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 5%, and when combined with the average local rate of 5.13%, the total average in Louisiana comes to 10.13%. Actual rates vary by city and county.
Louisiana Sales Tax Rates
- State Rate
- 5%
- Avg Local Rate
- 5.13%
- Combined Average
- 10.13%
Quick Reference
Louisiana's 2025 reform paired a flat 3% income tax with a state sales tax increase to 5%, giving it the highest combined sales tax in the country.
State income tax: 3% top rate
How Louisiana's Sales Tax Stacks Up
At 10.13% combined (state plus average local), Louisiana's sales tax ranks the highest in the country — above the national median of 7%.
Local governments drive the bill in Louisiana: cities and counties add an average of 5.13% on top of the 5% state rate, so where you shop matters more than the state rate itself.
Combined state-plus-local averages nearby: Arkansas (9.48%); Mississippi (7.06%); Texas (8.2%). Mississippi has the lowest nearby rate at 7.06%.
Louisiana Sales Tax Table
Quick reference for common purchase amounts at the 10.13% combined average rate:
| Purchase Price | Sales Tax | Total |
| $10 | $1.01 | $11.01 |
| $25 | $2.53 | $27.53 |
| $50 | $5.07 | $55.06 |
| $100 | $10.13 | $110.13 |
| $250 | $25.32 | $275.32 |
| $500 | $50.65 | $550.65 |
| $1,000 | $101.30 | $1101.30 |
| $2,500 | $253.25 | $2753.25 |
| $5,000 | $506.50 | $5506.50 |
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 5% is uniform statewide, while local jurisdictions may add their own rates, averaging 5.13% 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.
What Is and Is Not Taxed in Louisiana
Unprepared groceries are exempt from Louisiana state sales tax — exempt from the state rate; most Louisiana parishes still tax groceries locally.
Prescription medicines are exempt in Louisiana, as they are in every state that levies a sales tax; over-the-counter drugs and most medical supplies are treated separately and are frequently taxable.
Louisiana parishes each administer their own sales tax collection, so a single sale can involve separate state and parish filings.
Out-of-state sellers must register and collect Louisiana tax once they cross the state's economic nexus threshold, a rule that follows from the 2018 Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair. Below that threshold, the buyer technically owes use tax instead.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sales tax rate in Louisiana? + −
The Louisiana state sales tax rate is 5%. With the average local sales tax of 5.13%, the combined rate is approximately 10.13%. 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 10.13% rate: $100 x 0.1013 = $10.13 in tax, for a total of $110.13. Our calculator handles this automatically for any amount.
Are groceries taxed in Louisiana? + −
Unprepared groceries are exempt from Louisiana state sales tax — exempt from the state rate; most Louisiana parishes still tax groceries locally. Prepared meals, restaurant food and hot deli items are treated as taxable sales rather than groceries and carry the full 10.13% combined rate wherever they are bought.
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 5% state rate plus applicable local taxes.
What items are exempt from Louisiana sales tax? + −
Prescription medicines are exempt. Unprepared groceries are exempt from Louisiana state sales tax — exempt from the state rate; most Louisiana parishes still tax groceries locally. Clothing is taxable in Louisiana, unlike in the handful of states that exempt apparel. Sales to exempt organisations, most services, and resale purchases made with a valid Louisiana resale certificate are also outside the tax. The Louisiana Department of Revenue publishes the authoritative exemption list.
Why does the sales tax rate vary so much within Louisiana? + −
Because local governments levy their own sales taxes — an average of 5.13%, which exceeds the 5% state rate itself. Depending on the city or county, your checkout rate can differ noticeably from the 10.13% statewide average.
Is Louisiana a high sales tax state? + −
Louisiana's 10.13% combined average ranks the highest in the country, above the national median of 7%. For the full picture, the state also taxes wages at a flat 3%.
Who sets and administers local sales tax in Louisiana? + −
Louisiana parishes each administer their own sales tax collection, so a single sale can involve separate state and parish filings. In practice that means you should source the rate to the exact delivery address rather than assuming one statewide figure, and a business can face more than one filing obligation for a single sale.
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 (9.48%); Mississippi (7.06%); Texas (8.2%) — versus 10.13% in Louisiana. Mississippi is the cheapest nearby option at 7.06%.
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