Louisiana Sales Tax Calculator

Free Louisiana sales tax calculator 2026. 5% state + 4.56% local = 9.56% combined. Reverse calc & exemptions. No sign-up.

How Louisiana Sales Tax Works

Louisiana charges a 5% state sales tax rate. On top of that, local jurisdictions (counties, cities, special districts) add their own taxes, bringing the average combined rate to 9.56%. That means on a $1,000 purchase, you'd pay approximately $95.60 in sales tax for a total of $1095.60.

The Louisiana state rate of 5% applies uniformly across the state, but local surtaxes vary significantly by location. The average local rate across LA is 4.56%, but some cities and counties charge more or less than this average. This calculator uses the average local rate, but you can override it with your specific city rate for a more accurate calculation.

Good news: Louisiana exempts groceries, prescription drugs from state sales tax. However, clothing are still subject to sales tax in Louisiana. These exemptions can make a real difference in your annual spending, especially on groceries which are a recurring expense for every household.

Need to work backwards? If you have a total receipt and need to find the original price before tax, use the reverse sales tax formula: divide the total by (1 + tax rate). For example, a $1095.60 total with 9.56% tax means the original price was $1,000 ($1095.60 ÷ 1.956). This is useful for expense reports and bookkeeping.

Since the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court decision, online retailers must collect Louisiana sales tax on purchases shipped to LA residents. Most online purchases now include Louisiana sales tax based on the buyer's location, including any applicable local taxes.

Louisiana Sales Tax Key Rates (2026)

Louisiana State Rate

Louisiana Avg Local Rate

4.56%

Louisiana Combined Rate

9.56%

Tax on $1,000

$95.60

Total on $1,000

$1095.60

Louisiana Sales Tax FAQ

What is the sales tax rate in Louisiana?

The state sales tax rate in Louisiana is 5%. With average local taxes, the combined rate is approximately 9.56%. Actual rates may vary by city and county within Louisiana.

Why does the sales tax rate vary within Louisiana?

Louisiana allows local jurisdictions (counties, cities, and special districts) to add their own sales taxes on top of the 5% state rate. These local rates vary by location, which is why you might pay a different total rate in different cities within Louisiana.

What items are exempt from sales tax in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, groceries, prescription drugs are exempt from state sales tax. However, clothing are still subject to sales tax. Exemptions may vary at the local level.

How do I calculate sales tax in Louisiana?

Multiply the purchase price by the combined tax rate. For example, on a $100 purchase at the 9.56% combined rate in Louisiana: $100 × 0.956 = $9.56 in tax. Total price: $109.56.

Does Louisiana charge sales tax on online purchases?

Yes. Following the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court ruling, online retailers must collect Louisiana sales tax on purchases shipped to Louisiana residents. The rate is based on the buyer's location within Louisiana.

Nearby State Sales Tax Calculators

All 50 States Texas (8.20%)Arkansas (9.47%)Mississippi (7.07%)

Rachel MitchellCPA

Lead Tax Analyst & Editorial Director, TheTaxCalc

Rachel Mitchell is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed in Illinois with over 12 years of experience in individual and small-business taxation. She specializes in federal and state income tax compliance, FICA optimization, payroll tax strategy, and multi-state tax planning. Rachel holds an MS in Taxation from Golden Gate University and a BS in Accounting from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Illinois CPA Society. Before joining TheTaxCalc, Rachel spent 8 years at a Big Four accounting firm advising high-net-worth clients on tax-efficient wealth strategies.

Reviewed: January 2026Tax data verified against IRS Publication 15-T & state revenue departments