Estimate only — not tax advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See methodology and sources.
Louisiana Sales Tax
State + average local combined rate, category exemptions, and how it compares to neighbors.
State rate
4.45%
Average combined (state + local)
9.56%
Category exemptions
| Category | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Exempt | Exempt from state portion; local taxes apply |
| Clothing | Taxed (full rate) | Everyday apparel and footwear. |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt | Prescribed medications dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. |
Example: $100 purchase
- State sales tax only: $4.45
- Combined (state + average local): $9.56
- Total with combined tax: $109.56
Major cities in Louisiana
| City | Combined rate | vs state avg |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | 9.45% | -0.11% |
| Baton Rouge | 9.50% | -0.06% |
| Shreveport | 9.35% | -0.21% |
| Metairie | 9.45% | -0.11% |
| Lafayette | 9.45% | -0.11% |
Border shopping — vs neighboring states
For larger purchases, driving to a neighbor with lower combined rate can save real money.
| State | State rate | Avg combined | vs LA | Save on $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana (current) | 4.45% | 9.56% | — | — |
| Mississippi | 7.00% | 7.07% | -2.49% | $24.90 |
| Texas | 6.25% | 8.20% | -1.36% | $13.60 |
| Arkansas | 6.50% | 9.45% | -0.11% | $1.10 |
Common questions
- What is the sales tax rate in Louisiana?
- Louisiana levies a 4.45% state sales tax. With local taxes added, the statewide average combined rate is 9.56%. Actual rate at the register depends on your city and county.
- Does Louisiana tax groceries?
- Groceries are exempt from state sales tax in Louisiana. Exempt from state portion; local taxes apply
- Does Louisiana have a sales tax holiday?
- Louisiana does not run an annual sales tax holiday. For tax-free shopping, consider neighboring states with holidays, or use online retailers based in no-sales-tax states (OR, MT, NH, DE) — though use tax may still apply on out-of-state purchases.
- Who collects sales tax in Louisiana?
- The Louisiana Department of Revenue collects state-level sales tax; counties and cities add local rates that are remitted through the same return. Out-of-state sellers shipping to Louisiana must collect if they exceed economic nexus thresholds (typically $100k in sales or 200 transactions).
Full data sources and formulas: /sources.
Estimate only — not tax advice. Local rates vary by city and county — your actual rate at the register may differ from the state average. Category-specific exemptions (groceries, prescription drugs, clothing) and tax holidays change by year; check the Louisiana DOR for current rules. All states →
Last reviewed: · Beforeview Editorial · editorial policy