Louisiana Income Tax Calculator 2026
Estimate your 2026 Louisiana state and federal income tax. Includes Louisiana tax brackets, a worked dollar example, and filing tips.
Key Tax Facts: Louisiana
- Louisiana filing deadline is May 15 for most filers
- Federal income taxes paid are deductible from Louisiana income
- Highest combined sales tax rate in the U.S. on average
- Significant exemptions for retirement income from government pensions
Louisiana State Income Tax Overview
Louisiana uses a graduated income tax with rates of 1.85% on income up to $12,500, 3.5% on income from $12,501 to $50,000, and 4.25% on income above $50,000 for single filers. Louisiana allows a deduction for federal income taxes paid, which is one of the few states to offer this benefit and can substantially reduce your Louisiana taxable income. The state also provides a personal exemption of $4,500 for single filers and $9,000 for married couples. Louisiana exempts most retirement income, including Social Security, teacher retirement, and military retirement pay, from state income tax.
Louisiana Income Tax Brackets (2026) projected
These are the Louisiana state income tax brackets for single filers, carried forward from 2025 pending official 2026 figures. Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that rate -- not your entire income.
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $12,500 | 1.85% |
| $12,500 - $50,000 | 3.5% |
| Over $50,000 | 4.25% |
Source: Louisiana Department of Revenue. Brackets shown are for single filers. Married filing jointly thresholds may differ.
What a Louisiana Resident Actually Pays: A Worked Example
Your effective tax rate is almost always lower than your top bracket. Here is how the math works for a single filer earning $65,000.
Enter Your Tax Information
Frequently Asked Questions -- Louisiana Income Tax
Does Louisiana have a state income tax?
Yes. Louisiana imposes a state income tax with a top marginal rate of 4.25%. This is separate from your federal income tax obligation.
What is the Louisiana income tax rate for 2026?
Louisiana uses a graduated income tax system with rates from 1.85% to 4.25%. Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate -- not your entire income.
Do I have to file a Louisiana state tax return?
Most full-year Louisiana residents with income above the state filing threshold must file a state return. Check the Louisiana Department of Revenue for current thresholds and requirements.
How accurate is this Louisiana state tax estimate?
This is a planning estimate. The state result uses Louisiana's published brackets but does not account for all state deductions, credits, exemptions, or local taxes. Verify with official Louisiana tax forms or a qualified tax professional.
Does this calculator include federal income tax?
Yes. The results show your estimated Louisiana state income tax and your federal income tax using 2026 federal brackets (projected until the IRS publishes official 2026 figures) -- your full combined picture in one place.
Where can I find official Louisiana tax forms?
Official forms, instructions, and filing guidance are available at the Louisiana Department of Revenue.
What is the sales tax rate in Louisiana?
Louisiana's combined state and average local sales tax rate is 9.56%. This is separate from income tax and applies to most retail purchases -- use our sales tax calculator to check a specific purchase.
When are Louisiana 2026 state taxes due?
2026 taxes are generally filed in 2027. The Louisiana filing deadline is May 15, 2027 -- note this differs from the federal deadline of April 15, 2027, so mark both dates.
Understanding Your Louisiana Tax Estimate
Your results combine two separate bills: federal tax owed to the IRS, and Louisiana state tax owed to the Louisiana Department of Revenue. The state return is filed separately from your federal Form 1040, with a state filing deadline of May 15. For the mechanics of how bracket math actually works -- why your effective rate is almost always lower than your top bracket -- see our marginal vs. effective tax rate guide.
Lowering Your Louisiana Bill
Pre-tax retirement contributions reduce your federal and Louisiana taxable income in the same move -- see our 401(k) contribution limits and HSA limits guides for the current caps. Beyond that, Louisiana-specific credits and deductions that don't exist at the federal level are listed at the Louisiana Department of Revenue -- worth checking, since these are easy to miss if you only look at federal guidance.
Combined Sales + Income Tax Picture
Louisiana's combined state-plus-average-local sales tax rate is 9.56%. If you're self-employed, that's an added layer on top of income tax -- our self-employment tax calculator covers the SE-specific piece separately.
Disclaimer: Estimates for educational purposes only. State tax results are approximations based on published bracket data and do not account for all deductions, credits, exemptions, local taxes, or individual situations. Not tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult the Louisiana Department of Revenue or a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.