Welcome to the Bureau of Revenue & Taxation
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, and Jefferson Parish Law Enforcement
District. 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 Twenty-Fourth 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 in excess of $700 million annually in taxes, licenses, fees and
fines. Payments may be made in person, by mail, or on-line. Our normal process
includes collection, data entry, editing, and balancing processes culminating in
the distribution of all funds to the proper governmental agencies month
following the month of collection.
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 to the public from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The
main telephone number is (504) 363-5710.
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:
Sales/License Tax
Division
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 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
Property Tax
Division
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 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
Fines and Bonds
Section
The Fines and Bonds Section collects defendant fines and fees as ordered by
First Parish Court, Second Parish Court, and Twenty-Fourth 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, Second 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 am to 6:45 pm, Monday through Friday,
and Second Parish Court hours of operation are 8:30 am and 5:45 pm, Monday
through Friday.
Special Procedures
and Enforcement Section
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 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Due to the nature of its activity,
taxpayers are advised to schedule an appointment to discuss delinquent accounts.
Audit Section Section
The Audit Section focuses on ensuring taxpayer compliance with local tax
ordinances and the discovery of unreported or underreported 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 am to
4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Due to the nature of its activity, taxpayers are
advised to schedule an appointment to discuss accounts currently under audit.
Field Services
Section
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 Sheriff’s Office Administrative Building, 1233 Westbank
Expressway, in Harvey. Field representatives arrive in the office daily
beginning at 7:30 am and conduct field work from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, 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
information about Revenue and Taxation, contact
Chief Gregory A. Ruppert