The Ultimate Louisiana Sales Tax Guide

If you’re selling products, services, or leasing equipment in Louisiana, sales tax isn’t something you can afford to ignore.

But don’t worry — this guide will help you figure out what you have to pay. We’ll break down when to collect tax, what triggers nexus, and how Louisiana’s rules apply to your business.

To make things even smoother, we’ll introduce a powerful tool that takes the stress out of sales tax so you can focus on what you do best: growing your business.

Louisiana Sales Tax Rate Range 2025

Louisiana’s state sales tax rate is 5%. County, city, and other local bodies can also levy sales tax on taxable goods and services.

How to Calculate Sales Tax in Louisiana

To calculate sales tax correctly and stay on the right side of the law and the ledger, you have to add these rates:

• State sales tax
• County sales tax
• City sales tax
• Any applicable district taxes

For example, you may have to pay five types of sales tax in Iota, Louisiana:

• Louisiana sales tax rate of 5%
• Acadia Parish sales tax of 2%
• School board tax of 1.5%
• Police jury tax of 1.25%
• Law enforcement tax of 0.5%

This would bring the total sales tax rate of Iota to 10.25%.

Collecting Louisiana Sales Tax from Customers

Curious about how Louisiana sales tax works? The sections below cover the essentials. And if you’re still unsure, a sales tax expert is just a call away.

Do I Have to Collect Louisiana Sales Tax from Customers?

Anyone leasing, renting, or selling taxable goods or services in Louisiana must register for a sales tax certificate, collect the correct tax, and file returns with the Louisiana Department of Revenue.

What Creates Sales Tax Nexus in Louisiana?

Some conditions that create nexus in Louisiana include:

• Physical nexus: Businesses with a retail space, office, or storage in this state. 
• Employees: Businesses with an employee, representative, agent, salesman, canvasser, or solicitor operating under the authority of the retailer or subsidiary. 
• Economic nexus: Remote sellers who make $100,000 in sales of tangible personal property or products transferred electronically.

Learn more about sales tax nexus and when you’re required to collect sales tax.

Do I Have to Collect Sales Tax from Louisiana Customers if I Sell on Amazon, Walmart, eBay, or Etsy?

No. 

Louisiana has a marketplace facilitator law, which means marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon should collect sales tax on behalf of third-party sellers on their platforms. A marketplace facilitator who doesn’t meet the $100,000 threshold doesn’t have to register, collect, and remit Louisiana taxes. 

However, if you have any other sales tax nexus in Louisiana, you must collect sales tax on all non-marketplace sales in the state.

Taxable Products in Louisiana

Louisiana imposes sales tax on most tangible personal property and services, but items like groceries are exempt. 

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the items taxed in Louisiana.

Are Groceries Taxable in Louisiana? 

No, the state of Louisiana does not tax grocery items.

Is Clothing Taxable in Louisiana?

Yes, clothing is taxed in Louisiana.

Are Digital Products Taxable in Louisiana?

Yes, digital products are taxable in Louisiana.

Is Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Taxable in Louisiana?

Yes, SaaS is taxed in Louisiana.

Are Services Taxable in Louisiana?

Yes, most services are taxed in Louisiana. 

Tax-Exempt Items

Some items that are exempt from Louisiana sales tax are:

• Food for home consumption
• Sales of fertilizers and containers to farmers
• Utilities such as electricity, natural gas, and water
• Drugs prescribed by a doctor
• Articles traded in for new articles

How to Register for a Louisiana Sales Tax Permit

You can register for a sales tax permit at the Louisiana geauxBIZ portal. 

Learn how to register for a seller's permit in every US state.

Do I Need a Louisiana Sales Tax License if I’m Only a Wholesaler? 

Yes. Wholesalers can apply for a resale certificate that allows them to make purchases for resale without paying the Louisiana sales tax. 

Do I Need a Louisiana Seller's Permit if I Only Sell Temporarily in the State?

Yes, if you have sales tax nexus in the state, you must get a seller’s permit, even for temporary sales.

How to Collect Sales Tax in Louisiana

There are multiple ways to file and pay sales tax in Louisiana:

• Automated: Let Zamp handle your Louisiana sales tax filing and remittance so you won’t have to deal with sales tax returns ever again.
• Online: You can file online at the LaTAP website. Or, visit Parish E-File to file multiple parish or city returns at a go.
• Offline: You can also fill out and mail the Louisiana sales tax return form.

Explore how you can file and pay sales tax in other US states.

Should You Collect Sales Tax on Shipping Charges in Louisiana?

If a seller charges you for delivery of physical goods or digital products, those transportation fees are usually taxed along with the purchase. 

But if the sale itself isn’t taxed, the delivery charges won’t be either since they’re part of the total sale price.

FAQs on Paying and Filing Louisiana Sales Tax

What Is Use Tax?

If you buy goods from out-of-state sellers and aren’t charged Louisiana sales tax, you must pay the consumer use tax directly to the Louisiana Department of Revenue.

What Is the Penalty for Filing and/or Paying Louisiana Sales Tax Late?

The penalty starts at 5% of the tax owed and increases by 5% every 30 days you don’t pay the sales tax owed, up to a maximum of 25%.

How Often Will I Be Required to File and Pay Sales Tax in Louisiana?

You should file and pay sales tax on or before the 20th of each month following your sales tax period.

Louisiana Sales Tax Due Dates

Louisiana due dates for monthly filers:

Louisiana quarterly sales tax filing due dates:

Louisiana annual sales tax filing due date:

Let The Experts Handle Your Louisiana Sales Tax Filing

Don’t let sales tax slow down your business momentum.

Zamp is here to take the stress out of tax compliance, so you can keep your eyes on growth while we handle the details.

From smooth onboarding to accurate tax calculations and easy, one-click registration and filing, Zamp makes managing sales tax simple, whether you’re a startup or scaling fast.

Let’s make sales tax easy. Start with Zamp today.