You already know you have to make your way to Louisiana. The French Quarter’s been on your to-see list since you booked your flight to America, and you wouldn’t think of missing the plantation tours – but are you about to miss out on some of the most fun discount shopping America has to offer?
The first tax free shopping program for international visitors to the US is still the most hassle-free and the most unique. Louisiana’s tax free shopping program has been operating since 1989 and it’s no wonder why it’s been so successful. Where else in the world can you buy an alligator head and a Coach bag to carry it home in in side-by-side shops?
Louisiana’s one-of-a-kind flavor is world renowned, and it’s not limited to our famous gumbo and etouffee! We’re the only state in the nation where you can purchase an authentic voodoo doll then cross the street and get that iPad you’ve been promising yourself. And when you do, just bring your passport and/or current official picture identification, flight itineraries along with your original receipt(s) and tax-free voucher(s) from the participating merchant and step into one of the three refund centers conveniently located throughout the state and get your tax refund in cash right then and there. Shop at participating merchants and receive a tax-free voucher.
Our tax refund centers aren’t to be confused with the duty-free shops you’ll find at any nternational airport. Oh no – you’ll find a whole lot more than discount liquor and the same old souvenirs. More than 900 shops participate in our tax free shopping program, each one with that special Louisiana spirit you simply can’t find anywhere else. From the bayou to Bourbon Street, from gift shops for the folks back home to fashion and accessories you’ll be showing off on the rest of your American adventure, Louisiana tax free shopping is as much a journey as it is a destination.
Make sure you don’t miss out on your ideal Louisiana shopping experience. Go to louisianataxfree.com and explore the directory of tax free shops to make your must-visit list. Don’t forget to ask your family back home what they want – or they may end up with a voodoo doll that looks like them.
The sales tax refund is provided on tangible items purchased at tax-free stores and permanently removed from the United States. There is no refund for sales taxes paid for personal services, such as: hotels, restaurants, entertainment and transportation.
When making a purchase and showing a foreign passport or current official picture identification, the international visitor pays the purchase price, including the sales tax, and is given a voucher, a long with the associated sales receipt or invoice. To obtain a cash refund, please visit the refund at the Refund Center in the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, or Downtown Refund Center located in The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk next to the Convention Center. To obtain a prepaid card refund, please visit the Lakeside Shopping Center Refund Center in Metairie or the Canal Place Refund Center in New Orleans. The international visitor must present all vouchers and corresponding sales receipts, passport, US VISA or ESTA and international travel ticket. Cash refunds are paid in US currency up to $500. Checks are issued on refunds over $500. Prepaid Card Refunds are paid on refunds from $25.00 to $1500.00 and can be used around the world. Refunds can also be obtained by mail.
Public records requests should be sent to the Louisiana Department of Revenue.
