NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans is launching a limited-time Sales Tax Amnesty Program that will allow eligible businesses and taxpayers to resolve delinquent tax obligations while receiving reductions in penalties and interest.
Beginning Oct. 1, 2026, eligible taxpayers can receive a 100% waiver of penalties and negligence fees and a 50% reduction in interest on qualifying delinquent tax balances.
The program will run through Dec. 31, 2026.
The amnesty program applies to eligible outstanding:
- Sales and use taxes
- Hotel and motel taxes
- Parking taxes
- Alcoholic beverage gallonage taxes
- Occupational license taxes
- Certain permits
Property taxes are not included.
According to the City, sales tax revenue accounts for approximately 40% of the General Fund and helps support public safety, the New Orleans Police Department, New Orleans Fire Department, infrastructure repairs, recreation, sanitation and other city services.
“We are giving businesses a limited-time opportunity to resolve outstanding tax obligations while reducing the financial burden of penalties and interest,” Mayor Helena Moreno said. “These revenues are critical to providing the services and investments New Orleanians rely on every day.”
Who May Qualify
The program is available to taxpayers with qualifying delinquent obligations, including those who failed to file tax returns or pay taxes due, failed to register or obtain required licenses or permits, underpaid taxes, or have outstanding sales tax balances.
Taxpayers currently under an installment agreement or who have defaulted on an agreement may also qualify. The program can also apply to certain taxpayers under audit or involved in sales tax litigation, those with sales tax liens, and those who claimed incorrect credits or deductions.
Businesses that failed to pay for or renew an occupational license permit may also be eligible.
After the amnesty period ends, the City’s Bureau of Revenue says it will resume enhanced efforts to identify non-filers and collect delinquent taxes.
Applications can be completed in person or online through the City’s Sales Tax website. Taxpayers using the City’s E-Services Sales Tax payment platform can also access the amnesty program online.
For additional information, contact the New Orleans Bureau of Revenue at (504) 658-1829 or (504) 658-1630.
Deadline: Dec. 31, 2026
Source: City of New Orleans