⚡ Updated for 2026 · Louisiana Sales Tax

Louisiana Sales Tax Calculator 2026

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Combined rate: 0%
Total with tax: $0.00
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Tax Amount
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Total Price
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Tax Rate Breakdown

Louisiana Sales Tax Rates by County (2026)

CountyState RateCounty RateCombined RateMajor City
Acadia Parish4.45%4.60%9.05%Crowley
Allen Parish4.45%4.00%8.45%Oberlin
Ascension Parish4.45%4.50%8.95%Gonzales
Caddo Parish4.45%4.60%9.05%Shreveport
Calcasieu Parish4.45%4.00%8.45%Lake Charles
East Baton Rouge Parish4.45%4.50%8.95%Baton Rouge
Jefferson Parish4.45%4.50%8.95%Metairie
Lafayette Parish4.45%4.00%8.45%Lafayette
Orleans Parish4.45%4.50%8.95%New Orleans
St. Tammany Parish4.45%4.50%8.95%Covington
Tangipahoa Parish4.45%4.00%8.45%Hammond
Terrebonne Parish4.45%4.50%8.95%Houma

What Is the Louisiana Sales Tax Rate in 2026?

The Louisiana sales tax rate in 2026 is 4.45%. This rate is imposed by the state and applies to most tangible personal property and certain services. However, local jurisdictions, such as parishes, may also impose their own sales tax rates, which can range from 0% to 7%. The combined state and local sales tax rates in Louisiana can range from 4.45% to 11.45%.

Louisiana has a unique sales tax system, with some exemptions and special rules. For example, groceries, prescription medications, and certain medical equipment are exempt from sales tax. Additionally, some services, such as haircuts and dry cleaning, are subject to sales tax.

💡 Quick Reference: If you’re buying a $100 item in New Orleans, you’ll pay a total sales tax of 8.95%, which includes the 4.45% state rate and the 4.50% local rate.

It’s worth noting that Louisiana has a relatively high sales tax rate compared to other states. However, the state’s sales tax system is designed to be relatively simple and easy to administer, with a single state rate and local rates that are generally easy to calculate.

Common Louisiana Sales Tax Exemptions

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Groceries
Most grocery items, including food, beverages, and household essentials, are exempt from sales tax in Louisiana.
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Prescription Medications
Prescription medications, including prescription drugs and certain medical equipment, are exempt from sales tax in Louisiana.
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Clothing
and
Footwear
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Textbooks
Textbooks and other educational materials are exempt from sales tax in Louisiana.
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Medical Equipment
Certain medical equipment, including wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen tanks, are exempt from sales tax in Louisiana.
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Residential Utilities
Residential utilities, including electricity, gas, and water, are exempt from sales tax in Louisiana.

How Does Louisiana Sales Tax Work?

The Louisiana sales tax is collected by the Louisiana Department of Revenue. The state imposes a 4.45% sales tax rate on most tangible personal property and certain services. Local jurisdictions, such as parishes, may also impose their own sales tax rates, which can range from 0% to 7%.

Louisiana has a relatively simple sales tax system, with a single state rate and local rates that are generally easy to calculate. However, the state has a number of exemptions and special rules, including exemptions for groceries, prescription medications, and certain medical equipment.

📅 Louisiana Sales Tax Filing: Businesses that collect sales tax in Louisiana must file a sales tax return with the Louisiana Department of Revenue on a monthly or quarterly basis, depending on the amount of sales tax collected. The return is due on the 20th day of the month following the close of the reporting period.

Frequently Asked Questions

The sales tax rate in New Orleans is 8.95%, which includes the 4.45% state rate and the 4.50% local rate.
Yes, most grocery items, including food, beverages, and household essentials, are exempt from sales tax in Louisiana.
Yes, if you have nexus in Louisiana, you are required to collect sales tax on online sales. Louisiana has a economic nexus threshold of $100,000 in annual sales.
You can file a sales tax return in Louisiana online through the Louisiana Department of Revenue’s website or by mail using a paper return. The return is due on the 20th day of the month following the close of the reporting period.
The penalty for not collecting sales tax in Louisiana can include fines, interest, and other penalties. The Louisiana Department of Revenue may also impose a penalty of up to 50% of the uncollected sales tax.
Yes, if you have overpaid sales tax in Louisiana, you can file a claim for refund with the Louisiana Department of Revenue. You will need to provide documentation to support your claim, including records of the overpaid sales tax.

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