Louisiana Quitclaim Deed Overview
In Louisiana, quitclaim deeds are a recognized legal instrument for transferring whatever property interest the grantor holds to the grantee without any warranty of title. Louisiana law allows quitclaim deeds to be used for a variety of purposes, including transfers between family members, property divisions during divorce, transfers to living trusts and LLCs, and correcting title defects. The deed must be properly executed, notarized, and recorded with the county recorder (Clerk of Court in Louisiana) in the county where the property is located to provide constructive notice of the transfer.
Louisiana does not impose a state-level transfer tax on real property conveyances, which makes quitclaim deed transfers more affordable than in many other states. The primary cost is the recording fee of $50+ (varies by parish). This lack of transfer tax makes Louisiana particularly favorable for property transfers between family members, to trusts, and to LLCs where the beneficial ownership does not change. However, federal gift tax rules still apply to transfers made without fair market value consideration.
$50+
Recording fee
None
Transfer tax
Required
Notarization
2
Witnesses required
Louisiana Recording Requirements
Louisiana has specific requirements for recording quitclaim deeds. Meeting these requirements ensures your deed is accepted by the county recorder and provides proper legal notice of the property transfer.
Louisiana Specific Note
Louisiana has a unique legal system based on civil law rather than common law. Property transfers use terminology like 'act of quitclaim' rather than 'quitclaim deed.' Louisiana requires two witnesses in addition to notarization. Louisiana also does not impose a state transfer tax on property conveyances. Recording is handled by the Clerk of Court in each parish (Louisiana uses parishes instead of counties).
Document Requirements
- Notarization: The grantor's signature must be notarized by a Louisiana notary public or a notary authorized in the state where the deed is signed
- Witnesses: Louisiana requires 2 witness(es) for quitclaim deed recording
- Legal Description: Must include the complete legal description of the property as it appears on the current deed of record or county assessor records
- Parcel Number: The assessor's parcel number (APN) or tax ID number must be included on the deed
- Return Address: A mailing address for returning the recorded deed must appear on the first page
- Formatting: Louisiana requires standard document formatting with adequate margins for recording stamps, black ink, and minimum 10-point font
Community Property State
Louisiana is a community property state with unique civil law traditions derived from the Napoleonic Code. Community property rules in Louisiana differ from other community property states. Both spouses must concur in the alienation of community immovable property. Louisiana uses different terminology than common law states — property is 'immovable' rather than 'real,' and transfers use 'acts of donation' or 'acts of quitclaim.'
How to File a Quitclaim Deed in Louisiana
Filing a quitclaim deed in Louisiana involves preparing the document, getting it notarized, and recording it with the appropriate county office. Follow these steps for a smooth process.
Prepare the Quitclaim Deed
Complete all required fields including grantor and grantee names, the property's complete legal description, parcel number, and consideration amount. Ensure the deed meets Louisiana's formatting requirements
Get the Deed Notarized
The grantor must sign before a notary public with a valid government-issued photo ID. Louisiana also requires 2 witness(es) in addition to notarization
File With the Clerk of Court (parish level)
Take the notarized deed to the Clerk of Court (parish level) in the county where the property is located. Some Louisiana counties accept e-recording for faster processing
Pay Recording Fees and Transfer Taxes
Pay the recording fee ($50+ (varies by parish)) and any applicable transfer tax (None). Bring payment in a form accepted by the Clerk of Court (parish level)
Notify Relevant Parties
Inform your mortgage lender, title insurance company, homeowners insurance provider, and the county tax assessor of the ownership change
Louisiana Tax Implications
Louisiana does not impose a state-level transfer tax or documentary stamp tax on real property conveyances, which reduces the cost of quitclaim deed transfers.
Regardless of Louisiana's transfer tax rules, federal gift tax implications apply when property is transferred without fair market value consideration. If the value of the gifted property exceeds the annual gift tax exclusion ($18,000 per recipient in 2024), the grantor must file IRS Form 709. The grantee receives the grantor's cost basis rather than a stepped-up basis, which can result in significant capital gains tax when the property is eventually sold.
Property tax reassessment rules vary across Louisiana. Some counties reassess property values upon a change of ownership, while others follow a regular assessment cycle. Contact your local county assessor to understand how the transfer will affect your property tax assessment and whether any homestead or other exemptions need to be re-applied for by the new owner.
Louisiana Quitclaim Deed Fees & Costs
Below is a breakdown of the typical costs associated with filing a quitclaim deed in Louisiana. Actual fees may vary by county.
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| Recording Fee | $50+ (varies by parish) |
| Transfer Tax / Documentary Stamps | None |
| Notarization | $5 - $25 per signature |
| Certified Copy | $1 - $5 per page |
| Attorney Review (optional) | $150 - $500 |
Sample Louisiana Quitclaim Deed
Below is a preview of our Louisiana-specific quitclaim deed. Your customized document will include all fields and declarations required for recording in any Louisiana county.
QUITCLAIM DEED
STATE OF LOUISIANA
Property Transfer Without Warranty
GRANTOR:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Louisiana Address]
County: [County]
GRANTEE:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Mailing Address]
Vesting: [Tenancy Type]
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
County: [County] State: Louisiana
Legal Description: [Per Recorded Plat]
Parcel No.: [APN]
Consideration: $[Amount]
Louisiana Quitclaim Deed FAQ
Answers to common questions about filing a quitclaim deed in Louisiana, including recording requirements, fees, and tax implications.
Official Louisiana Resources
Use these official state resources to verify recording requirements, find your county recorder office, and access government forms for your Louisiana property transfer.
Louisiana Parish Government Directory
Official recording office and deed requirements
Louisiana Department of Revenue
Transfer tax rates, exemptions, and property tax information
IRS Gift Tax Information
Federal gift tax rules for property transfers
American Land Title Association (ALTA)
Title insurance standards and find a title company
Related Louisiana Documents
Depending on your property transfer situation, you may need additional documents alongside your Louisiana quitclaim deed.
Create your Louisiana Quitclaim Deed in under 5 minutes.
Answer a few questions and download a Louisiana-compliant document, ready for the state agency.