Securing a Louisiana sales tax permit is the first step toward operating legally—and profitably—within the state’s layered tax system. Whether you sell physical goods, offer digital services, or dropship across parish lines, proper registration ensures you’re collecting the right tax, in the right place, at the right time. But Louisiana’s dual system—state plus parish-level rules—makes it one of the trickiest states to navigate.
That’s why thousands of businesses turn to Hands Off Sales Tax (HOST). With decades of experience handling multi-jurisdiction compliance, HOST helps you register, file, and stay ahead of every filing deadline. This guide breaks it all down, step by step.
Who Needs a Louisiana Sales Tax Permit?
Businesses must determine whether they qualify for a Louisiana sales tax permit—it’s the legal foundation for collecting and remitting state and parish taxes correctly.
Nexus Explainer
Louisiana recognizes three primary nexus types:
- Standard (Physical) Nexus
Any physical activity in the state—like a store, warehouse, employee, or inventory storage—establishes nexus and requires full state and parish registration. - Remote Seller (Economic)
Out-of-state sellers must register once annual gross receipts into Louisiana exceed $100,000. - Direct Marketer
Sellers below the economic threshold may voluntarily register as Direct Marketers to collect a flat statewide rate of 8.45% on digital or mail-order goods, though there’s no mandate.
Note: the previous 200-transaction threshold was removed in 2023—only the $100K sales threshold remains.
Parish-Level Triggers
In addition to state-level nexus, activities at the parish level can require separate local permits:
- Hosting trade shows or events
- Holding inventory in a parish warehouse
- Maintaining an office or sales presence in a parish
Each parish with activity may require its own registration and filing.
Before You Begin: Essential Requirements
To avoid delays or errors in registering for a Louisiana sales tax permit, gather all required information and documents upfront.
Business Information Checklist
Ensure you have the following details ready:
- Federal EIN or SSN (for sole proprietors)
- Business structure (LLC, corporation, sole proprietor, etc.)
- NAICS code—used by LDR to classify your business, required on return forms
- Responsible party details: name, SSN/EIN, and contact info
- Physical address (for state registration) and parish location(s) (for local permits)
Document Preparation
Organize essential documents before starting:
- Resale certificates, required for exempt wholesale purchases—manage via LDR’s LaTAP portal
- Trade-show documentation, such as vendor permits or event notices—required even for single-day sales at fairs
- Parish IDs, where applicable—each parish may require a separate permit or registration (e.g., Plaquemines Parish application form)
Step‑by‑Step Registration Process
Here is how to register for your Louisiana sales tax permit—covering both the state-level portal and parish requirements, along with a paper-filing fallback.
A. Online via GeauxBiz & LaTAP
The Louisiana GeauxBiz portal connects Secretary of State registration with the Department of Revenue through LaTAP.
- Create a GeauxBiz account and register your business with the Secretary of State.
- Log into LaTAP via the “E‑File & E‑Pay” link.
- Choose the sales tax permit type(s): Standard Dealer, Remote Seller, or Direct Marketer.
- Add any relevant parish permits within LaTAP or via the Parish E‑File portal.
- Complete business details—EIN, NAICS code, addresses—and submit.
B. Parish E‑File Registration
If you’re doing business in specific parishes, sign up at Parish E‑File to manage local tax returns. For example, East Baton Rouge:
- Go to the East Baton Rouge Parish business registration page and click “Sign up now!”
- Provide business contact and location details.
- Receive confirmation and begin filing parish-level sales tax.
The portal allows filing multiple parish returns in one place.
C. Paper Filing Alternative
Prefer filing via mail?
- Download the applicable Sales Tax Registration form from revenue.louisiana.gov.
- Fill in business details (permit types, parish info, EIN, etc.).
- Mail the completed form to the LDR address listed on the document.
- Expect processing time of 2–4 weeks.
After You Submit: Approval Timeline & Access
Once you’ve submitted your registration for a Louisiana sales tax permit, here’s what to expect next.
Permit Issuance Timeline
- Most online applications via GeauxBiz and LaTAP are processed within 3–7 business days.
- Louisiana’s Revenue Department indicates it may take 2–3 weeks for you to receive your official Revenue Account Number by mail.
Account Confirmation & Portal Access
- You’ll receive an email confirmation, including your new account number and filing frequency (monthly or quarterly).
- Use your credentials to log into LaTAP, where you can access your dashboard, file returns, and view account details.
Paper Applications
- If you file via paper, expect 2–4 weeks of processing before your permit arrives at the mailing address listed on your form.
Filing, Collection & Ongoing Compliance
Once your permit is active, understanding your ongoing responsibilities is crucial to staying compliant and avoiding penalties.
Filing Frequency & Due Dates
- Louisiana assigns either monthly or quarterly filing frequencies based on your sales volume.
- All returns and payments are due by the 20th of the month following the reporting period (or next business day if due date falls on a weekend/holiday).
- The state offers a timely filing/vendor discount of 0.84% of the tax due (up to $750 monthly) if both filing and payment are on time.
Combined State + Parish Returns
- Standard Dealers: Must file combined returns through Parish E-File, which includes both state and parish tax obligations.
- Remote Sellers and Direct Marketers: File only the state-level return via LaTAP or Remote Sellers portal—parish tax is consolidated in the statewide filing.
Zero Returns & Account Closure
- Even with no taxable sales, you must file a zero return each period. Failure to do so can result in penalties.
- When closing your business or ending activity in Louisiana, file a final return and formally close your account to avoid ongoing obligations.
Parish-Level Nuances: Local Tax Obligations
Navigating Louisiana’s tax system means understanding that each parish may require separate sales tax registration and filing, even beyond state obligations.
When Parish Permits Are Required
If your business operates or sells within parish boundaries—especially if you:
- Run a storefront, office, or warehouse,
- Participate in trade shows or hosted events,
- Hold inventory or property in a parish,
you must register with that parish’s tax authority and file their local sales taxes accordingly.
Example: East Baton Rouge Parish
East Baton Rouge requires businesses to file both state and parish sales taxes through the Parish E‑File portal:
- You can centrally file multiple parish and state returns in one session.
- Sign up on the East Baton Rouge Finance “Online Sales Tax Payments” page and use Parish E‑File for filings, due the 20th of each month.
Other parishes—such as Terrebonne or Lafayette—also support Parish E‑File, though some may allow downloadable PDF returns or require mailed submissions.
By recognizing each parish’s unique filing requirements and integrating them into your process, you avoid compliance oversights.
From Registration to Remittance: How HOST Simplifies Louisiana Sales Tax
Louisiana’s state-and-parish tax system can feel overwhelming, especially for businesses that sell across multiple jurisdictions. That’s where HOST becomes your operational edge—handling every layer of compliance so you don’t have to.
Registration & Setup
HOST manages your complete sales tax registration journey:
- Registers your business through GeauxBiz and LaTAP
- Applies for all necessary parish-level permits, even those with separate systems
- Determines the correct permit type—Standard Dealer, Remote Seller, or Direct Marketer—based on your business profile
Ongoing Filing & Remittance
HOST handles:
- State and parish filings, including combined returns via Parish E‑File
- Zero-return submissions for inactive periods
- Timely filing to help you claim vendor discounts (up to 0.84%)
Audit Defense & Notice Handling
If you’re audited or receive tax notices, HOST steps in to:
- Prepare records
- Communicate with tax authorities
- Resolve issues on your behalf
Certificate Management & Compliance Advisory
HOST also assists with:
- Resale certificate generation
- Customized tax matrix development
- Strategic advisory to stay compliant as you grow
With HOST, you gain a single trusted partner for every aspect of Louisiana sales tax—from registration to recordkeeping, filings to defense.
Master Compliance in a Multi-Parish State
Getting your Louisiana sales tax permit is only the beginning. With layered state and parish requirements, frequent filings, and evolving rules, staying compliant takes more than good intentions—it takes the right support. Whether you’re a local retailer, remote seller, or dropshipper navigating parish-specific filings, the complexity adds up fast. That’s where HOST comes in. With decades of experience and a full-service approach, HOST helps you register accurately, file on time, manage notices, and avoid penalties. If you’re ready to take sales tax off your plate, reach out to HOST for a consultation today.
