Sales Tax for Louisiana (2026)
Louisiana (LA) Key Facts
State Sales Tax Rate
4.45%
Has State Sales Tax
Yes
Local Taxes May Apply
Yes
Tax Type
Sales and use tax
How This Calculator Works in Louisiana
This calculator estimates the Louisiana sales tax on your purchase amount using the state rate of 4.45%. Enter your purchase price to see the tax amount and total cost.
Louisiana Overview
Louisiana's 4.45% state sales tax rate appears moderate, but combined with local parish and municipal taxes, total rates can reach 11.45% — the highest in the United States. The fragmented local collection system means rates vary dramatically across the state's 64 parishes, and while groceries are exempt at the state level, local taxes on food still apply.
How Louisiana Compares
Louisiana's sales tax rate of 4.45% compares to Texas at 6.25% and Mississippi at 7%. Combined with local rates, the effective sales tax burden varies by location.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 6.25% | Texas has a sales tax rate of 6.25%. |
| Mississippi | 7% | Mississippi has a sales tax rate of 7%. |
| Arkansas | 6.5% | Arkansas has a sales tax rate of 6.5%. |
Louisiana's sales tax rate of 4.45% compares to a national average of approximately 5.10%. This is below the national average.
Tips for Louisiana Residents
- 1Louisiana has the highest combined sales tax rates in the entire United States — the 4.45% state rate plus local taxes can reach 11.45% in some parishes.
- 2Groceries are exempt from Louisiana's state sales tax, but most parishes still tax food at the local level.
- 3Louisiana's complex parish and municipal tax system means businesses may deal with dozens of different local tax collectors.
- 4The state offers a permanent sales tax holiday on the first weekend of August for back-to-school purchases.
- 5Louisiana is gradually reforming its sales tax system — the state rate was lowered from 5% to 4.45% as part of recent tax reform.