Tagged News

• City-parish says moving top administrator to consultant role will save $70,000 a year Play Video

  November 26, 2025 5:47 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The city-parish government wants the mayor-president's chief administrative officer to become a highly paid consultant in an effort to save money, even though the math doesn't appear to be mathing, the mayor's office said Wednesday. Christel Slaughter had been hired at a salary of $156,000 three... more »

• Saturday is Election Day. Thrive EBR plan goes before voters in three separate questions Play Video

  November 14, 2025 4:05 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Saturday is Election Day, and topping the local ballots are three issues that would change how East Baton Rouge funds a portion of the city-parish government. Mayor-President Sid Edwards wants to tap property tax revenue currently dedicated to the parish library system, the Council on Aging... more »

• Millage tax increase among two propositions in Livingston Parish on Saturday's ballot Play Video

  November 12, 2025 11:35 AM

  LIVINGSTON - Livingston Parish voters will decide on whether to continue funding two Fire Protection Districts via their prospective millage taxes. Voters in Fire Protection District No. 5, which covers parts of Denham Springs, will consider adding 5 mills to the 10.14 mills they already pay. If approved, the... more »

• Gov. Jeff Landry signs bill to raise sports betting tax, will alleviate universities' revenue-sharing costs Play Video

  June 17, 2025 7:43 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Gov. Jeff Landry signed a bill on Tuesday that will raise the state's sports betting tax to help offset the cost of colleges' revenue sharing with athletes. Just over a week ago, a federal judge approved a $2.8 billion settlement that allows colleges to start directly... more »

• Voters across capital region take up several tax renewals to fund municipal services - see results

  May 3, 2025 5:30 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Voters across multiple capital region parishes voted on several tax renewals to fund municipal services at the ballot box Saturday, according to complete but unofficial results. In Ascension Parish, the Belle Maison and Belle Savanne subdivisions voted for a permanent 15-mill property tax to pay for... more »

• West Baton Rouge Parish voters reject property tax renewals for drainage and libraries Play Video

  March 27, 2025 6:02 PM

  PORT ALLEN — West Baton Rouge Parish voters rejected a set of separate property taxes that would have continued to benefit the local library system and parish drainage works. The renewal of a 7.2-mill property tax for drainage would have raised around $5.9 million a year and would have... more »

• Bond Commission approves DA's property tax proposal; also gives green light to Central, EBR proposals Play Video

  February 20, 2025 6:33 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Bond Commission on Thursday approved District Attorney Hillar Moore's request to place a property tax proposal before East Baton Rouge Parish voters this year. Moore is seeking a 4-mill, 20-year tax that would boost funding for his agency. He told WBRZ last year he... more »

• Mailing of West Baton Rouge property tax bills will be delayed; deadline to pay extended Play Video

  December 2, 2024 12:09 PM

  PORT ALLEN — West Baton Rouge Parish taxpayers can expect a delay in the mailing of their 2024 property tax bills. The bills are delayed due to "unexpected circumstances," the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office said Monday. The delay was caused by a delay from a third-party... more »

• Legislature sends bills reducing income, sales, corporate taxes to governor as special session wraps Play Video

  November 22, 2024 4:47 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Legislators on Friday adjourned their third special session of the year, this one focused on changes to the state's tax policy. Six bills were passed that will make changes to various aspects of the state's tax policy, including the reduction of corporate tax rates, the elimination... more »

• FanDuel sends email asking Louisiana players to tell state representatives to oppose gaming tax hike Play Video

  November 12, 2024 1:45 PM

  BATON ROUGE — FanDuel, a popular online sportsbook, sent Louisiana players an email Tuesday morning asking them to tell their representatives to oppose a sports betting tax hike that would raise the state's gaming tax from 15% to 51%. "The Louisiana legislature wants to MASSIVELY increase the tax rate... more »

• House committee advances bill to cut corporate income tax rate; part of governor's special tax session Play Video

  November 11, 2024 1:33 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The House Ways and Means Committee took steps Sunday toward achieving the governor’s tax overhaul by advancing a bill to cut the corporate income tax rate, now one of the highest in the nation, in stages from 7.5% to 3.5%. The full House voted 69-6 to... more »

• House tax committee voted to advance Landry's proposed flat 3 percent personal income tax rate

  November 8, 2024 12:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A House tax committee voted Thursday to advance Gov. Jeff Landry’s proposal for a flat 3% personal income tax rate. If approved by the full House and Senate, the plan would eliminate the current income tax brackets and move the state closer to Landry’s ultimate goal... more »

• Special legislative session for tax reform starts Wednesday Play Video

  November 6, 2024 11:37 AM

  BATON ROUGE — A special legislative session started Wednesday to discuss changes to the state tax system. The special session will be "focused on rebuilding our outdated tax system and growing our economy" and will extend through Nov. 25, Gov. Jeff Landry announced Oct. 28. The session started Wednesday... more »

• Governor calls for special session of legislature to discuss changes to state's tax system, economy Play Video

  October 28, 2024 12:04 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Gov. Jeff Landry on Monday called a special session of the Louisiana Legislature to discuss changes to the state's tax system. The special session, he says, will be "focused on rebuilding our outdated tax system and growing our economy" and will begin Nov. 6 and extend... more »

• Louisiana legislative leaders opt against special session to tackle tax reform Play Video

  July 25, 2024 1:04 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Louisiana lawmakers will not return to Baton Rouge for a special session to address tax reform this year, legislattive leaders said Thursday. Senate President Cameron Henry and House Speaker Phillip DeVillier said in a joint statement that the issues were too complex to be addressed now... more »

• Police warns public of scam letter sent to people claiming they owe taxes Play Video

  May 23, 2024 4:50 PM

  HAMMOND - The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office warned the public of a scam letter claiming the recipient owes a tax debt. The letter, which states its from "Tax Assessment Securities - Tangipahoa County", tells the recipient that they have not paid a tax and directs them to a number.... more »

• Woman arrested for tax fraud allegedly forged W-2, received thousands in return

  May 9, 2024 9:16 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A St. Martinville woman was arrested in Texas for tax fraud after allegedly forging a W-2 for a company that did not employ her. The Louisiana Department of Revenue announced Thursday it had arrested Ashley Seaux of St. Martinville in Galveston. Seaux faces charges of felony... more »

• Tax preparer goes MIA, woman wants documents returned Play Video

  October 25, 2023 3:54 PM

  UPDATE On Tuesday, Mary Jane Spruel tells 2 On Your Side that she received her documents. The tax preparer originally said she'd drop the documents off at Spruel's home Monday evening. Several messages were sent to Spruel and 2 On Your Side from the tax preparer saying she wouldn't make... more »

• East Baton Rouge Parish Library closes the book on late fees and fines

  August 1, 2023 9:21 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Starting Tuesday, the EBRPL will be doing away with late fees and fines, lowering the barrier for teens and adults that need to access the library's amenities. Children's materials and items checked out by senior citizens were already fine-free, but the library is extending that policy... more »

• Stormwater fee-estimating map incomplete days before vote, parish reveals as government sells property charge

  October 17, 2022 1:14 PM

  BATON ROUGE – An estimating tool launched by the East Baton Rouge Parish government showing what property owners could pay if an upcoming fee is approved to fund flood control is incomplete less than two weeks before Metro Council is set to vote on the measure, WBRZ has learned. ... more »

• Why the urgency? Stormwater utility fee coming in hot; no chance for public input yet Play Video

  October 7, 2022 4:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A day after the mayor's office introduced a proposal for a Stormwater Utility Fee, there are a lot of questions. Stormwater Utility Districts are not new — other cities have been operating with the same thing for years. The urgency for East Baton Rouge Parish is... more »

• City agrees to $4M settlement after years-long legal battle over disastrous downtown library construction Play Video

  September 13, 2022 1:31 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A legal fight over who's at fault for the tumultuous development surrounding Baton Rouge's downtown library has ended with the city-parish getting $4 million in a settlement with the contractor that designed it. Court records show the city-parish's lawsuit was dismissed over the summer after those... more »

• Livingston Parish road gets temp fix, residents say more needs to be done Play Video

  June 27, 2022 2:29 PM

  SPRINGFIELD - A road in rough shape in Livingston Parish is getting a little attention thanks to 2 On Your Side and a Livingston Parish councilman. The councilman for District 8 says it's time to make a change to get more funding to do things the right way, instead... more »

• State asks living man for death certificate Play Video

  May 16, 2022 12:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE - For tax purposes, a man was asked to send in his death certificate to the Louisiana Department of Revenue — but he's not dead! Richard "Rooster" Shaffer contacted 2 On Your Side to help sort it out after he couldn't get in touch with the state.... more »

• As some states mull gas tax suspension, La. expert warns of mixed results Play Video

  March 10, 2022 11:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE - As the cost to fill up your tank continues to rise, more and more states are considering suspending state gas taxes aimed at providing drivers some relief. Louisiana, though, is not among them. Maryland became the latest state Thursday to take action, moving to suspend... more »

• Reminder: Louisiana's individual income tax filing deadline is June 15

  May 14, 2021 10:10 AM

  BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) issued a reminder, Friday, stating that the deadline for filing 2020 Louisiana state individual income tax returns is June 15, 2021. LDR says it granted automatic filing and payment extensions to individual and business taxpayers due to severe winter weather... more »

• West Baton Rouge Council refuses tax break for solar panel project Play Video

  April 24, 2021 9:08 PM

  WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH - A solar plant project in west Baton Rouge is now in jeopardy after the parish council refused to give the project a tax break. Carey Denstel, vice-chairman for the West Baton Rouge Parish Council, said $22 million in tax exemptions was too high a... more »

• Federal aid may push aside gas tax bills Play Video

  April 12, 2021 11:48 PM

  BATON ROUGE - As lawmakers gather at the capitol for fiscal session, two bills are expected to be heard regarding gas taxes. "In Louisiana, we have a huge infrastructure problem and the problem is a lack of investment," Representative Jack McFarland said. There are two bills filed in... more »

• IRS offers tax relief for Louisiana's severe winter storm victims

  April 5, 2021 10:49 AM

  BATON ROUGE- In harmony with a March 10 announcement from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Louisiana citizens who were impacted by winter storms that occurred February 11-19 of this year have until June 15 to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. According to a... more »

• Tax preparer allegedly pulled gun after customers complained about filings

  March 29, 2021 11:50 AM

  HOUSTON - A tax preparer was arrested after she brandished a gun at customers who noticed problems with their tax returns. KTRK reports the situation unfolded at Latunya Wright's business, called MZ BIZ, in Houston. One of Wright's customers, Marquita Boyle, said she went to the business looking... more »

• Surprising tax notice for man with missing unemployment benefits Play Video

  March 1, 2021 5:45 PM

  BATON ROUGE - For 18 weeks last year, Karl Hamilton was furloughed from his job and hoped to collect unemployment benefits. He assumed it would take a couple of weeks for the benefits to arrive, but months went by and nothing came. Hamilton says he called the Louisiana Workforce... more »

• Property tax deadline approaching though many cannot pay due to COVID-19 Play Video

  December 10, 2020 6:30 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Property taxes are coming due in the next three weeks. With many people still struggling during the pandemic, that year-end payment could be difficult to make. Even though many people have been unemployed over the last few months, no one is doing any favors, and property... more »

• Vacuum truck works to remove debris from drainage area Wednesday Play Video

  November 18, 2020 5:58 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS - A vacuum truck spent a few hours Wednesday sucking out debris from drainage pipes at a busy Livingston Parish intersection. The truck was stationed at Hwy 16 and Lockhart Road in Denham Springs. The $340,000 machine was purchased with funds generated from a one-cent sales tax... more »

• Property tax assessment to be adjusted for homeowner concerned over huge increase Play Video

  August 31, 2020 6:21 PM

  BATON ROUGE - As residents living in East Baton Rouge Parish continue to receive their property tax reassessments in the mail, they're learning more about the numbers. Last week, 2 On Your Side met with Dal Daigle as he was trying to make sense of his surprising new property... more »

• Customers of tax preparation businesses say stimulus money deposited in wrong bank account Play Video

  April 16, 2020 6:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Millions of stimulus checks were deposited in bank accounts across the country this week, but some people say their money has been deposited into the wrong account. Watch this full story live on News 2 at 6 When Olivia Williams logged onto the IRS portal... more »

• Councilman says "toxic climate" forced ExxonMobil withdrawal

  January 24, 2019 12:15 AM

  BATON ROUGE - ExxonMobil may have had the votes for a multi-million dollar parish tax exemption at the EBR Metro Council Wednesday night but didn't want to deal with the public vitriol to get it, according to Republican councilman Dwight Hudson. The company withdrew its exemption application after losing a... more »

• ExxonMobil releases stern, ominous statement related to its failed tax break requests Play Video

  January 22, 2019 2:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE – ExxonMobil released a scathing – and perceived scary – comment on its pursuit of certain industrial tax breaks and its future in the region Tuesday afternoon. In a sternly-worded statement, local refinery experts almost painted a bleak future for their industry locally. “...The perception of... more »

• Council on Aging says it can't afford taxing any less, will fight possible tax coup

  January 10, 2019 4:48 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The East Baton Rouge Council on Aging is entering 2019 trying to head off an attempt at throttling its property tax collection. In a letter sent to benefactors and supporters this week, the head of the board overseeing the Council on Aging blasted an idea floated... more »

• Voters to decide on mental health center Saturday Play Video

  December 7, 2018 7:38 AM

  BATON ROUGE- A once failed mental health tax is back on the ballot for Saturday's election. In 2016, the then two millage tax didn't have enough muscle to pass, but now, it may. It's now at 1.5. millage rate if passed, it would generate 6 million dollars a year... more »

• Hundreds of addressed property tax documents returned to sheriff's office Play Video

  December 6, 2018 6:16 PM

  UPDATE: A senior Postal Manager visited the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Department Friday morning and went through hundreds of property tax notices that were returned to sender and found only one that was deliverable. The manager says they will return to the sheriff's office and volunteer to help the sheriff... more »

• Mayor Broome presents road tax plan to voters Play Video

  July 23, 2018 11:32 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Constituents had a lot of questions Monday night about the mayor-president's tax plan for roads. It was the first public meeting held to sell the proposal. "I'm going to be open-minded which is a big change for me," said resident Deborah Todd. She opposed last year's... more »

• Study shows St. George would run a deficit Play Video

  July 9, 2018 7:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Two LSU professors said the proposed City of St. George would bring in less tax revenue and spend more money than its organizers claim. Economist Jim Richardson and Public Administration expert Jared Llorens presented their findings Monday at the Baton Rouge Press Club. "In the initial... more »

• Some metro council members only want one tax on ballot Play Video

  June 28, 2018 12:03 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Some metro council members say two tax initiatives is too much. The mayor-president's office had two tax proposals introduced at the council meeting Wednesday night, one for roads and one for a mental health facility known as the Bridge Center. "I support both programs but not... more »

• Some Metro Council members like new road tax plan better than last one Play Video

  June 20, 2018 11:49 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome had a series of private meetings with metro council members Wednesday about a number of issues including her new road tax plan. The mayor wants the metro council to place the initiative on the December ballot. "I like that the funding source... more »

• Despite crashes, tickets and a lawsuit, employee driving state vehicle keeps clean driving record Play Video

  May 24, 2018 6:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE – A state corrections employee is facing discipline and the woman's bosses are trying to figure out a glitch in records after a series of wrecks involving state vehicles driven by the employee. Despite having an accident free record, Chelsea Laurent, a probation and parole officer, has... more »

• New tax plan for bridge across Mississippi River Play Video

  April 5, 2018 11:54 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Would you vote for higher taxes if it paid for a new bridge across the Mississippi River? Voters in five parishes may soon get the chance. State Senator Rick Ward (R-Port Allen) has proposed creating a special taxing district encompassing East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Ascension,... more »

• School board proposes massive construction effort, new schools in south EBR Play Video

  February 22, 2018 5:10 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The East Baton Rouge Parish School System proposes using proceeds from a 1-cent tax renewal to pay for a renovation of Glen Oaks High, a new elementary school and land for another new school somewhere in the southern part of East Baton Rouge Parish. There are... more »

• New Louisiana law aims to get taxes owed by online shoppers

  January 16, 2018 7:02 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La.- Online shoppers get ready. Louisiana is beefing up its efforts to collect taxes on purchases made from out-of-state Internet retailers. Residents who bought products last year from online companies and didn't pay state sales taxes will begin receiving notifications this month from the retailers,... more »

• Flood victims continue to receive deductions on 2017 property taxes Play Video

  December 5, 2017 5:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Mike and Margie Johnson are just about done rebuilding from the August 2016 flood. They're still living in a Manufactured Housing Unit but like their neighbors, whether they flooded or not, property taxes are coming due. Homeowners in Ascension, Livingston, and East Baton Rouge Parishes are... more »

• Weak support on metro council for police pay tax Play Video

  November 21, 2017 11:43 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Half of the members on the Baton Rouge Metro Council either oppose or are undecided on a property tax hike for police pay raises. The 8-mill property tax hike proposed by council members Matt Watson and Tara Wicker was introduced at the metro council Tuesday night and... more »

• House bid on at parish tax sale after homeowner's mail issues Play Video

  October 20, 2017 6:05 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A woman living in Texas says her mail was not delivered on time and her property went up for tax sale. Debe Goree says the whole thing could have been avoided if she'd been able to pay her fees online. For years, Goree has owned... more »

• Metro Council to vote on road tax next week Play Video

  September 7, 2017 11:43 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Mayor Sharon Weston Broome held her ninth public meeting to promote her road tax plan Thursday night at Broadmoor Methodist Church. The 5-mill property tax hike goes before the Baton Rouge Metro Council next Wednesday where members could approve it for the November ballot. Broome said she's... more »

• 2nd Amendment Sales Tax Holiday occurs this weekend

  September 1, 2017 1:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE - This weekend, hunters are getting a sales tax discount when shopping for firearms or other hunting supplies. From September 1 through September 3, purchases connected to the 2nd Amendment will be fully exempt from local sales taxes and subject to only three percent sales tax instead... more »

• Deadline to claim solar energy tax credit is Aug. 31

  August 21, 2017 6:41 AM

  BATON ROUGE – Louisiana taxpayers have until Thursday, August 31 to claim a tax credit for qualifying residential solar energy systems purchased and installed on or before December 31, 2015. Taxpayers who purchased qualifying systems, and who did not submit solar tax credit claims previously, must file their claims... more »

• Millions of state income tax refunds will become unclaimed property if not claimed by Sept. 6

  August 16, 2017 7:18 AM

  BATON ROUGE – Millions of dollars in state income tax refunds will become unclaimed property if taxpayers don’t claim them by September 6. The Louisiana Department of Revenue sent letters to 9,500 taxpayers advising them to claim the refunds before they are transferred by law to the Unclaimed Property... more »

• Mayor Broome to hold series of meetings on road tax plan Play Video

  August 13, 2017 6:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE - In order to have better roads and transportation in East Baton Rouge Parish, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome says taxes may have to increase, but she wants your input before anything is finalized. For the next month, she will be holding a series of public meetings around... more »

• Higher hotel tax pushed for rooms in Baton Rouge

  August 4, 2017 4:59 PM

  BATON ROUGE – It's not just the mayor's office who is pushing a tax for an upcoming ballot. The city's tourist officials announced Friday, they hope voters approve a hotel occupancy tax in November. Tax would go up by two cents if approved. The tax would be charged on... more »

• Mayor schedules meetings to sell EBR voters on tax to pay for roads

  August 4, 2017 4:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The mayor's office announced a series of meetings aimed at selling a property tax proposal to voters. Earlier, the mayor announced plans for a property tax that would raise about $500 million to be used on roads throughout the parish. WBRZ.com previously highlighted which roadways would... more »

• See list of suggested roads mayor's new tax would fix Play Video

  July 26, 2017 3:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The mayor's new property tax proposal goes before Metro Council for its first appearance Wednesday. The council is expected to introduce the tax and debate whether or not it should make its way to a parish-wide vote on the November ballot. Voters then would have the... more »

• WATCH LIVE: Mayor Broome to announce plans for proposed transportation tax Play Video

  July 20, 2017 1:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome announced that she will reveal plans for a proposed 5-mil property tax to fund better transportation for roads in Baton Rouge, her office announced on Thursday. WATCH LIVE HERE The proposal for the tax to go on voters' ballots in... more »

• Lawmaker delays vote on Louisiana gas tax hike

  May 24, 2017 10:23 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A Louisiana lawmaker pushing to increase Louisiana's gas tax is urging his House colleagues to consider the proposal, which so far doesn't have enough votes to win passage. Republican Rep. Steve Carter, of Baton Rouge, delayed a scheduled vote on the tax hike bill until next week.... more »

• Home owner burned on solar panel investment Play Video

  May 22, 2017 6:33 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A promise of big savings on his electric bill convinced a man to make an investment into solar power, only to be burned when tax rebates never materialized. Frank Masanz purchased solar panels for his home in 2015 when a salesman with Global Efficient Energy knocked... more »

• City official wants EBR Council on Aging removed from spending tax money

  May 18, 2017 3:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Metro Councilman Dwight Hudson will ask his colleagues for strict oversight of the recently-passed property tax that will fund elderly affairs operations through the EBR Council on Aging. Hudson told WBRZ's Chief Investigator, Chris Nakamoto, Thursday, he filed an agenda item for an upcoming meeting that... more »

• Louisiana tax study likely to be shelved, instead of enacted

  May 15, 2017 2:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana's lawmakers are on track to reject most of the big-ticket concepts pushed by a blue-ribbon panel they commissioned to recommend tax overhaul ideas. Few task force suggestions have advanced beyond their first hearings. Several of the main proposals have been killed outright, while others haven't even... more »

• City of Gonzales approves resolution for 10 percent sales tax Play Video

  May 8, 2017 10:18 PM

  GONZALES - Voters in Gonzales will decide on possibly raising the sales tax by a half-cent this October. The City of Gonzales council passed a resolution to allow a half-cent sales tax increase, which will hike the city's sales tax to 10 percent if voters approve it on October's... more »

• Gonzales City Council to discuss potential sales tax increase Play Video

  May 5, 2017 6:58 PM

  GONZALES – The Gonzales City Council will be considering a half-cent sales tax increase at its next meeting. The money from the sales tax will be used for public safety, police and fire protection. If the council passes the resolution for the tax increase, it will be placed on... more »

• Council members walk out on controversial Council on Aging discussion Play Video

  April 12, 2017 6:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The Metro Council failed to approve city ordinances associated with a property tax to fund the EBR Council on Aging after several members walked out of the meeting Wednesday evening. JUST NOW: @GaryChambersJr told metro council "holding up the decision of the people is a... more »

• Owner of tax preparation businesses accused of defrauding state for second time

  April 10, 2017 1:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The owner of a chain of tax preparation businesses faces fraud charges after the Louisiana Department of Revenue says he schemed to defraud the state of payroll taxes and inflated income tax refunds. Leroi Gorman Jackson, owner of Taxman Financial Services, LLC, is accused of withholding... more »

• Gas tax could increase 20 cents per gallon Play Video

  April 6, 2017 6:48 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The lack of funding for road work in Louisiana is causing more than just frustration on the highway. Business groups said Thursday it's hurting the Baton Rouge area economy. "We have a very unique example recently where the LA 1 Bridge across the river was posted [closed... more »

• Tax assessor begins surveys of flood-damaged property in Ascension Play Video

  March 27, 2017 6:57 PM

  ASCENSION – The tax assessor is going door-to-door in Ascension Parish, surveying residents' property that were impacted by the August flood. Justin Champlin, the chief deputy tax assessor says they plan on going to more than 6,000 flood-damaged properties in the parish. "All houses are different, so each... more »

• Tax break for owners of flood-damaged homes in Ascension Play Video

  March 23, 2017 7:47 PM

  ASCENSION – Homeowners in Ascension still impacted by the August flood could be in for a tax break this year. The break could be welcomed by homeowners like Richard Prince, who operates a small business that customizes in 18-wheelers. The business is located on the property where he lives.... more »

• Tax preparer accused of costing state nearly $300,000 in false filings

  February 22, 2017 4:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE – A Louisiana tax preparer faces fraud charges for a scheme that cost taxpayers an estimated $300,000. The Louisiana Department of Revenue reported the arrest of Melissa Cato for allegedly altering clients' state income tax returns to claim losses for businesses that did not exist. Auditors with... more »