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Louisiana Business Tax Deadlines (2026)

Next: June 15, 2026 — Federal & Louisiana Q2 Estimated Tax Payment

Next Deadline: June 15, 2026 — Federal & Louisiana Q2 Estimated Tax Payment

Federal Tax Deadlines (2026)

FormWho FilesDue DateExtension Deadline
Form 1040 (Schedule C)Sole proprietorsApril 15October 15
Form 1065Partnerships, Multi-member LLCsMarch 15September 15
Form 1120-SS-CorporationsMarch 15September 15
Form 1120C-CorporationsApril 15October 15
Form 990NonprofitsMay 15November 15
Estimated Taxes (Q1)AllApril 15
Estimated Taxes (Q2)AllJune 15
Estimated Taxes (Q3)AllSeptember 15
Estimated Taxes (Q4)AllJanuary 15, 2027

Louisiana State Tax Deadlines (2026)

Tax TypeDue DateForm/FilingNotes
Individual Income TaxMay 15Form IT-540Flat 3% rate; due May 15
Corporate Income TaxMay 15Form CIFT-620Flat 5.5% rate
Corporate Franchise TaxMay 15Filed with CIFT-620$2.75 per $1,000 of taxable capital (being phased out)
S-Corp ReturnMarch 15Form CIFT-620Pass-through
Partnership ReturnMarch 15Form IT-565Pass-through
Sales Tax (Monthly)20th of following monthVia Louisiana File OnlineState rate 4.45%
Withholding Tax (Monthly/Quarterly)Varies by payrollForm L-1Employers
Annual ReportAnniversary of formationFiled with Secretary of State$30 (LLC); $75 (Corp)
Estimated Income Tax (Q1)April 15Form IT-540ES / CIFT-620ES
Estimated Income Tax (Q2)June 15Form IT-540ES / CIFT-620ES
Estimated Income Tax (Q3)September 15Form IT-540ES / CIFT-620ES
Estimated Income Tax (Q4)January 15, 2027Form IT-540ES / CIFT-620ES

Quarterly Estimated Tax Deadlines in Louisiana

Louisiana follows the federal estimated tax payment schedule for quarterly payments, even though the annual return is due May 15:

  • Q1: April 15, 2026
  • Q2: June 15, 2026
  • Q3: September 15, 2026
  • Q4: January 15, 2027
  • Estimated payments are required if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in Louisiana income tax.

    Louisiana-Specific Tax Requirements

    Louisiana recently underwent major tax reform. The individual income tax is now a flat 3% rate (down from the previous graduated system), and the corporate income tax is a flat 5.5%. Louisiana also imposes a corporate franchise tax of $2.75 per $1,000 of taxable capital employed in the state, but this tax is being phased out over several years. The individual income tax return is due May 15 (one month after the federal deadline), giving filers extra time.

    Louisiana's state sales tax rate is 4.45%, but combined with local parish (county) taxes, total rates can exceed 12% in some areas — among the highest combined rates in the nation. Louisiana's local sales tax system is notoriously complex, with multiple local taxing jurisdictions. The state created the Louisiana Sales and Use Tax Commission for Remote Sellers to handle remote seller compliance. The economic nexus threshold is $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions.

    Employers must register for withholding tax and file returns on a schedule based on payroll amounts. Annual reports are filed with the Louisiana Secretary of State on the anniversary of the entity's formation. Louisiana has a robust tax incentive program, particularly for the film, tech, and energy industries.

    What Happens If You Miss a Louisiana Tax Deadline?

  • Late filing penalty: 5% per month of unpaid tax for the first 30 days, then 5% per additional 30 days, up to 25%
  • Late payment penalty: 0.5% per month of unpaid tax, up to 25%
  • Interest rate: Adjusted annually; approximately 6.75% per year (prime + 1%)
  • How to file for an extension: Louisiana grants an automatic extension to November 15 for individuals (7 months from May 15). File Form R-2868 or rely on a filed federal extension. Estimated tax must be paid by the original deadline.
  • Louisiana Department of Revenue

  • Website: https://revenue.louisiana.gov
  • Phone: (855) 307-3893
  • Online Filing: https://latap.revenue.louisiana.gov
  • Get Your Books Ready Before Tax Season

    Louisiana's May 15 deadline gives you extra time, but the complex local sales tax landscape means your books need to track revenue by parish accurately. Clean books save you from a parish-by-parish audit headache.

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