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Free Louisiana Sales Tax Calculator

Disclaimer: All rates and figures on this page are estimates for general informational purposes only and are not financial, tax, or legal advice. Sales tax rates change and vary by city, county, and the type of item purchased. Verify current rates with the Louisiana Department of Revenue before relying on these figures, and consult a qualified tax professional for specific guidance.

Calculate sales tax on any purchase in Louisiana. The state sales tax rate is 4.45%, and when combined with the average local rate of 5.07%, the total average in Louisiana comes to 9.52%. Actual rates vary by city and county.

Louisiana Sales Tax Rates

State Rate
4.45%
Avg Local Rate
5.07%
Combined Average
9.52%

Quick Reference

Louisiana enacted major tax reform in 2025 with a flat 3% income tax.

State income tax: 3% top rate

How Louisiana's Sales Tax Stacks Up

At 9.52% combined (state plus average local), Louisiana's sales tax ranks 3rd-highest nationally — above the national median of 7%.

Local governments drive the bill in Louisiana: cities and counties add an average of 5.07% on top of the 4.45% state rate, so where you shop matters more than the state rate itself.

Combined state-plus-local averages nearby: Arkansas (9.47%); Mississippi (7.07%); Texas (8.2%). Mississippi has the lowest nearby rate at 7.07%.

Louisiana Sales Tax Table

Quick reference for common purchase amounts at the 9.52% combined average rate:

Purchase Price Sales Tax Total
$10 $0.95 $10.95
$25 $2.38 $27.38
$50 $4.76 $54.76
$100 $9.52 $109.52
$250 $23.80 $273.80
$500 $47.60 $547.60
$1,000 $95.20 $1095.20
$2,500 $238.00 $2738.00
$5,000 $476.00 $5476.00

Understanding Louisiana Sales Tax

Sales tax in Louisiana is collected at the point of sale on most tangible goods and some services. The state portion of 4.45% is uniform statewide, while local jurisdictions may add their own rates, averaging 5.07% across the state. Certain items like groceries and prescription medications may be exempt or taxed at reduced rates.

When budgeting in Louisiana, remember that sales tax affects your purchasing power. With a median home value of $198,100 and a property tax rate of 0.55%, understanding all taxes helps you make informed financial decisions.

Related Louisiana Calculators

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sales tax rate in Louisiana? +
The Louisiana state sales tax rate is 4.45%. With the average local sales tax of 5.07%, the combined rate is approximately 9.52%. Actual rates vary by city and county — some localities charge higher or lower local rates.
How do I calculate Louisiana sales tax on a purchase? +
Multiply the pre-tax price by the applicable tax rate as a decimal. For example, on a $100 purchase at the combined 9.52% rate: $100 x 0.0952 = $9.52 in tax, for a total of $109.52. Our calculator handles this automatically for any amount.
Are groceries taxed in Louisiana? +
Grocery taxation varies by state. In Louisiana, the rules depend on the type of food item. Generally, unprepared food for home consumption may be taxed at a reduced rate or exempt, while prepared meals and restaurant food are subject to the full 9.52% combined rate. Check your local jurisdiction for specific exemptions.
Does Louisiana charge sales tax on online purchases? +
Yes. Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Louisiana requires out-of-state online retailers that meet economic nexus thresholds to collect and remit Louisiana sales tax. This means most online purchases are subject to the same 4.45% state rate plus applicable local taxes.
What items are exempt from Louisiana sales tax? +
Common exemptions in most states include prescription medications, medical devices, and certain essential services. Louisiana may also exempt specific categories like clothing, agricultural supplies, or manufacturing equipment. During designated sales tax holidays, additional items may be temporarily exempt. Check Louisiana's Department of Revenue for the current exemption list.
Why does the sales tax rate vary so much within Louisiana? +
Because local governments levy their own sales taxes — an average of 5.07%, which exceeds the 4.45% state rate itself. Depending on the city or county, your checkout rate can differ noticeably from the 9.52% statewide average.
Is Louisiana a high sales tax state? +
Louisiana's 9.52% combined average ranks 3rd-highest nationally, above the national median of 7%. For the full picture, the state also taxes wages at a flat 3%.
How does Louisiana sales tax compare with neighboring states? +
Rates change the moment you cross a border. Combined state-plus-local averages for nearby states: Arkansas (9.47%); Mississippi (7.07%); Texas (8.2%) — versus 9.52% in Louisiana. Mississippi is the cheapest nearby option at 7.07%.

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