Self-Employment Tax for Louisiana (2026)
Louisiana (LA) Key Facts
Federal S E Tax Rate
15.3%
State Income Tax Rate
4.25%
Combined S E + State Rate
19.6%
S E Tax Components
12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare
How This Calculator Works in Louisiana
This calculator estimates your total self-employment tax in Louisiana, including the federal 15.3% SE tax and Louisiana's state income tax. Enter your net SE income to see your liability.
Louisiana Overview
Self-employed workers in Louisiana pay the federal 15.3% SE tax plus state income tax at up to 4.25%, for a combined burden of approximately 19.6%. Quarterly estimated payments are typically required for both federal and state obligations.
How Louisiana Compares
Louisiana's combined SE burden of 19.6% compares to Texas at 15.3% and Mississippi at 20.0%. State income tax creates meaningful differences between states.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 0% | Texas has a state income tax on SE income rate of 0%. |
| Mississippi | 4.7% | Mississippi has a state income tax on SE income rate of 4.7%. |
| Arkansas | 3.9% | Arkansas has a state income tax on SE income rate of 3.9%. |
Louisiana's state income tax on SE income rate of 4.25% compares to a national average of approximately 5.04%. This is below the national average.
Tips for Louisiana Residents
- 1Federal self-employment tax is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare) regardless of state.
- 2Louisiana adds state income tax at up to 4.25% on self-employment income, for a combined rate of about 19.6%.
- 3Make quarterly estimated payments for both federal and Louisiana state taxes to avoid underpayment penalties.
- 4Deduct half of your SE tax on your federal return and track all business expenses to minimize net self-employment income.
- 5Consider whether an S-Corp election could reduce your SE tax burden if your net income exceeds $50,000-$60,000.