriff's Innovative Programs
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Dear Sheriff Neustrom:
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Just so you know that I do write complimentary letters in addition to those that criticize, please accept my praise for some of your innovative programs that have been recently highlighted in the media. The programs I speak of are the direct supervision of prisoners approach; the off-site telecommunication visitation for families of prisoners; the call program for the elderly; and the day reporting programs for some offenders. All of these programs show your very humanistic approach to corrections and the general human condition. You are a different kind of sheriff from the standard old Louisiana model, and it has taken some adjustment by the jaded downtown crowd (myself included) to see the wisdom of your ways. Anyway, thank you for your innovative programs, and I am always available with an opinion. I don't lack opinions. |
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With kind regards, I remain Very truly yours, Albert M. Karre', Jr.
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Lafayette Parish Property Tax Sale
Frequently Asked Questions {FAQ} The following FAQs are offered as general information about our tax sale and should not be considered as legal advice. Anyone wishing to participate in our tax sale is encouraged to familiarize themselves with the laws concerning tax sales and the rights the sale conveys unto the purchaser. Before participating in a tax sale, the Sheriff’s Office strongly recommends that you seek legal advice in order to fully understand the process. The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office assumes no liability for an uninformed tax purchaser.
How do I purchase tax sale properties? In order to participate in The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office Tax Collector tax sale you must register with our office either in advance or on the day of the sale. There is no cost for registration, but you must have a letter of credit from your bank or certified funds in the amount you wish to spend at the sale. Since our tax sale is considered an investment opportunity for the purchaser, we also require a Social Security Number or a Federal Tax Identification Number. Please contact our office 337-236-5881 if you wish to register or email us at LPSO Tax Office.
What is a tax sale? Louisiana Revised Statute 47:2182 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.
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).
What am I buying? 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. Detailed information information can be found within House Bill Number 337 ACT No. 819
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. Where can I get a copy of property to be sold? A detailed listing is provided by clicking on this link Properties with Unpaid Taxes for 2008
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