Louisiana is the only state in the country that offers Tax Free Shopping for international visitors. In fact, over 1,000 stores statewide participate in this program. Louisiana Tax Free Shopping (LTFS) provides tax refunds to international visitors on items purchased in Louisiana from participating retailers. Items purchased must be tangible goods and must leave Louisiana with the visitor. Only purchases made at participating stores are eligible for a refund. The LTFS logo is displayed at most retailers. International visitors with a valid foreign passport and round-trip international travel ticket of less than 90 days' duration are eligible for sales tax refunds. Resident aliens and students residing in the United States are not eligible.
When making a purchase, you need only show your foreign passport or a current picture identification to request a tax refund voucher from an LTFS member merchant (Canadians may substitute a driver's license; seamen may substitute a shore pass). You will be charged for your purchase, including tax, and given a receipt. You will also be given a voucher in the same amount of the sales tax refund. Vouchers and receipts must be retained in order to receive a refund.
To redeem LTFS voucher(s), you must present the following documents at the LTFS Refund Center, located at the New Orleans International Airport, or at the main branch of Hibernia Bank in Lafayette and Shreveport:
- Voucher(s) with accompanying sales receipt(s).
- Foreign passport with current U.S. visa, if applicable.
- Round-trip international ticket of less than 90 days' duration.
Or, you may submit the information by mail to the address below. A minimal refund-handling fee will be deducted from the refund amount. For more information and a list of participating stores, call or write for your free Tax Free Shopping Directory: Louisiana Tax Free Shopping, 2 Canal Street, Suite 2017, New Orleans, LA 70130, (504) 568-5323, Fax (504) 568-6670. In Baton Rouge, call (225) 383-1825. In Lafayette, call (337) 232-3737. In Shreveport, call (318) 222-9391. Or, via e-mail, ltfs@bellsouth.net
For more information, visit www.louisianataxfree.com
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