Buying a car in Louisiana comes with several costs beyond the purchase price. From sales tax to title fees and registration costs, it can feel overwhelming to figure out the exact total. That’s why we created the Louisiana Vehicle Tax and Title Calculator — a free tool that gives you a clear breakdown of what you’ll owe.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how the calculator works and explain every fee so you can confidently budget for your next vehicle purchase.
Why Use a Louisiana Vehicle Tax and Title Calculator?
When you buy a car, truck, or SUV in Louisiana, you’ll need to pay:
- State and local sales tax
- Title fee
- License plate and registration fee
- Lien recordation fees (if financed)
- Special circumstances fees (gift, inheritance, donation, etc.)
Instead of guessing, the calculator automatically applies the correct rules to your situation — whether the vehicle is new, used, from a dealer, or from a private seller.
Step 1: Enter Vehicle Purchase Price
The first thing the calculator needs is the vehicle’s purchase price. This is the base value used to determine sales tax.
- For dealer purchases, the calculator assumes the dealer collects sales tax at the time of sale.
- For private sales, the calculator applies the tax to be paid at the OMV when you register the car.
Step 2: Select Parish for Local Tax Rate
Louisiana sales tax is a combination of state tax and parish tax. While the state portion is set by law, the local rate varies by parish.
Our calculator uses the latest parish-specific tax rates, so you get an accurate total no matter where you live. For example:
- Acadia Parish → 4.25%
- Crowley (Acadia Parish) → 3.00%
- Iota (Acadia Parish) → 3.25%
This ensures your local tax is correctly calculated.
Step 3: Determine State Sales Tax Rate
Louisiana’s state sales tax rate depends on purchase year:
- 4.45% for purchases before 2024
- 5.00% for purchases in 2025 and onward
The calculator automatically applies the correct rate depending on the date of purchase.
Step 4: Apply Exemptions for Gifts, Inheritance, or Donations
Not every vehicle transfer is taxed the same way. Our calculator considers special exemptions:
- Gift / Donation → No sales tax is charged, though you still pay title and registration fees.
- Inheritance → No sales tax, only title and registration fees.
- Standard purchase → Full sales tax applies.
Step 5: Title and Registration Fees
Every vehicle needs a title to prove ownership and a registration to legally operate on Louisiana roads. The calculator adds:
- Title fee (flat amount set by OMV)
- License plate & registration fee (based on vehicle value/weight)
- Lien recordation fee (if the vehicle is financed through a bank or lender)
These fees are the same whether you buy from a dealer or a private seller.
Step 6: Dealer vs. Private Sale Fees
One key difference is where and how taxes are paid:
- Dealer purchases → Sales tax is collected at the dealership. Some dealers also add their own documentation fee, which the calculator allows you to estimate.
- Private purchases → You pay sales tax directly to the OMV when registering the vehicle.
Final Output: Your All-In-One Louisiana Car Cost Estimate
Once you enter your details, the calculator provides a line-by-line breakdown:
- Vehicle Purchase Price
- State Sales Tax
- Local Parish Sales Tax
- Title Fee
- Registration / License Plate Fee
- Lien Fee (if applicable)
- Total Estimated Cost
This makes it easy to see the true cost of ownership before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to pay taxes if the car was a gift?
No, Louisiana does not charge sales tax on gifted vehicles. You only pay title and registration fees.
What if I inherited the car?
Inheritance transfers are also exempt from sales tax.
Are dealer fees included?
Our calculator covers state-required fees. Dealer-imposed documentation fees vary and are not included unless you add them manually.
How soon must I pay these fees?
In Louisiana, you generally must register and pay taxes within 40 days of purchase to avoid penalties.