MONROE, Louisiana (KNOE) – Louisiana ranks 37th in sales tax, according to a July 2024 study by the Tax Foundation.

A table from the Louisiana Association of Tax Administrators shows that in Monroe, Sterlington, West Monroe and both sides of Ouachita Parish, every jurisdiction, including economic development districts, has a total tax rate of over 10%.

For example, the reported sales tax of 11.44% only applies in the West Monroe Economic Development District, the commercial area with hotels and restaurants along I-20.

According to West Monroe Mayor Staci Mitchell, funds collected in the Economic Development District (EDD) can only be spent on economic development in that district. Mitchell explained Thursday afternoon (Aug. 15) that EDDs are proactive tools to encourage growth and create economic impact in a specific area. In fact, jurisdictions across the state are using EDDs to spur and encourage development.

In the study, Mississippi ranks second, while Arkansas ranks ninth. According to the Tax Foundation website, California has the highest sales tax at the state level.

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