Louisiana sales tax: More goods and services could be taxed under Landry plan

Louisiana lawmakers are considering a bill that would expand the state’s tax base to include about 50 more services.

Last week, Gov. Jeff Landry called lawmakers into a special session to pass a sweeping tax reform package he said would make Louisiana more economically competitive with other states. The governor’s plan includes significant income and corporate tax reductions.

To offset the loss of tax revenue, the governor wants to renew a 0.45-cent sales tax set to expire next year and tax four dozen goods and services. Critics worry the additional sales taxes could be financially straining for lower-income households.

For the changes to pass, the bill, HB 9, sponsored by Rep. Neil Riser (R-Columbia), needs the support of more than two-thirds of the Legislature, and then voters will need to approve it during the next election.

The bill is set to go before the House Ways and Means Committee Wednesday.

Here’s a list of goods and services that could be taxed:

1. Lodging
2. Event and amusement park ticket sales 
3. Parking
4. Printing and copying services
5. Laundry, cleaning, pressing, alterations, repair, and dyeing services
6. Telecommunications services
7. Boat storage
8. Auto club services and fees 
9. Car wash services
10. Coin-operated machine services 
11. Computer software installation, repair and maintenance
12. Condominium timeshare and exchange services
13. Dating services 
14. Delivery services 
15. Non-medical diet and weight loss services 
16. Property maintenance and repair and installation services 
17. Information services  (newsletters, research publications, financial guides, database subscriptions)
18. Interior decorating and design services
19. Intrastate limousine, bus, and van transportation services and taxi cab and rideshare services.
20. Landscaping, lawn care, and horticultural services
21. Linen supply services 
22. Lobbying services
23. Machine and equipment operation
24. Mailing services 
25. Marina fees
26. Personal fitness training services
27. Pet grooming, boarding, sitting, training, and obedience services
28. Photography studio services
29. Photofinishing and film development services
30. Private process server services
31. Public opinion and research polling services
32. Quilting, embroidery, and monogramming services
33. Repairs, maintenance, and installation of tangible personal property (cars, furniture, home appliances)
34. Repossession services
35. Restroom operations and comfort station services
36. Security services (locksmiths, security systems, bodyguards)
37. Personal shopping
38. Social event planning and coordination services and catering services
39. Spa services, massages and steam baths
40. Event space rental 
41. Storage space 
42. Skin tanning services
43. Tattoos and piercings 
44. Travel agents and travel clubs 
45. Cable TV and satellite TV and radio
46. Services provided through warranty agreements
47. Waste collection and disposal services
48. Wrecking and towing services