Louisiana Personal Tax Extension Guide

IT-540 Payment Voucher  ·  Individual Income Tax  ·  Personal Filing Guide

Louisiana grants an automatic six-month extension for filing personal income tax returns to taxpayers who have been approved for a federal extension by the IRS. The Louisiana Department of Revenue mirrors the federal extension timeline, moving the state filing deadline from May 15, 2026, to November 15, 2026. No separate Louisiana extension application is required if your federal extension is in place.

Unlike most states that follow the federal April 15 deadline, Louisiana's personal income tax return is originally due on May 15—one month later. The extended filing deadline is November 15, 2026. Plan accordingly, as these dates are unique to Louisiana and differ from the federal calendar.

When you file your Louisiana state tax return by November 15, you must attach a copy of your federal Form 4868 to the return. Keep a copy of your filed Form 4868 available when preparing your Louisiana return.

Louisiana's extension applies only to filing—not to paying your taxes. Any Louisiana income tax owed must still be paid by May 15, 2026. Unpaid balances after May 15 will begin accruing penalties and interest.

• ACH Debit (LaTAP): Make electronic payments through the Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point at www.revenue.louisiana.gov/latap.
• Credit Card: Pay online at www.officialpayments.com or by phone at 1-888-272-9829. A convenience fee applies.

For mail-in payments, send with payment to:
Louisiana Department of Revenue
P.O. Box 751
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0751

Louisiana imposes a failure-to-file penalty of 5% of unpaid tax per 30-day period, up to a maximum of 25%. The failure-to-pay penalty is 0.5% per month, up to 25%. Both penalties can apply simultaneously, making timely filing and payment critical.

• File IRS Form 4868 first—Louisiana's extension depends on federal approval.
• Note Louisiana's unique May 15 due date—both for the original filing and payment.
• Pay any Louisiana tax owed by May 15, 2026.
• Attach a copy of your federal Form 4868 when you file your Louisiana return by November 15.
• Use LaTAP for ACH debit payments—instant confirmation, no fee.

Louisiana's extension is automatic with a federal extension, but note the unique May 15 due date for both the original filing and payment. Pay any tax owed by May 15, attach Form 4868 when filing, and submit your return by November 15, 2026.

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