Louisiana Sales Tax Guide

Chapter 3: Getting registered to collect Louisiana sales tax

Overview

The first step toward proper management of Louisiana sales tax involves getting registered with the Louisiana Department of Revenue. We get a lot of questions regarding this and recognize it may be the most difficult hurdle for small businesses to overcome. Registering to collect sales tax in Louisiana means you've acknowledged your legal responsibility to collect and consequently file and remit sales tax to the state.

When do I need to register to collect sales tax in Louisiana?

There are two ways to think about this question. The first involves a topic called "nexus". Nexus, in the tax world refers to a company's connection to a state. While this connection is typically that of a physical nature (warehouse in the Louisiana, inventory in Louisiana, etc.), nexus is not limited to a physical presence. There are many nexus triggers we won't delve into here and, more importantly, nexus is often determined by a combination of events rather than a single event.

If it is determined you have nexus in Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Revenue has the legal right to require you to collect, file, and pay sales tax.

If you've determined you have nexus in Louisiana, the second question involves a topic we call "materiality". In short, you'll want to ask yourself whether the amount of sales tax you are required to collect and remit to the Louisiana Department of Revenue is enough to put you at an unacceptable level of penalty and interest risk. As everyone's level of risk tolerance is different, this is a question that can only be answered by you, the business owner.

Prior to selling taxable goods or offering taxable services in Louisiana, a business that has established nexus within the state is required to register for an Sales Tax License.

What triggers nexus in Louisiana?

Nexus is a complex topic that, depending on your situation, may require the in-depth knowledge of a qualified tax professional. That being said, there are a few common business events and situations that are known to trigger nexus in Louisiana. The most common include the following:

  • Opening an office in Louisiana
  • Storing inventory in a warehouse in Louisiana
  • Having remote employees located in Louisiana
How do I register to collect sales tax in Louisiana

Businesses may register for an Louisiana Sales Tax License online by visiting the Louisiana Department of Revenue and following the instructions provided.

It is also possible to get registered for a Sales Tax License by completing and mailing in a Application for Revenue Account Number (CR-1), but this approach is not recommended. Form based registration is being phased out in favor of online registration. It’s fast, free, and more reliable than mailing in a completed paper form.

What information is required to register for a Louisiana Sales Tax License ?

When applying for a Louisiana Sales Tax License, there are a number of pieces of information that may be required. These include, but are likely not limited to:

  • Business name
  • Business entity type
  • Description of business activities
  • Date business activities began or will begin
  • Business address and mailing address
  • Business contact information
  • The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code that best matches your business
  • Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
  • Your name, Social Security Number (SSN), driver license number, personal address, and personal contact information of owner/sole proprietor
  • List of business officers, partners, managing members, and/or trustees
  • Employment information (date of hire, number of employees, payroll amounts, payroll agent’s PTIN, if applicable)
How much does it cost to register for a Louisiana Sales Tax License ?

The cost to register for a Louisiana Sales Tax License is currently $0.

Do I need a Federal EIN in order to register in Louisiana?

The Louisiana Department of Revenue requires businesses requesting a new Sales Tax License to supply a valid Federal EIN number during the initial registration process. You can apply for an EIN number online by visiting the IRS website.

Which Louisiana governement agencies do I need to register with in order to get a new Sales Tax License?

We recommend you contact the Louisiana Department of Revenue to verify which government agencies you will be required to register with. Potential agencies include the following:

  • Louisiana Department of Revenue
  • Louisiana State Employment Agency
  • Louisiana State Department of Labor
  • Louisiana Local Tax Jurisdictions
Do I need to register for a new Sales Tax License if I acquired a registered business?

Yes! Louisiana Sales Tax License registration is unique to the state of a business. The Louisiana Department of Revenue requires all registered businesses to have current business owner name and contact information on file.