When it comes to agriculture or timberland assessments in Bienville Parish, Use Value is a beneficial classification for qualifying property owners. This special assessment allows eligible land to be taxed based on its productivity rather than its full market value, often resulting in a lower tax burden.

One key factor in determining Use Value is the soil classification of the land. These classifications are not arbitrarily assigned. They are based on detailed studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service). These studies analyze the specific soil types found in each location and determine how suitable the soil is for various agricultural uses.

Thanks to these efforts, the Louisiana Tax Commission is able to access this information quickly and accurately. Each parcel is evaluated based on its unique soil composition, and the appropriate Use Value rate is applied according to that classification.

This system ensures consistency and fairness across the state, allowing landowners to benefit from a rate that reflects the true productive capacity of their land.

If anyone has questions about whether their property qualifies for Use Value or want to know more about how soil classification was determined, feel free to reach out to the Assessor’s Office. They are here to help guide people through the process.