Taxes in Lafayette, Louisiana
Complete tax guide for Lafayette, LA. State income tax up to 3%, 0.48% property tax, 10.45% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
3%
Louisiana
Property Tax
0.48%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
10.45%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
Very Low
Lafayette, LA Tax Overview
Very high combined sales tax rate; Cajun country
Population
121,374
Median Income
$47,231
Cost of Living
91.7 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
3%
Median Home Price
$195,000
Lafayette Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Lafayette median: $47,231
Total Tax Burden in Lafayette
$8,659
Take-Home: $38,572 · Effective Rate: 18.33%
Federal Tax
$3,629
7.68% eff.
LA State
$1,417
3.00% eff.
FICA
$3,613
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$38,572
81.67% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $47,231.00 | $3,935.92 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$3,629.22 | -$302.44 |
| Louisiana State Tax | -$1,416.93 | -$118.08 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$2,928.32 | -$244.03 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$684.85 | -$57.07 |
| Take-Home Pay | $38,571.68 | $3,214.31 |
Property Tax in Lafayette
Median Home
$195,000
Annual Tax
$936
Monthly Tax
$78
Effective Rate
0.48%
Sales Tax in Lafayette
Combined Rate
10.45%
State Portion
~7.9%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Lafayette is 10.45%, which is above the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $10.45 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Lafayette | Louisiana Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 3% | 3% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 0.48% | ~0.48% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 10.45% | ~10.45% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | Very Low | — | Moderate |
About Taxes in Lafayette
Lafayette has a population of approximately 121,374 residents with a median household income of $47,231. The cost of living index is 91.7 (8.3% lower than the national average of 100).
Local context: Very high combined sales tax rate; Cajun country
Tax burden classification: Very Low. Effective combined tax rate of 24.2% includes federal, state, FICA, property, and sales taxes for a typical Lafayette household.
Official Tax Resources for Louisiana
For authoritative Louisiana tax forms, filing deadlines, and the latest legislative updates, consult these official government resources:
- Louisiana Department of Revenue — official state revenue agency
- Louisiana Individual Income Tax Forms — current tax year forms and instructions
- IRS Federal Tax Forms and Instructions — federal income tax filing
Tax Saving Tips for Lafayette Residents
- Louisiana's income tax rate of 3% is competitive. You may still benefit from maximizing 401(k) contributions ($23,500 limit) to reduce your taxable income at both state and federal levels.
- Property tax in Lafayette (0.48%) is below the national average of 1.1%. This makes homeownership more affordable here relative to property tax burden.
- The combined sales tax rate of 10.45% is relatively high. Consider making large purchases in lower-tax jurisdictions or online retailers that do not charge local tax rates.
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. Contributions are tax-deductible ($4,400 individual, $8,750 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
Other Cities in Louisiana
Sources & Methodology
Tax rate data on this page is compiled from official government sources and updated for the 2026 tax year. Calculations follow the IRS-published 2026 federal tax brackets, FICA rates (6.2% Social Security up to $176,100 wage base, 1.45% Medicare), and Louisiana state tax provisions. Property tax estimates use Lafayette's median home value of $195,000and the local effective property tax rate of 0.48%.
- • Federal tax brackets and standard deductions: IRS.gov
- • State income tax rates and brackets: Louisiana Department of Revenue
- • Median household income, home value, and demographics: U.S. Census Bureau ACS
- • Cost of living comparisons: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CES
- • National average benchmarks: Tax Foundation state-level tax burden studies
Disclaimer: Estimates are for informational purposes only. Actual tax liability depends on filing status, deductions, credits, and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed tax professional or your state revenue agency for binding tax guidance.
Reviewed by LevyIO Tax Research Team · Published 2026-01-15 · Last updated 2026-04-30
Calculate Your Full Louisiana Tax Burden
See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in Lafayette, LA?
Lafayette, Louisiana has a state income tax rate up to 3%. The property tax rate is 0.48% and the combined sales tax rate is 10.45%. Very high combined sales tax rate; Cajun country
How much is property tax in Lafayette?
The effective property tax rate in Lafayette is 0.48%. On the median home price of $195,000, this equals approximately $936 per year or $78 per month. This is below the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Lafayette?
The combined sales tax rate in Lafayette is 10.45%, which includes both state and local components. This is above the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Lafayette's tax burden compare to other cities?
Lafayette has a very low overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 24.2%. The combination of 3% state income tax, 0.48% property tax, and 10.45% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 91.7 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Lafayette?
Lafayette does not impose a separate local or city income tax. Residents pay the state income tax of 3%, federal income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare). Very high combined sales tax rate; Cajun country