In order to qualify for homestead exemption, one must own and occupy the house as his/her primary residence. Regardless of how many houses are owned, no one is entitled to more than one homestead exemption, which is a maximum of $7,500 of assessed value, except in those parishes whereby voters approved that the next $7,500 of the assessed valuation on property receiving the homestead which is owned and occupied by a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 100% by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs shall be exempt from ad valorem taxation. If you change primary residence, you must notify the assessor. It is advisable to go into the assessor’s office and apply for homestead exemption as soon as you purchase and occupy your home.