First Responder Property Tax Exemption available through Cameron Assessor’s Office
Cameron Parish Assessor Scott Lavergne would like to make First Responders aware of a new law that was put into effect in 2025 that provides them with an additional homestead exemption.
The First Responder Exemption, if qualified for, allows for a tax exemption of $25,000 off the market value of properties owned and occupied by First Responders in Cameron Parish. This is in addition to the Homestead Exemption which exempts the first $75,000 resulting in a total tax exemption of $100,000.
First responders can be volunteer firefighters and/or full-time public employees whose duties include responding rapidly to an emergency such as peace officers, sheriffs, police officers, fire protection personnel, certified emergency medical services personnel, and emergency response operators and dispatchers who provide communication support in emergencies.
Volunteer Firefighters must meet the following criteria:
- has completed (within the tax year) no fewer than 24 hours of firefighter continuing education, AND
- an active member of the Louisiana State Fireman’s Association, OR
- on the departmental personnel roster of the Volunteer Firefighter Insurance Program.
- Does not have to be full-time.
- Does not have to reside in the Parish. (Example: Volunteer Firefighter for Calcasieu Parish but reside and claim homestead in Cameron Parish)
- All other First Responders must meet the following criteria:
- Currently employed by a PUBLIC entity/employer as a government employee, AND
- Must be full-time, AND
- Duties include responding rapidly to an emergency, AND
- Must reside in the Parish of employer.
By law, first responders must reapply each year to continue receiving this benefit. Applications are available at our office or on the Forms page at www.cameronassessor.com
Completed applications and supporting documents must be received by the Assessor’s office no later than July 1.
They can be dropped at 110 Smith Circle – Suite A in Cameron; mailed to PO Box 1100 Cameron 70631 or emailed to: assessor@cameronassesor.com