Louisiana Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Calculate sales tax in Louisiana. Louisiana has a 5% state sales tax rate; local taxes bring the average combined rate to 10.13%. Based on current LA rates.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated October 19, 2026 · Methodology

$
%
Groceries (food for home)
Clothing

Total Tax

$10.13

Total with Tax

$110.13

Combined Rate

10.130%

Tax Breakdown

State Tax (5.00%)$5.00
Local Tax (5.13%)$5.13
Total Sales Tax$10.13
Total with Tax$110.13

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

Louisiana Sales Tax Guide

Louisiana's state sales tax is 5%, charged on most retail sales of tangible goods and some services. What sets the state apart is the local layer stacked on top: parishes and municipalities add their own rates, roughly 4% to 7%, so the combined figure at checkout frequently lands well above the 5% state portion and can climb past 11% in some areas. The exact total depends on the parish and city where the sale happens, which is why two stores a few miles apart can ring up different rates.

Everyday essentials get relief. Groceries bought for home preparation and prescription drugs are generally exempt, keeping staple food and necessary medicine out of the calculation, while prepared meals and discretionary goods stay taxable. Purchases from out-of-state sellers that do not collect Louisiana tax are not off the hook either: a matching use tax applies at the same rate, and the buyer is expected to report it. That rule keeps untaxed online and catalog buying from undercutting local retailers.

Louisiana Sales Tax Details (2026)

State Sales Tax Rate 5%
Local Sales Taxes Yes, 5.13% on average
Average Combined Rate 10.13% (Tax Foundation, midyear 2026)
State Income Tax 3% (flat)
Avg. Property Tax Rate 0.56%

Official Sources:

Louisiana Sales Tax FAQ

Why is my Louisiana sales tax higher than 5%?
The 5% is only the state portion. Parishes and municipalities add local sales taxes of roughly 4% to 7% on top, so the combined rate you actually pay is higher, and in some areas it exceeds 11%. Because each locality sets its own add-on, the total varies by where the purchase takes place rather than being uniform statewide.
Are groceries and prescriptions taxed in Louisiana?
Groceries for home consumption and prescription medications are generally exempt from the state sales tax, which keeps basic food and necessary drugs out of the rate. Prepared foods, restaurant meals, and many over-the-counter products are usually taxable, so the treatment turns on what the item is and how it is sold. Local exemptions can differ, so the combined rate on food is not always zero.
How do I figure the combined sales tax on a purchase?
Add the 5% state rate to the local parish and municipal rate that applies where you buy, then multiply the taxable price by that combined percentage. Since local add-ons range widely, the same item can cost more in tax in one parish than another. Exempt goods like qualifying groceries and prescriptions are left out before the rate is applied.
Do I owe use tax on out-of-state or online orders?
Yes. When a seller does not collect Louisiana tax, a use tax at the equivalent rate applies to taxable goods you bring into or use in the state. Many large online retailers now collect it automatically, but for sellers that do not, the buyer reports and pays the use tax, often through the annual income tax return filed with the Louisiana Department of Revenue.

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