Editor’s note: The deadline to file has been extended to October 12, 2021. The article has been updated.
Abby Napoli was worried. Not only was she focused on the post-Ida reopening of her family’s historic French Creole restaurant, Café Sbisa, she was also concerned about damage to family-owned rental property. “The roof came off my tenant’s apartment and we have to rebuild it. It’s going to take a while. It’s a stressful time,” Napoli said.
Between the loss of income from the rental unit, renovation costs, and a high insurance deductible, Napoli knew she needed to conserve resources. She quickly became one of almost 2,000 property owners who have already applied for a Hurricane Ida tax deduction through Assessor Erroll Williams.
Applications are being accepted through Thursday, October 12, 2021 at 4:00 for property owners to reduce their 2021 property assessment. Qualifying individuals can apply in person, over the phone or online. “I was worried about the process but it turned out to be very simple,” said Napoli who applied online. “I uploaded all the information and photographs, and quickly got a response.”
Though in-person appointments are available, currently most people are applying online or over the phone. With the deadline rapidly approaching, the number of applicants has been increasing steadily each day.
“This is an easy process,” Williams said. “Property owners can fill out the Hurricane Ida Damage Form on our website and submit the completed form with any kind of supporting documentation. We understand that most people will probably only have pictures of their damage and that’s fine, but please don’t wait until the last minute. To ensure you get the reduction you deserve, please submit documentation as soon as possible.”
All residential property owners have automatically received a five percent reduction due to properties being non-operational for weeks following the storm’s landfall. This reduction has already been applied to property assessments and no action is necessary to receive this adjustment.
“We’re going to do everything in our power to make sure everybody who suffered damages gets the damage-related reduction in assessment they deserve,” pledged Williams.
Those with additional physical damages, as well as commercial properties, are encouraged to submit documentation of Hurricane Ida damages. The Hurricane Ida Damage form can be filled out and downloaded at www.nolaassessor.com. Submissions must include documentation to support a damage claim, such as photographs, contractor estimates of repair, inspection report, damage appraisal, adjuster’s estimates or a copy of an insurance claim.
In addition to submitting the form online or scheduling an online, phone or in person appointment, documents can also be dropped off at City Hall, Room 4E01, 1300 Perdido Street or at the Algiers Courthouse, 225 Morgan Street. Applications can be mailed to Orleans Parish Assessor’s Office, P.O. Box 53406, New Orleans, Louisiana 70153.
