Louisiana State Taxes
Quick Tax Facts
Income Tax: 1.85% – 4.25%
State Sales Tax: 4.45%
Median Property Tax: $243
Overview
Louisiana is a melting pot of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences, making it a very unique place to live. Many people are drawn to it for it’s cultural nuances and low cost of living. The Pelican State is definitely homeowner friendly with the lowest property taxes in the country. The income tax rates are also on the modest side. The one downside to living here are the higher-than-average sales taxes.
Louisiana Income Tax
Louisiana has three graduated income tax brackets that are applied using the taxpayer’s taxable income and filing status. The top rate is 4.25%, which is the nation’s sixth-lowest.
| Louisiana Income Tax Rates – Single, Married Filing Separately or Head of Household |
|---|
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $12,500 | 1.85% |
| $12,501 – $50,000 | 3.5% |
| Over $50,000 | 4.25% |
| Louisiana Income Tax Rates – Married Filing Jointly or Surviving Spouse |
|---|
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $25,000 | 1.85% |
| $25,001 – $100,000 | 3.5% |
| Over $100,000 | 4.25% |
For the last several years, lawmakers have been trying to eliminate the state income tax to attract more people to the state. As of this date, however, they have been unsuccessful in getting it approved.
Who Must File?
Full-year, part-year, and non-residents who earn income from Louisiana sources and are required to file a federal income tax return must also file a Louisiana individual income tax return. Louisiana income tax returns are due on or before May 15 (after the federal filing deadline). For taxpayers who use a fiscal tax year, the return and payment (if applicable) are due on the 15th day of the fifth month after the close of the fiscal year.
Part-year and non-residents should use IT-540B to report income earned from Louisiana sources. Professional athletes from the associations below are also required to file as a non-resident when earning income from Louisiana sources.
- PGA Tour, Inc.
- Professional Golfers Association of America
- National Football League (NFL)
- National Basketball Association (NBA)
- National Hockey League (NHL)
- East Coast Hockey League
- Pacific Coast League
This includes money earned from endorsements, royalties, and promotional advertising.
Louisiana Sales Tax
Since 2018, Louisiana has had a state sales tax rate of 4.45%. Although this is fairly low compared to other states, when combined with the local sales tax rates, it is the highest in the nation at 9.55%. Local sales tax rates can be as high as 7% but generally average 5.1%.
Louisiana Property Taxes
Louisiana has the lowest property tax rate in the country at an average of .45% of a taxpayer’s percentage of income and .18% of their property’s value.
The median property tax in Louisiana is approximately $243 annually. St. Tammany Parish has the highest property tax at an average of $1,335. The lowest amount is $202 in St. Landry Parish.
| Highest | $1335 |
|---|---|
| Median | $243 |
| Lowest | $202 |
Yearly Cost Per Resident
Louisiana Tax Holidays
Louisiana typically has three tax holidays: school supplies, guns, and hurricane preparation. Unfortunately, as part of a 2018 budget compromise, these tax holidays were suspended until June 30, 2025.
Louisiana Tax Resources
If you need assistance preparing your Louisiana state taxes, you can speak with a tax professional from Tax Defense Network by calling 855-476-6920.
You can also visit the Louisiana Department of Revenue website for additional resources.
- Make a Tax Payment
- Where’s My Refund?
- individual Tax Forms
- Taxpayer Assistance (Baton Rouge Headquarters): 855-307-3893
