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Louisiana car sales tax at a glance
| Louisiana | |
|---|---|
| Tax | sales tax (state and local, collected by OMV) |
| State rate | 5% |
| Average with local taxes (2026 (Tax Foundation midyear, July 1)) | 10.13% |
| Counties and cities add tax | Yes |
| Trade-in lowers the tax | Yes, tax is on the price minus the trade |
| Leases | Tax on each monthly payment |
| Dealer doc fee cap | $436 |
Checked on the state's official sources on 2026-11-02. Rates change; the state's revenue department has the last word.
How to work out Louisiana sales tax on a car
Multiply the taxable price by the rate. In Louisiana the trade-in comes off first.
A $30,000 car with a $5,000 trade: $25,000 x 5% = $1,250 at the state rate, plus any county or city tax where you register the car.
State rate 5% from Jan 1, 2025 through Dec 31, 2029 (Act 11 of 2024 3rd Ex. Sess.; scheduled to fall to 4.75% in 2030), plus parish/city tax for where the vehicle is domiciled (Parish Tax Table). Due within 40 days of sale.
Trade-ins
OMV computes tax on the selling price minus any qualifying trade-in and rebate (OMV used title page).
Leasing a car in Louisiana
Tax on each monthly payment. Louisiana: dealers buying vehicles to lease may buy them tax-exempt (La. R.S. 47:305.36, Form R-1370), and tax is generally charged on the lease payments. The lease calculator uses Louisiana's method when you pick the state.
Dealer doc fees
La. R.S. 6:969.18 caps the documentary fee and adjusts it yearly; the Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission set $436 for calendar year 2026 (Bulletin B-2026-001). The fee must be disclosed as authorized by R.S. 6:969.18(A)(2) and not a state fee.