Louisiana Tax Sale Laws — Investor Guide

Investors purchase a lien on the property, earning interest until the owner redeems it or the investor forecloses.

Redemption Period

3 years from sale date

Max Interest Rate

12% / year

IRS Lien Survives

Yes — verify before bidding

Foreclosure Required

Quiet Title Required

Yes

Counties Covered

64 counties

Quiet Title Required in Louisiana

Before a title insurer will issue a policy on a tax deed property in Louisiana, you'll need to complete a quiet title action.

$1,500–$5,000

Legal Fees

6–18 mo

Timeline

How Tax Sales Work in Louisiana

Louisiana is a tax sale state — the parish sells a tax lien certificate at the annual tax sale. The certificate earns 12% per annum. The owner has 3 years to redeem. After the redemption period, the certificate holder may file a quiet title action to obtain a tax deed. Louisiana has unique title insurance challenges — quiet title through a law firm experienced in Louisiana tax titles is strongly recommended. IRS liens survive if the IRS was not properly notified.

Quick Due Diligence Checklist for Louisiana

Verify property is still on the auction list within 48 hours of sale (redemptions happen until the last minute)

Check for federal IRS liens — they survive the tax sale in Louisiana

Search for HOA liens and municipal code violations — these may survive in some counties

Budget for foreclosure costs — required in Louisiana to convert a lien to deed

Budget for quiet title action — required in Louisiana before title insurance will issue

Drive the property or use street view to confirm structure exists and is accessible

Verify assessed value vs. back taxes owed — if taxes exceed assessed value, it may be a junk property

Source: La. R.S. §47:2153 et seq. · Verified: January 2025 · Always verify current laws directly with the Louisiana state statutes and your county treasurer. This is not legal or investment advice.

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