How Louisiana Sales Tax Works
Louisiana's state government imposes a 5.00% sales tax on most retail purchases. Counties, cities, and special districts can layer additional local sales tax on top — pushing combined rates to a population-weighted average of 10.11% statewide.
Louisiana raised its state rate from 4.45% to 5% in 2025, pushing it to the highest combined sales tax rate in the country (state + local averaging over 10%).
Groceries in Louisiana
Louisiana exempts unprepared groceries from the state sales tax; local jurisdictions may still tax food.
How Louisiana Compares to Neighboring States
Sales tax on a $1,000.00 purchase in Louisiana versus neighboring states, using each state's average combined rate (state + local):
| State | State Rate | Combined Rate | Tax on $1,000 | vs. Louisiana |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana (here) | 5.00% | 10.11% | $101.10 | — |
| Texas | 6.25% | 8.20% | $82.00 | -$19.10 |
| Arkansas | 6.50% | 9.44% | $94.40 | -$6.70 |
| Mississippi | 7.00% | 7.06% | $70.60 | -$30.50 |
A negative "vs." figure means a lower sales tax bill on the same purchase. Specific addresses can vary materially from the state-wide average.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Louisiana sales tax rate for 2026?
Louisiana's state sales tax rate is 5.00% for 2026. When combined with the average local sales tax of 5.11%, most Louisiana residents pay a typical combined rate of 10.11%.
How much sales tax will I pay on a $100 purchase in Louisiana?
On a $100 purchase, expect approximately $5.00 in state sales tax, or about $10.11 including average local sales tax (combined 10.11%). Total cost: roughly $110.11.
Are groceries taxed in Louisiana?
Louisiana exempts unprepared groceries from the state sales tax; local jurisdictions may still tax food.
Is sales tax calculated before or after discounts in Louisiana?
Louisiana follows the standard rule used by virtually all states: sales tax is calculated on the final discounted price, not the original price. If a $200 item is on sale for $150, you pay sales tax on $150. Manufacturer coupons can be treated differently in some states.
How is this Louisiana sales tax estimate calculated?
The calculator applies Louisiana's 5.00% state sales tax rate plus whatever local rate you enter (city + county + special districts). The default Local Rate is 0%; click a city in the table above to fill in its local portion, or look up your specific address with Louisiana's Department of Revenue tool.