Louisiana Reverse Sales Tax Calculator.

Louisiana has a state sales tax rate of 5% (reduced from 4.45% in 2025 as part of a tax restructuring), but it consistently ranks among the states with the highest combined sales tax rates in the nation. Louisiana's parishes (the equivalent of counties) and municipalities layer significant additional taxes on top of the state rate, with some combined rates approaching 13%.

New Orleans has a combined rate of approximately 9.45% (5% state + 4.45% Orleans Parish + city levies). Baton Rouge's combined rate is around 10.45%. Some smaller Louisiana parishes push combined rates above 12%, particularly in parts of Morehouse, Sabine, and other rural parishes. Louisiana has over 400 taxing jurisdictions.

Louisiana has one of the most complex local sales tax systems in the country. Unlike many states where local taxes are collected by the state and distributed to localities, many Louisiana parishes have their own independent sales tax collection systems. This means sellers may need to file returns with individual parishes directly rather than through a single state portal.

Louisiana applies reduced rates to some categories: most food for home consumption is taxed at a reduced rate (under the state portion), and some specific items like certain farm and agricultural inputs have exemptions or reductions. However, Louisiana is known for relatively few exemptions compared to other states.

The Louisiana Department of Revenue administers the state portion. The Louisiana Sales Tax Taskforce has worked to centralize local tax administration through the Louisiana Uniform Local Sales Tax Board, but the transition has been complex and ongoing.