Louisiana Proposes Centralized Sales Tax Collection

Legislation aims to shift tax reporting and collection from local parishes to state revenue department.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:41pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting of the Louisiana State Capitol building, its grand architecture bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, evoking a sense of quiet contemplation around the political process.The Louisiana State Capitol stands as a symbol of the state's political landscape, where proposed changes to sales tax collection are being debated.Lafayette Today

Proposed legislation in Louisiana, House Bills 620 and 658, would significantly change how local sales and use taxes are administered by shifting the reporting and collection from local parish collections to the Louisiana Department of Revenue. The measures are scheduled for a hearing on March 30 and have drawn both support and opposition from stakeholders.

Why it matters

This proposed centralization of sales tax collection could impact the timing of tax payments, audit-related revenue, and the level of customer service provided to taxpayers. It has also raised concerns about the documentation required for accurate distribution of funds to local jurisdictions.

The details

The legislation, authored by State Rep. Josh Carlson, would eliminate local tax collectors, the Remote Seller's Commission, and the Louisiana Uniform Local Sales Tax Board by 2028. The Louisiana Association of Tax Administrators has adopted a resolution opposing the centralization, while the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry supports the measures, arguing that centralization reduces costs and makes the state more competitive.

  • The legislation, House Bills 620 and 658, is scheduled for a hearing before the Ways and Means Committee on March 30, 2026.
  • If the issue goes before voters as a constitutional amendment, public engagement will be critical.

The players

Josh Carlson

District 43 State Representative from Lafayette, Louisiana, who authored the proposed legislation.

Amber Miller

The Jeff Davis Parish School Board Tax Administrator, who is encouraging stakeholders to attend the hearing and voice their support or opposition.

Louisiana Association of Tax Administrators (LATA)

An organization that has adopted a resolution opposing the centralization of local sales and use tax collection.

Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI)

An organization that supports the proposed measures, arguing that centralization reduces costs and makes the state more competitive.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The proposed legislation, House Bills 620 and 658, will be heard by the Ways and Means Committee on March 30, 2026. If the measures pass, they could go before voters as a constitutional amendment, which would require significant public engagement.

The takeaway

This proposed centralization of sales tax collection in Louisiana has drawn both support and opposition from stakeholders. While proponents argue it will reduce costs and make the state more competitive, opponents are concerned about the potential impact on local tax administration, revenue, and customer service. The outcome of the legislative process and any potential constitutional amendment will be closely watched by businesses and taxpayers across the state.