Louisiana Car Sales Tax Calculator – Fast, Free & Accurate

What Is the Louisiana Car Sales Tax?

In Louisiana, car buyers pay two layers of sales tax:

1. State Sales Tax – A flat 4.45% applied across the state.
2. Local Parish Tax – Varies depending on where you register the vehicle. Each parish sets its own rate, often between 8.95% and 10.25% when combined with state tax.

Together, these rates make Louisiana one of the states with higher overall car sales taxes, especially in parishes like Calcasieu or East Baton Rouge.

How the Calculator Works

The calculator simplifies the process in just a few steps:

1. Enter the Vehicle Price – The total purchase price of the car.
2. Add Trade-in Value (if any) – Louisiana allows trade-ins to reduce your taxable amount. If you trade in a car worth $12,000 toward a new $40,000 vehicle, you only pay tax on $28,000.
3. Choose Your Parish – Select where you’ll register the car. The calculator pulls in the exact parish rate.
4. Get Results Instantly – The tool shows:
   • Taxable amount (after trade-in deduction)
   • State tax (always 4.45%)
   • Local parish tax
   • Total estimated tax

Example:

• Vehicle price: $40,000
• Trade-in: $12,000
• Parish: Orleans (9.45%)

Taxable amount: $28,000
State tax: $1,246.00
Local tax: $1,398.00
Total tax: $2,644.00

Why This Calculator Matters

Buying a car isn’t just about the sticker price. Taxes, fees, and registration costs often push the final cost higher than buyers expect. Here’s why this tool is useful:

• Accuracy – Avoid rough guesses; see parish-specific numbers.
• Budgeting – Plan for your total out-the-door cost.
• Trade-in Advantage – Understand exactly how much your old car saves you in taxes.
• Convenience – Skip spreadsheets or manual calculations.

Key Parish Tax Examples

Here are some popular Louisiana parishes and their estimated combined rates:

• East Baton Rouge Parish – 9.95%
• Orleans Parish (New Orleans) – 9.45%
• Jefferson Parish – 9.75%
• Caddo Parish (Shreveport) – 9.35%
• Calcasieu Parish (Lake Charles) – 10.25%

Your parish choice makes a noticeable difference—buying in Calcasieu could mean paying hundreds more in tax compared to Lafayette.

Pro Tips Before You Buy

• Always calculate before heading to the dealership. This ensures you’re not surprised by tax totals at closing.
• Leverage trade-ins. The more your old car is worth, the less you’ll pay in sales tax.
• Confirm local fees. While this calculator estimates sales tax, registration and title fees vary and add to the cost.
• Shop parishes carefully. While you must register in your home parish, knowing its rate helps you plan smarter.