Filing your Louisiana tax return for 2015 may feel overwhelming, especially if you're unsure where to start. Whether you're an individual, a sole proprietor, or a small business owner, understanding the proper process can save you time, reduce errors, and help you avoid unnecessary penalties. This step-by-step guide is designed to walk you through the process clearly and straightforwardly, ensuring you meet all state and individual income tax obligations accurately.
This guide is tailored for individuals who lived in Louisiana in 2015, earned income within the state, or need to claim a refund for taxes paid. It also supports nonresidents and part-year residents who earned income from Louisiana sources that year. Filing with the correct Louisiana tax forms, choosing the proper form based on your residency status, and submitting your return before the deadline are essential to ensure your income tax return is processed correctly.
All information in this article is sourced directly from the Louisiana Department of Revenue, ensuring you receive accurate and up-to-date guidance for the 2015 tax year. You’ll find links to official instructions, access to downloadable forms, and practical tips to simplify the process. Whether you're filing electronically or by mail, this guide will help you confidently navigate the Louisiana state tax filing process.
Understanding whether you must file a Louisiana tax return for 2015 depends on your residency status, income level, and source of earnings. The state requires individuals to file if they were full-year residents, part-year residents, or nonresidents who earned income within Louisiana. If you lived in Louisiana for any portion of 2015 or received Louisiana-based income, you may be obligated to file using the appropriate form.
You are required to file a Louisiana tax return for the 2015 tax year if you meet any of the following conditions:
Your filing requirement also depends on your federal filing status and adjusted gross income (AGI). Louisiana generally follows federal rules to determine thresholds but uses state-specific forms for reporting. For example, a single filer who earned more than the standard deduction plus exemption must file. Married couples filing jointly or separately, heads of household, and dependents have different thresholds based on income and filing status.
Although Louisiana begins with your federal AGI, several state-specific additions and subtractions affect your Louisiana individual income tax. For example:
Knowing whether you need to file and understanding these differences ensures that your income tax return is complete and accurate.
Filing the correct Louisiana tax forms for the 2015 tax year is essential to avoid delays, rejections, or incorrect calculations. The Louisiana Department of Revenue provides several forms, depending on your residency status, income sources, and whether you claim specific credits or deductions.
Below is a list of the primary forms for income tax returns in Louisiana for 2015:
Selecting the correct form ensures you report your taxes according to your status and avoid issues with your income tax return.
Depending on your situation, you may need to complete additional schedules or worksheets to accompany your main form:
These forms and schedules help calculate your final tax liability, apply any credits, and report special adjustments.
All official Louisiana tax forms for 2015 can be downloaded directly from the Louisiana Department of Revenue website. Each form includes detailed instructions on how to complete and file it correctly. You can also use the Louisiana File Online service to e-file eligible returns and avoid common paperwork errors.
Accessing the correct forms and supporting documentation is the first step toward filing an accurate and complete individual income tax return.
Filing your 2015 Louisiana income tax return starts with selecting the correct form and gathering essential information. Accuracy is key, whether you’re filing as a full-year or part-year resident. Below is a step-by-step breakdown for completing Form IT-540, the most common return for full-year residents.
Use Schedule F and Schedule G to list your tax credits and prepayments:
Completing your Louisiana tax return is the first step to avoiding delays or penalties. Consult the Louisiana Department of Revenue instructions for updates, especially if your income, credits, or deductions are complex.
If you operated a business in 2015 as a sole proprietor or small business owner, your tax return for Louisiana must include additional details. These instructions explain how to report business income and claim Louisiana-specific credits or adjustments.
The Louisiana Department of Revenue may treat some business income or deductions differently.
Louisiana offers several tax credits that may benefit small businesses:
Carefully following these steps ensures your income tax return reflects accurate business information and maximizes your allowable credits. Always refer to the official Louisiana Department instructions for rules or documentation requirements changes.
Louisiana offers two primary methods for submitting your 2015 income tax return: electronic filing and traditional paper submission. Choosing the best method depends on your personal preferences, access to digital tools, and the complexity of your tax return.
The Louisiana Department of Revenue encourages individuals to use its Louisiana File Online service at revenue.louisiana.gov/fileonline. This secure service is available to all filers, including business owners and self-employed individuals.
Benefits of electronic filing include:
To e-file, you'll need:
Paper returns are still accepted but typically take 12–16 weeks to process. This option is best for those who prefer traditional filing methods or cannot access reliable internet.
Tips for paper filing:
Filing electronically through the official Louisiana Department service is the quickest and most efficient option, but paper filing remains a valid alternative. Choose the best method, and ensure all required forms and documents are submitted by the deadline.
If your 2015 Louisiana income tax return shows that you owe taxes, you must pay the Louisiana Department of Revenue by May 15, 2016, by the original deadline. Even if you requested a filing extension, payment was due on time to avoid interest and penalties. Below are the approved payment methods, fees, and important considerations.
Electronic payments are the most convenient and secure method. You can pay online using the Louisiana File Online service at revenue.louisiana.gov/fileonline. Accepted methods include:
Online payments are typically processed faster, which reduces the risk of late taxes being paid.
If you choose to pay by mail:
This method is slower and increases the risk of late penalties if your payment is delayed in transit.
You may apply for an installment plan if you cannot pay your full balance immediately.
Installment plans are available for individuals and small businesses who demonstrate financial hardship.
Penalties and interest apply if taxes are not paid by May 15, 2016:
Paying on time and in full—electronically or by mail—is the best way to avoid unnecessary fees and preserve your refund eligibility, if applicable.
Once your 2015 Louisiana income tax return is submitted, you can track the status of your refund or confirm whether you have a remaining tax balance. The Louisiana Department of Revenue provides several tools to help individuals and business filers stay informed about their accounts.
If you’re expecting a refund, you can check its status online or by phone.
Estimated processing times:
Processing may take longer during peak filing season or if your return requires additional review.
To find out whether you have unpaid taxes, use one of the following options:
Through LaTAP, you can view your balance, review taxes paid, see form history, and set up payments.
Staying informed about your refund or outstanding tax obligations helps you avoid penalties, interest, or collection actions by the state agency. Monitor your account regularly if you’ve submitted paper documents or are on a payment plan.
Before you submit your 2015 Louisiana income tax return, take a moment to review all documents and ensure everything is complete. A missing form, incorrect figure, or forgotten signature can delay processing or result in penalties from the Louisiana Department of Revenue.
A careful review helps ensure your Louisiana state income tax return is processed efficiently and reduces the risk of delays, errors, or audits by the agency. Filing altogether and accurately protects both your time and your refund.
If you didn’t file your 2015 Louisiana income tax return by May 15, 2016, submit it immediately to minimize penalties and interest. The Louisiana Department of Revenue charges a 5% monthly late filing penalty, up to 25%, plus interest on unpaid taxes. Although your refund may be reduced or denied, filing late is better than not filing at all, especially if taxes paid were incomplete.
You can still file your 2015 Louisiana tax return, even past the original deadline. Use the correct year’s form, submit all documentation, and be prepared to pay penalties or interest if you owe taxes. If you’re eligible for a refund, note that the IRS and the Louisiana Department of Revenue have time limits. Confirm current rules before filing to ensure your income tax return is accepted.
You generally do not need to attach your federal return to your Louisiana income tax return, unless instructed to do so. However, some tax credits or adjustments—like those on Schedule H—require federal figures. Review the 2015 form instructions to confirm whether specific documents are required. The Louisiana Department may request additional information later, especially if there’s a discrepancy in income or taxes paid between returns.
To amend your 2015 Louisiana tax return, complete a corrected Form IT-540 or IT-540B, check the “Amended Return” box, and attach an explanation of changes. Include revised schedules or worksheets, and if you filed an amended federal return, attach a copy of Form 1040X. Submit all documentation by mail to the Louisiana Department of Revenue, and keep records for your individual income or business adjustments.
Yes, you may file jointly in Louisiana if only one spouse was a resident during 2015. Options include filing a joint Louisiana income tax return as full-year residents or filing separately—using Form IT-540 for the resident spouse and Form IT-540B for the nonresident. If both spouses moved during the tax year, file jointly as part-year residents and include the required NPR Worksheet to calculate taxes paid.
In 2015, Louisiana residents could claim various tax credits, including the Solar Energy Systems Credit, Education Credit, Inventory Tax Credit, and Ad Valorem Natural Gas Credit. Refundable credits were entered on Schedule F, while nonrefundable ones went on Schedule G. Eligibility was based on income, property, or business activity. Always check the 2015 instructions from the Louisiana Department to confirm documentation and form requirements for each credit.
If you can’t pay your full Louisiana tax bill, request a payment plan by submitting Form R-19026. You’ll pay a $105 fee, and interest continues to accrue on unpaid taxes. This option is available to qualifying individuals and businesses. Your 2015 income tax return must still be filed on time. Visit the Louisiana Department of Revenue website for instructions on setting up installment agreements and reviewing your balance.
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