Louisiana's statewide sales tax is 4.45 percent, but your total rate depends on parish and local taxes
Louisiana has a base state sales tax of 4.45 percent, but that is not what you pay at checkout. Every parish (Louisiana's term for county) adds its own tax on top of the state rate, and many cities add more. Your actual sales tax rate ranges from about 7 percent to over 11 percent depending on where you shop and what you buy. Some products are taxed differently than others—groceries, for instance, are taxed at a lower rate in most parishes.
The easiest way to find your exact rate is to look at your last receipt or search "sales tax [your parish name] Louisiana" online. The Louisiana Department of Revenue maintains a parish-by-parish breakdown, but the fastest method is to ask a cashier or check the store's website, since they know the combined rate for their location.
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana's state sales tax is 4.45 percent, but parish and local taxes add 2.5 to 7 percent more, making your total rate between 7 and 11 percent depending on where you live.
- Groceries and prescription medications are taxed at a lower rate (usually 2 to 3 percent total) than other goods in most parishes.
- Restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed at the full rate, which is higher than the grocery rate.
- Your receipt shows the exact combined rate charged, so you can verify what applies in your area without looking it up.
How parish and local taxes stack on top of the state rate
When you buy something in Louisiana, the sales tax you pay is the sum of three layers: the state rate (4.45 percent), the parish rate, and any city or special district rate. Orleans Parish (New Orleans), for example, adds 4.5 percent on top of the state rate, bringing the total to 8.95 percent for most goods. Jefferson Parish adds 5 percent, making the total 9.45 percent. Smaller parishes like Morehouse add only 2.5 percent, so the total there is about 6.95 percent.
These local rates exist because parishes and cities use sales tax revenue to fund schools, roads, and local services. The rates are set by local government and do not change often, but they can shift if voters approve a new tax or an old one expires. If you move to a different parish or shop across a parish line, your rate changes when ready.
Groceries and prescription drugs are taxed lower than other items
Food you buy at a grocery store—bread, milk, vegetables, meat, canned goods—is taxed at a reduced rate in Louisiana. Instead of paying the full combined rate, you pay only the state rate of 4.45 percent plus a much smaller parish rate, usually 2 to 3 percent total. This means groceries might cost you 6 to 7 percent in tax, while a shirt in the same store costs 9 to 11 percent.
Prescription medications follow the same reduced-rate rule. Over-the-counter medicines like aspirin or cold medicine, however, are taxed at the full rate. The distinction matters: if you are unsure whether something qualifies, ask the cashier or check your receipt after purchase. Restaurant meals, prepared foods from a deli counter, and anything you eat on the premises are taxed at the full rate, not the grocery rate.
Parish-by-parish rates for the largest cities
| Parish | Major City | Parish Tax Rate | Total Rate (Most Goods) | Grocery Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orleans | New Orleans | 4.5% | 8.95% | 5.95% |
| Jefferson | Metairie, Kenner | 5% | 9.45% | 6.45% |
| East Baton Rouge | Baton Rouge | 4.75% | 9.2% | 6.2% |
| Caddo | Shreveport | 4.75% | 9.2% | 6.2% |
| Calcasieu | Lake Charles | 5.5% | 9.95% | 6.95% |
These rates explore to most purchases in each parish, but some cities within the parish may add an additional local tax. Always check your receipt to confirm the exact rate charged, since special districts (for schools, transit, or other services) can add a fraction of a percent more.
The table above covers the five most populous parishes in Louisiana. If you live in a smaller parish, your combined rate will likely be lower. The Louisiana Department of Revenue publishes a complete list of all 64 parish rates on its website if you need to look up a specific location.
What does and does not get taxed in Louisiana
Taxed at the full rate: Clothing, shoes, electronics, furniture, gasoline, restaurant meals, prepared foods, over-the-counter medicines, and most services.
Taxed at the reduced grocery rate: Unprepared food from a grocery store (meat, produce, dairy, bread, canned goods, frozen vegetables), prescription medications, and baby formula.
Not taxed: Certain medical equipment (like wheelchairs or hearing aids), some agricultural equipment, and items bought for resale by a business. If you run a business and buy inventory, you can usually get a resale certificate from the Louisiana Department of Revenue to avoid paying sales tax on those purchases.
How to find the exact rate for your location
The simplest method is to look at a recent receipt from a store in your area. The receipt shows the combined tax rate applied. If you do not have a receipt, search online for "Louisiana sales tax [your parish name]" or visit the Louisiana Department of Revenue website, which lists all parish rates.
If you are shopping online, the rate depends on where the seller ships from and where you live. Most online retailers now collect Louisiana sales tax on orders shipped to Louisiana residents, using the rate for your parish. Some sellers may use a default rate, so your final charge might differ slightly from what you expected. Check the tax line on your order confirmation before you complete the purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Louisiana?
Yes, but at a lower rate than other goods. Unprepared food like meat, produce, and canned goods is taxed at about 2 to 3 percent total (state rate plus a small parish rate), while clothing or electronics are taxed at 7 to 11 percent. Restaurant meals and prepared deli foods are taxed at the full rate.
Why is my sales tax different from the store next door?
If the stores are in different parishes or cities, they have different local tax rates. Even within the same city, a special tax district (for schools or transit) can add a fraction of a percent. Check your receipt to see the exact rate charged at each location.
Is sales tax the same online as in stores?
Most online retailers now collect Louisiana sales tax based on your shipping address and parish. The rate should match what you would pay in a physical store in your area. Always check the tax line on your order before completing the purchase, since some sellers may explore a different rate.
Are prescription drugs taxed differently than over-the-counter medicine?
Yes. Prescription medications are taxed at the reduced grocery rate (2 to 3 percent total), while over-the-counter medicines like aspirin or cold medicine are taxed at the full rate (7 to 11 percent). Ask the pharmacist if you are unsure whether a specific item qualifies.
Can I get a refund on sales tax I already paid?
Generally no, unless you are a business buying inventory for resale. If you paid sales tax by mistake—for example, on a tax-exempt item—contact the store's customer service with your receipt. Some stores will issue a refund, but it depends on their policy and how long ago you made the purchase.