Louisiana Reverse Sales Tax Calculator
Louisiana has the highest average combined sales tax rate in the United States at 10.10%. The state rate is 5%, and local jurisdictions stack an average of 5.1% on top. Shreveport hits 11.45%. Even New Orleans, at 9.45%, is above the national average. If you're working with Louisiana receipts, expect double-digit rates in most cities.
The calculator defaults to Louisiana's 10.10% average. For Shreveport use 11.45%, Baton Rouge 9.95%, Lafayette 10.45%, New Orleans 9.45%. Groceries are exempt from the state portion but local taxes may still apply, so grocery receipts will show a lower effective rate than retail purchases.
Current Louisiana Sales Tax Rates
| Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| State rate | 5.00% |
| Average local rate | 5.10% |
| Average combined rate | 10.10% |
| Location | Combined Rate |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | 9.45% |
| Baton Rouge | 9.95% |
| Shreveport | 11.45% |
| Lafayette | 10.45% |
What's Taxable in Louisiana
Louisiana exempts unprepared groceries from the state sales tax. However, local jurisdictions can and often do tax groceries. Prepared food is taxed at the full combined rate. Prescription drugs are exempt. Louisiana's combined rate is the highest in the US at 10.10% on average.
Worked Example
Purchase in Shreveport totaling $214.33 at 11.45%.
$214.33 ÷ 1.1145 = $192.31 (pre-tax price)
$214.33 − $192.31 = $22.02 (tax amount)
That's $22.02 in sales tax on a $192.31 purchase before tax. The main calculator handles this automatically — enter the total and rate and the breakdown appears instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Louisiana's average combined sales tax rate of 10.10% is the highest in the United States as of 2025. The state rate is 5% (reduced from 5% in 2025 after a temporary additional rate expired), and local taxes average about 5.1% on top. Shreveport's rate of 11.45% is among the highest for any major US city.
New Orleans has a combined sales tax of 9.45% — the 5% state rate plus Orleans Parish's local tax. This can vary slightly by exact location within the metro area. Hotel stays and car rentals carry additional taxes on top of the base sales tax rate.
Divide the total amount paid by (1 + the tax rate as a decimal). For Louisiana's 10.10% rate: divide by 1.1010. The result is the pre-tax price. Subtract that from the total to get the tax amount. The calculator on this page does this automatically.
Louisiana holds sales tax holidays for hurricane preparedness items (typically in May) and for firearms and ammunition (for hunters). There is no general back-to-school holiday. Check the Louisiana Department of Revenue for 2025 dates.