NFIB State Director Leah Long said today that small business owners are urging lawmakers to support House Bill 620, a proposed constitutional amendment that would simplify Louisiana’s complicated sales tax system by allowing the state to implement a centralized collection process for local sales and use taxes.

If approved by the Legislature and voters, the measure would allow lawmakers to create a single system to collect sales and use taxes imposed by state and local taxing authorities.

“Our sales tax system is one of the most complex in the country,” Long said. “Small business owners have to contend with multiple tax collectors, different rules, and confusing filing requirements. This proposed amendment would help create a simpler, more consistent system.”

Under the proposal, a central collector would gather the taxes and then send the money to the appropriate local authorities. The amendment would also establish that local tax revenues would remain the property of the local taxing authority and would not be treated as state funds.

“Small businesses don’t have teams of accountants or lawyers to handle taxes,” Long said. “A more streamlined process would cut paperwork, reduce compliance costs, and make it easier for small businesses to focus on serving their customers and growing their businesses.”

House Bill 620 would place the proposed amendment before voters in the Nov. 3 statewide election. If approved, the changes would take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.