French Quarter Economic Development District security sales tax begins October 1, 2021

Business owners in the French Quarter bounded by the Canal Street neutral ground, Esplanade Ave., the Mississippi River, and the lakeside of N. Rampart Street of the “Quarter for the Quarter” sales tax collection set to begin tomorrow. Business owners can expect to see the reinstated, additional sales tax on their bills beginning October 1, 2021 as required until June 2026.

The reinstatement of a 0.245 percent special sales tax levied in the French Quarter was approved by voters on the April 2021 special election ballot to authorize the funding of additional POST-certified officer patrols and other public safety programs in the area. The tax collection was originally set to take effect July 1, but was delayed.

On August 16, 2021, the French Quarter Economic Development District (FQEDD), composed of the New Orleans City Council, voted to levy the tax beginning October 1, 2021 excluding the rental of hotel and motel room sales and “the sale of original, one-of-a-kind works of art from an established location” (pursuant to LA Rev Stat § 47:305.57; click here for FAQs on the French Quarter Cultural District). All other goods and services to include: retail sales; the use, lease or rental of property; consumption and storage for use or the consumption of tangible personal property within the district are subject to the tax; and businesses are required to collect the tax.

For more information on the FQEDD sales tax call the City of New Orleans Finance Department/Bureau of Revenue Tax at (504) 658-1692.