If your business makes taxable sales to customers in Louisiana, you may need to register for a Louisiana sales tax certificate before collecting sales tax. This 2026 guide explains who must register, what information you need, and how to complete the registration process through the Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point (LaTAP).
For broader information about Louisiana sales tax rules, rates, and taxability, see the Louisiana Sales Tax Guide. For details on filing deadlines and how to submit returns, see the Louisiana Sales Tax Filing Guide.
Quick answers: Louisiana sales tax registration
A quick overview of the authority, registration portal, nexus threshold, and other essentials for registering in Louisiana.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Authority | Louisiana Department of Revenue |
| Registration portal | Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point (LaTAP) |
| Economic nexus threshold | $100,000 in annual sales or 200 separate transactions into Louisiana |
| Registration fee | Free |
| Renewal period | No fixed renewal period |
Who must register for Louisiana sales tax
You must register for a Louisiana sales tax certificate if your business has a sales tax nexus in the state. This usually applies when a business:
- Exceeds the economic nexus threshold of $100,000 in annual sales or 200 or more separate transactions into Louisiana in the current or previous calendar year, or;
- Has a physical presence in Louisiana, such as an office, employee, warehouse, or inventory stored in the state.
Louisiana's dual threshold means you must register once you cross either the dollar amount or the transaction count, whichever comes first.
Once you exceed the threshold, you should register before making further taxable sales in Louisiana. If you're unsure whether your business has nexus, see the Louisiana Sales Tax Guide for a broader explanation.
How to register for Louisiana sales tax
Sellers can register online through the Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point (LaTAP), the state's centralized tax services portal. This is the same portal you will use to file returns and make payments after registration.
Information you need before registering
Before applying for a Louisiana sales tax certificate, have this information ready:
- Your Social Security number (if registering as a sole proprietor with no employees)
- Your Employer Identification Number (EIN), if your business has one (required for corporations, partnerships, and most LLCs)
- North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for your primary business activity
- The date of your first sale in Louisiana
- Your business address and any Louisiana locations, if applicable
Registration steps
Follow these steps to register for a Louisiana sales tax certificate.
1. Create your LaTAP account
Set up your Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point account credentials.
- Choose a username and password
- Set up your security information
- This login is used for all future filings, payments, and account management
If you already have a LaTAP account, you can add a sales tax account to your existing login.
2. Provide your business information
Enter your business name, address, type of entity, and any Louisiana locations.
- Remote sellers without a Louisiana location should indicate they are selling remotely
- Louisiana uses destination-based sourcing for remote sellers, meaning you charge based on where the buyer is located
- The state rate is 4.45%, but combined rates including parish and city taxes can reach 12% or higher in some areas
3. Submit your application
Review your entries and submit the application.
- There is no registration fee for Louisiana sales tax
- You will receive an on-screen confirmation after submission
- A confirmation email is typically sent shortly after submission
4. Receive your Louisiana Sales Tax Certificate
Once approved, you will receive:
- Your Louisiana Sales Tax Certificate number (used for filing and payments)
- Your assigned filing frequency (monthly, quarterly, or annually, based on expected tax liability)
- Access to LaTAP for filing, payment, and account management
Local parish and city sales taxes in Louisiana
Louisiana has one of the most complex local sales tax systems in the United States. Parishes (the Louisiana equivalent of counties) and many cities levy their own sales taxes on top of the state rate. Combined rates including state and local taxes can reach 12% or higher in some areas.
Some local jurisdictions require separate registration in addition to your state-level LaTAP registration. Use the Louisiana Sales Tax Jurisdictions database available through the Louisiana Department of Revenue to identify which local rates apply to your customers and whether a separate local registration is required.
Digital goods and SaaS are taxable in Louisiana at the state level. See the Louisiana Sales Tax Guide for details on taxability.
What happens after registration
After registering, you must begin collecting Louisiana sales tax on taxable sales and file returns based on your assigned filing frequency. Louisiana sales tax returns are due on the 20th of the month following the reporting period.
Be aware that some parishes may require separate local filings in addition to your state return. Review the Louisiana Department of Revenue guidance to confirm your local obligations.
➡ Learn more about Louisiana sales tax rates, taxability, and nexus in the Louisiana Sales Tax Guide
➡ See how to file and pay Louisiana sales tax in the Louisiana Sales Tax Filing Guide
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 local tax authorities.
Need help registering 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.
