In this article
- Quick facts: Filing for sales tax in Louisiana
- When to file and pay Louisiana sales tax
- Louisiana sales tax filing deadlines
- How to prepare your Louisiana sales tax return
- How to complete and file a Louisiana sales tax return
- How to pay sales tax in Louisiana
- What happens after filing and paying Louisiana sales tax
- Late filing penalties and interest
- Getting third-party help with sales tax filing
- Sales tax filing in other states
If you're registered for Louisiana sales tax, you must file returns and pay any tax due according to the filing frequency assigned by the Louisiana Department of Revenue. This guide focuses on the filing and payment process most relevant to remote sellers and out-of-state businesses using the Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point (LaTAP). Note that Louisiana has one of the most complex local tax systems in the US, and some parishes require separate local filings.
For broader information about Louisiana sales tax rules, rates, and exemptions, see the Louisiana Sales Tax Guide. For details on how to obtain a Louisiana sales tax certificate, see the Louisiana Sales Tax Registration Guide.
Quick facts: Filing for sales tax in Louisiana
Key information about filing Louisiana sales tax returns, including filing frequency, deadlines, and payment options.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Filing frequency | Monthly, quarterly, or annually |
| Filing deadline | The 20th day after the period ends |
| Filing portal | Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point (LaTAP) |
| Zero returns required | Yes |
| Local parish filings | May be required separately from the state return |
When to file and pay Louisiana sales tax
The Louisiana Department of Revenue will assign you a filing frequency (monthly, quarterly, or annually) after you register your business. Your filing frequency is based on your expected or actual sales volume.
Louisiana sales tax returns and payments are due at the same time, by the 20th of the month following the end of the filing period. If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date shifts to the next business day.
Louisiana also has a highly complex local sales tax structure. Some parishes and cities require separate local sales tax filings in addition to your state return. Always confirm your local filing obligations with the relevant parish tax authority.
Louisiana sales tax filing deadlines
Louisiana monthly filing due dates
Reports are due on the 20th of the month following the reporting month.
| Month | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|
| January | February 20 |
| February | March 20 |
| March | April 20 |
| April | May 20 |
| May | June 20 |
| June | July 20 |
| July | August 20 |
| August | September 20 |
| September | October 20 |
| October | November 20 |
| November | December 20 |
| December | January 20 |
Louisiana quarterly filing due dates
| Quarter | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|
| Q1 (January 1, March 31) | April 20 |
| Q2 (April 1, June 30) | July 20 |
| Q3 (July 1, September 30) | October 20 |
| Q4 (October 1, December 31) | January 20 |
Louisiana annual filing due date
Reports for the previous year are due on January 20.
Important note: Zero returns
Once you have a Louisiana sales tax certificate, you are required to file returns for every assigned period regardless of whether any sales tax was collected. When no sales tax was collected, you must file a zero return electronically through LaTAP.
How to prepare your Louisiana sales tax return
Before working on your sales tax return, collect all sales information for the tax period.
Sales transactions
You need to know your total gross sales to Louisiana buyers and your taxable sales. Digital goods and SaaS are taxable in Louisiana at the state level. Be aware that the applicable combined rate varies by location: the state rate is 4.45%, but combined rates including parish and city taxes can reach 12% or higher in some areas.
Key reporting figures
In addition to your gross Louisiana sales, filing a return requires:
- Total sales and income
- Taxable sales by destination
- Non-taxable sales and exemptions
- Deductions and adjustments
- Total sales tax collected from customers during the filing period
How to complete and file a Louisiana sales tax return
Louisiana sales tax returns are filed electronically through the Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point (LaTAP) and must be reported in US dollars.
Step-by-step: file a Louisiana sales tax return
1. Collect all necessary information
Gather your sales records for the tax period. Because Louisiana's combined rates vary significantly by parish and city, tracking sales by buyer location helps ensure you apply the correct rate.
2. Log in and file online
- Log in to the Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point (LaTAP).
- Navigate to your Sales Tax account.
- Select the filing period you want to file.
- Enter your gross sales, taxable sales, exemptions, and total tax collected.
- Review and submit your return.
3. Receive confirmation
After submitting, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this as your record of filing.
How to pay sales tax in Louisiana
Louisiana requires businesses to file and pay electronically through LaTAP. You can pay directly within the portal after filing your return. Accepted payment methods typically include:
- Electronic funds transfer (ACH debit)
- Credit card (fees may apply)
What happens after filing and paying Louisiana sales tax
After filing and paying, keep a copy of your return and payment confirmation for your records.
- Save your filing confirmation and payment receipt
- Keep records supporting the reported amounts
- Continue filing according to your assigned frequency
- File a zero return when required
- Confirm whether any local parish or city filings are separately required for your business
➡ Need help understanding Louisiana sales tax rules, rates, and nexus? See the Louisiana Sales Tax Guide
➡ Need to register for Louisiana sales tax? See the Louisiana Sales Tax Registration Guide
Late filing penalties and interest
If you miss a Louisiana sales tax filing deadline, file as soon as possible. Failure to file returns and remit collected tax on time results in penalties and interest charges that increase the longer you wait.
For current penalty rates and interest charges, refer to the Louisiana Department of Revenue website.
Getting third-party help with sales tax filing
Quaderno can simplify your Louisiana sales tax compliance by generating detailed tax reports and handling the filing process on your behalf. Connect your sales data and Quaderno manages the submission to the Louisiana Department of Revenue, ensuring timely and accurate filing.
Sales tax filing in other states
- Arizona Sales Tax Filing Guide
- California Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Florida Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Georgia Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Illinois Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Kentucky Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Massachusetts Sales Tax Filing Guide
- New Jersey Sales Tax Filing Guide
- New York Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Pennsylvania Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Rhode Island Sales Tax Filing Guide
- South Carolina Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Texas Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Virginia Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Washington DC Sales Tax Filing Guide
Need help filing across multiple states?
Watch our webinar: US Sales Tax Registration & Filing Tips + AMA. Learn how international sellers register, file, and manage US sales tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
Note: At Quaderno we love providing helpful information and best practices about taxes, but we are not certified tax advisors. For further help, or if you are ever in doubt, please consult a professional tax advisor or the tax authorities.
