Louisiana State Tax Guide

Louisiana state tax: overview

Louisiana's state taxes are relatively low when it comes to owning property. The state has one of the lowest property tax rates in the nation. Sales taxes are high, but essential items such as groceries, diapers, and some feminine hygiene products are exempt at the state level. Louisiana only has three income tax brackets, with the highest being 4.25%. That's much lower than the highest tax bracket in many other states.

[Data for this state tax guide was gathered from several sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, the state’s government website, the Sales Tax Handbook, and the Tax Foundation. Property taxes are cited as a rate percentage rather than the assessed value.]

Louisiana income tax rate

Louisiana has a graduated state individual income tax that ranges from 1.85% to 4.25%.

Louisiana tax on retirement benefits: There is no state income tax on Social Security retirement benefits or federal retirement benefits (including military and non-military). Several state retirement benefits are also not taxed in Louisiana.

Taxpayers age 65 and older can also exclude up to $6,000 of annual retirement income from their taxable income. If filing jointly, each spouse can exclude up to $6,000. However, only one exclusion is permitted if one spouse is under age 65.

Louisiana sales tax

Louisiana's state sales tax is 4.45%. Localities can add as much as 5.11%, and the average combined Colorado sales tax rate is 9.56%, according to the Tax Foundation.

Groceries: Exempt
Prescription Drugs: Taxable
Diapers and feminine hygiene products: Exempt

What is the property tax rate in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, the average effective property tax rate is 0.51%, which is currently one of the lowest property tax rates in the U.S.

Louisiana Property Tax Breaks for Retirees

Special Assessment: Eligible homeowners 65 and older can have the tax-assessed value of their property frozen. To qualify, residents must meet income guidelines that are set each year. The freeze is permanent unless one of the following applies.

You no longer live in the home
The value of the property increases by more than 25% due to construction or renovation

Note: Homeowners under age 65 may also qualify for the property tax freeze, including those with a disability and surviving spouses of some Louisiana National Guard members (applies in only some circumstances).