What is the sales tax rate in Louisiana?

The Louisiana state sales tax rate is 5.000% as of January 1, 2025. Local jurisdictions add between 4.5% and 7% in additional taxes, making combined rates range from 9.5% to over 12% in some areas with Economic Development Districts (EDDs).

Does Louisiana have local sales tax?

Yes, Louisiana has both parish (county) and municipal sales taxes. Local rates are mandatory and vary by location. Combined state and local rates typically range from 9.5% to 10.5%, with some areas reaching over 12% when Economic Development District taxes are included.

What are Economic Development Districts (EDDs) in Louisiana?

Economic Development Districts (EDDs) are special taxing districts in Louisiana that impose additional sales taxes in specific areas to fund local development projects. Major cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport have multiple EDDs. These can add 0.5% to 2% on top of regular state and local rates, pushing total rates above 12% in some shopping areas.

Are groceries taxed in Louisiana?

No, most unprepared grocery food items are exempt from Louisiana's state sales tax. However, local parish and municipal taxes may still apply to groceries. Prepared foods, candy, and soft drinks are generally taxable at full rates.

Is clothing taxed in Louisiana?

Yes, clothing is taxable in Louisiana. All clothing purchases are subject to the combined state and local sales tax rates. Louisiana does not have clothing exemptions or sales tax holidays.

Are prescription drugs taxed in Louisiana?

No, prescription drugs are exempt from sales tax in Louisiana. Medications prescribed by licensed healthcare providers are not subject to state or local sales taxes.

Do I pay sales tax on used cars in Louisiana?

Yes, Louisiana charges sales tax on motor vehicle purchases, whether new or used. The tax is calculated using the combined state and local rate for your parish. You must pay this when registering the vehicle.

When did Louisiana last change its sales tax rate?

Louisiana most recently changed its state sales tax rate on January 1, 2025, when it increased from 4.45% to 5.000%. This rate is scheduled to remain at 5% through December 31, 2029, then decrease to 4.75% on January 1, 2030.

Do I pay Louisiana sales tax on online purchases?

Yes, most online purchases delivered to Louisiana addresses are subject to Louisiana sales tax. Major online retailers typically collect this tax at checkout. The rate includes the 5% state tax plus applicable parish and municipal taxes based on your delivery address.

Sales Tax Calculator

Louisiana Sales Tax
Calculator

Calculate Louisiana sales tax instantly for any city. Enter any amount to see the exact tax and total.

State Rate

5.000%

Select City

Located in French Quarter Economic Dev. Dist.; Magnolia Marketplace EDD; Riverwalk‑Spanish Plaza EDD (+10.245%)

Amount before tax

About Louisiana Sales Tax

State rate: 5.000%

Local rate in County: 5.000%

Combined rate in New Orleans: 0.000%

French Quarter Economic Dev. Dist.; Magnolia Marketplace EDD; Riverwalk‑Spanish Plaza EDD

Businesses in this district charge an additional tax, bringing the total rate to 10.245% instead of the standard 0.000%.

State Rate

5.000%

Local Tax

4.5% - 7%

Max Rate

County

0.000%

Standard Rate

31,671

City	Standard Rate	Special District	Population
New Orleans	0.000%	Special District	362,701
Baton Rouge	0.000%	Special District	220,907
Shreveport	0.000%	Special District	176,578
Metairie	0.000%	Standard Rate	138,995
Lake Charles	0.000%	Special District	81,157
Bossier City	0.000%	Standard Rate	63,218
Monroe	0.000%	Special District	46,622
Alexandria	0.000%	Standard Rate	43,133
Marrero	0.000%	Standard Rate	31,866
Houma	0.000%	Standard Rate	31,671
Central	0.000%	Special District	30,161
New Iberia	0.000%	Special District	26,849
Terrytown	0.000%	Standard Rate	25,844
Hammond	0.000%	Standard Rate	23,426
Chalmette	0.000%	Standard Rate	22,447
Bayou Cane	0.000%	Standard Rate	22,143
Sulphur	0.000%	Standard Rate	20,572
Youngsville	0.000%	Standard Rate	19,038
Shenandoah *	0.000%	Standard Rate	18,259
Gretna	0.000%	Standard Rate	17,185
Natchitoches	0.000%	Special District	17,165
Estelle	0.000%	Standard Rate	16,761
Lafayette	0.000%	Special District	12,228
Kenner	0.000%	Special District	6,465
Prairieville	0.000%	Standard Rate	3,501
LaPlace	0.000%	Standard Rate	2,848
Slidell	0.000%	Special District	2,844
Ruston	0.000%	Special District	2,233
Harvey	0.000%	Standard Rate	2,171
Zachary	0.000%	Standard Rate	2,037

Note: Louisiana has the highest combined sales tax rates in the nation. Areas with Economic Development Districts have higher rates than the base parish/municipal rates shown.

How to Calculate Sales Tax in Louisiana

Sales Tax Calculation

Louisiana

Example: Television Purchase in New Orleans

Determine the purchase price

Purchase price (before tax) $500.00

Multiply by the tax rate

$500.00 × 10% (0.10)

Sales tax $50.00

Add to the original price

$500.00 + $50.00

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $550.00

Thank you for your purchase

Reverse Calculation

Know the total? Divide by 1.10 to find the pre-tax price. Example: $110.00 ÷ 1.10 = $100.00

What's Taxed?

Taxable: Electronics, furniture, clothing

Exempt (state): Groceries, prescriptions

Special Louisiana Sales Tax Rules

Economic Development Districts (EDDs)

Louisiana allows Economic Development Districts (EDDs) to impose additional sales taxes in specific areas to fund local infrastructure, development, and revitalization projects.

How it works: EDDs typically add 0.5% to 2% on top of base state and local rates. Multiple EDDs can overlap in major commercial areas, compounding the tax burden.

Example: Parts of New Orleans with EDD taxes can reach combined rates of 10.25% or higher (5% state + 5% local + EDDs).

Cities with Notable EDDs

• New Orleans: French Quarter, Magnolia Marketplace, Riverwalk-Spanish Plaza
• Baton Rouge: Americana, Southern University, LSU, Third-Florida
• Shreveport: Multiple downtown and commercial districts
• Lafayette: River Ranch, Oil Center

2025 Tax Reform

Major tax changes took effect January 1, 2025

State Rate Timeline: Louisiana's state rate increased from 4.45% to 5% on January 1, 2025, as part of a comprehensive tax reform package.

•
2025-2029: 5.00% state rate
•
Jan 1, 2030: Reduces to 4.75%

Tax-Exempt Items

•
Groceries: Exempt from state tax (local taxes may apply)
•
Prescription Drugs: Fully exempt from all sales taxes
•
Manufacturing Equipment: Machinery used in production
•
Agricultural Products: Seeds, feed, farm equipment

Important: Louisiana maintains exemptions for groceries, prescription drugs, and residential utilities despite the rate increase.

How Louisiana Compares to Neighboring States

Here's how Louisiana's sales tax stacks up against nearby states

5.000%

Arkansas

6.50%

+ up to 5.125%
local tax

Mississippi

7.00%

+ up to 1%
local tax

Louisiana

5.000%

+ 4.5% to 7% local/EDD

#1 highest combined rate

Texas

6.25%

+ up to 2%
local tax

Average U.S. Combined

7.0%

National average
for comparison

Louisiana has the highest average combined sales tax rate in the United States, with rates frequently exceeding 10% when parish, municipal, and EDD taxes are combined.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisiana Sales Tax Rate History

Louisiana first adopted a sales tax in 1938. Here's the recent history:

Effective Date	Rate	Change	Notes
January 1, 2025	5.0%	▲ +0.55%	Current rate (through Dec 31, 2029)
January 1, 2030	4.75%	▼ -0.25%	Future scheduled reduction
July 1, 2018	4.45%	▼ -0.55%	Reinstated 45% of "clean penny"
May 1, 2016	5.0%	▲ +1.0%	Added "clean penny" temporary tax
Pre-2016	4.0%	—	Previous rate
1938	2.0%	—	Original Louisiana sales tax enacted

Note: The 2025 rate increase to 5% is part of a broader tax reform package that includes income tax reductions and repeal of the corporate franchise tax. The rate is scheduled to drop to 4.75% in 2030.

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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current Louisiana sales tax rates as of January 2025. Tax rates are subject to change by state legislation. For official tax rates and specific guidance on your situation, please consult the Louisiana Department of Revenue or a qualified tax professional.

Not Legal or Tax Advice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always verify current rates before making large purchases or business decisions.

Sources: Louisiana Department of Revenue, Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 47 (Revenue and Taxation)

Last updated: October 10, 2025