Sales Tax in Ruston, Louisiana in 2025

We'll walk you through how the sales tax rate is determined for Ruston and address some common questions you may have. We'll also cover how to collect, audit, and remit sales tax in Ruston.

Plus, we’ll share the best solution that will ensure you are always compliant across the entire sales tax lifecycle.

Disclaimer: Our sales tax data is updated on a quarterly basis. 

Ruston Sales Tax Rate 2025

Ruston is located in Lincoln Parish in Louisiana, United States. Its minimum sales tax rate is 10.45%, and its maximum sales tax rate is 12.20%. These rates include local and state sales tax rates.

Here is how the Ruston sales tax rates breaks down:

Tax Jurisdiction	Min. Rate	Max. Rate
State Tax	5.00%	5.00%
Special Tax	6.00%	7.75%
Combined Rate	10.45%	12.20%

Sales Tax Rates in Ruston by Zip Codes and Districts

Below are the sales tax rates in Ruston broken down by districts and zip codes:

District	Zip Codes	Combined Sales Tax Rate
RUSTON CITY (LINCOLN PARISH)	71272, 71245, 71227, 71270	10.45%
RUSTON CITY (LINCOLN PARISH)|COOKTOWN EDD (LINCOLN PARISH)	71270	10.95%
RUSTON CITY (LINCOLN PARISH)|RUSTON EDD 1 (LINCOLN PARISH)	71270	12.20%
RUSTON CITY (LINCOLN PARISH)|RUSTON POWER & LIGHT EDD (LINCOLN PARISH)	71270	12.20%

How Does the Ruston Sales Tax Compare to the Rest of Louisiana?

Ruston’s maximum sales tax rate (12.20%) is only 0.17% lower than the highest rate in Louisiana, which is 12.37% in places like St. Gabriel. It is 4.75% higher than Louisiana’s lowest sales tax rate, which sits at 7.45% in cities such as Urania.

Ruston’s minimum sales tax rate (10.45%) is 3.00% higher than the lowest rate in Louisiana and 1.92% lower than the highest rate.

To give you a better idea, here’s a comparison of Ruston sales tax rates with a few other cities in Louisiana:

.

City	Sales Tax Rates
Urania	7.45%
Mcnary Village	7.95%
Killian	8.45%
Berwick	8.90%
Varnado Village	9.28%
Erath	9.70%
Ruston	10.45%-12.20%
St. Gabriel	10.37%-12.37%

You can also compare the sales tax rate of Ruston against the Louisiana cities closest in population size:

• Slidell's sales tax rate is 8.70%-9.70%
• New Iberia's sales tax rate is 9.70%-10.45%

What Creates Sales Tax Nexus in Ruston?

Ruston adheres to the same sales tax nexus guidelines as Louisiana without any additional exemptions. 

Read More: Check out this detailed guide on Sales Tax in Louisiana.

You have sales tax nexus in Ruston if you fulfill any of these conditions:

• 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.

What Products Are Exempt from Ruston Sales Tax?

Ruston applies the same sales tax rules as Louisiana's.

The following items are exempt from sales tax in Ruston:

• 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

Who Needs a Sales Permit in Ruston?

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

How to File and Pay Sales Tax in Ruston

You can file Ruston sales tax returns using the these methods:

• 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.