Louisiana Plan to Limit Business Inventory Tax Put Before Voters

Louisiana voters are heading to the ballot box to decide the fate of local business inventory taxes, which generate strong revenue for some parishes but have been costly for large manufacturers and retailers.

Voters will weigh in May 16 on constitutional Amendment 4, which would grant local parishes greater authority to reduce or exempt property taxes paid on business inventory.

Louisiana is one of a small group of states that allow local governments to extend property tax to business inventory, such as raw materials, goods in production, and products stored in warehouses. The tax falls heavily on retailers ...