Car Sales Tax in Louisiana

When you car shop in Louisiana, expect to pay an average of 9.519% in sales tax.
Written by Jacqulyn Graber
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
background
The state of Louisiana charges a 4% tax on all car sales, but individual counties and cities charge their own tax, as well. Thus, the average amount of sales tax that you’ll pay when buying a car in the Bayou State is 9.519%. 
If you’re shopping for a car in Louisiana, you probably have a budget in mind. When browsing the dealership’s lots, don’t forget to consider the additional taxes and fees that will be tacked onto each vehicle’s sticker price. 
Where you’re buying your car matters. While the state imposes a 4% sales tax, additional taxes will vary by region. This can get confusing fast, which is why
car insurance
app
Jerry
has put together a handy guide with everything you need to know about Louisiana sales tax, as well as finding
cheap car insurance in Louisiana
.
Find out if you can reduce your monthly car payments in minutes
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Check your rate
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

How much is the car sales tax rate in Louisiana?

When considering sales tax, you have to take two entities into account: state sales tax and local sales tax. In Louisiana, the state will charge 4% in sales tax, but cities and counties will add to this rate with their own taxes.
The highest sales tax rate (including state and local tax) is in the city of Sterlington, set at 12.95%. The lowest sales tax rate can be found in Cameron Parish and is just 4.45%. 
On average, Louisiana car buyers will pay a total of 9.519% in sales tax. 
MORE: Is car insurance tax deductible?

How are car trade-ins taxed in Louisiana? 

When buying a new car, you may want to
trade in a car
you will no longer use. The dealership will offer you a credit that can be deducted from the purchase price of your new car.
Fortunately, sales tax will not be applied until after this credit is deducted. That means that your trade-in credit will not be subject to sales tax.

How to calculate sales tax on a car in Louisiana 

Since the final sales tax you pay in Louisiana can vary by quite a bit, calculating what you can expect to owe in advance is essential.
This handy calculator
will take your purchase amount and zip code into consideration to help you estimate what you’ll pay in total sales tax to the state and local governments.
Key Takeaway In Louisiana, sales tax on cars varies quite a bit—anywhere from 4.45% to 12.95% depending on your region. 

Exemptions from Louisiana car sales tax

Car sales tax—sometimes referred to as vehicle usage tax—is applicable in Louisiana whenever a car changes owners. Individuals who move to Louisiana and register their vehicles will be subject to these taxes, too.
Military personnel are exempt from payment of vehicle usage tax on automobiles imported to Louisiana while on active duty, so long as they can provide proof that sales tax was previously paid on the vehicle in one of the 50 U.S. states.

How to estimate Louisiana tax, title, and registration fees

Sales tax isn’t the only thing that will be added to the sticker price on your new set of wheels. Other fees that drive up the price of your vehicle include
vehicle registration
fees, title fees, plate transfer fees, and documentation fees. 
This chart will help you estimate what you’ll pay when purchasing a new car in Louisiana:
Fee
Estimated cost
Sales tax
9.519%
Registration fee
0.1% of the vehicle’s total cost annually (minimum $20)
Title fee
$68.50
Plate transfer
$3
Documentation fee
A maximum fee of $425
Find out if you can reduce your monthly car payments in minutes
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Check your rate
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

How to find affordable car insurance in Louisiana 

Once you’ve signed the dotted line to purchase your new or used vehicle in Louisiana, the next step will be shopping for
car insurance
. Fortunately,
Jerry
makes that easy!
Simply download Jerry, enter a few details, and you’ll get customized quotes in less than a minute. Choose from top insurance providers and once you pick a policy, Jerry will get you all signed up—and even help cancel your old insurance for you! 
Every six months, Jerry will automatically provide you with new quotes so you can be certain you’ll never miss out on the best rates. This level of service has made Jerry the top-rated insurance app in the country!
Jerry
is an amazing app. Thanks to it, I saved a lot of money for my Tesla Model 3’s insurance. I’m so glad I downloaded the app!” —Erza S.
RECOMMENDED
Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
avatar
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
rating primary
4.7/5 Rating on App Store

FAQ

New and used cars are taxed the same in Louisiana, and buyers can expect to pay an average of 9.519% in state and local sales taxes.
Reduce your monthly car payments in minutes?
Find out if Jerry can reduce your payments by an average of $150/month
Check your rate!

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings