Filing your Louisiana tax return for 2016 may seem unnecessary years later, but it’s still essential for many individuals. Whether you forgot to file, need to submit an amended return, or recently discovered a refund you’re eligible to claim, handling past tax obligations correctly can help you avoid penalties and preserve your financial record. The Louisiana Department of Revenue processes prior-year returns and issues refunds when appropriate.
This guide is designed for individuals and small business owners who must file a 2016 Louisiana state return. It covers full-time residents, part-year residents, and nonresidents who earned Louisiana income that year. If you're self-employed, moved during 2016, or received wages reported on a Form W-2 or 1099, this step-by-step resource will walk you through the process—from understanding eligibility to sending your return to the correct address or filing electronically.
Failing to file a required return can result in interest, penalties, and the loss of any refunds owed. Louisiana taxpayers generally have three years from the original due date to claim refunds. Time is critical for those hoping to recover overpaid taxes or apply available credits. With accurate information and timely action, you can meet your filing obligations and potentially avoid long-term issues with the state revenue office.
Louisiana residents, part-year residents, and nonresidents who earned income in the state during 2016 may be required to file a Louisiana tax return. This includes individuals who lived in Louisiana for all or part of the year and those who worked in Louisiana but lived elsewhere. If you earned wages, were self-employed, or received income from Louisiana-based sources, verifying whether filing is required under Louisiana law is essential.
Even if you were not required to file a federal return in 2016, you may still benefit from filing a Louisiana return if state tax was withheld from your wages. Filing allows you to request a refund for any overpayment.
Military members whose home of record is Louisiana must file a state return and report all income, regardless of where they were stationed in 2016. Under the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act, certain spouses may be protected from Louisiana tax if their residence remained in another state, even if they lived in Louisiana during the year.
Consider your filing status and income threshold to determine whether you meet the filing requirement. If unsure, consult the 2016 Louisiana Individual Income Tax Instructions or a qualified tax professional.
Tax law changes introduced in 2016 impacted how Louisiana taxpayers filed their state returns. Suppose you are completing a return for that year. In that case, it’s essential to understand these updates, as they may affect your refund amount, credit eligibility, or the forms and schedules you must submit. These changes were passed during special legislative sessions and took effect within the 2016 filing period.
The Louisiana Department of Revenue implemented a new order for applying tax credits in 2016. Credits are now categorized by refundability and carry-forward status and applied in the following order:
If you’re preparing a return now, use the correct 2016 instructions and schedules. These changes directly impact how your form, refund, and payment amounts are calculated.
To correctly file your 2016 Louisiana state tax return, you must choose the proper form based on your residency status and gather supporting schedules and documentation. Submitting the right materials is essential to avoid delays in processing your return or receiving your refund.
These additional schedules are used to report specific credits, adjustments, or deductions:
All tax forms and instructions are on the Louisiana Department of Revenue website at www.revenue.louisiana.gov/taxforms. Make sure to use forms labeled explicitly for the 2016 tax year.
Include the following with your return:
Before you submit your return, double-check that each form is filled out accurately and signed. Missing or incomplete forms can delay processing and may result in penalties or missed refunds.
Filing your Louisiana income tax return for 2016 involves gathering your financial records, choosing the correct forms, and completing each section accurately. The following walkthrough applies to full-year residents filing Form IT-540 but can be adapted for nonresidents and part-year residents using Form IT-540B.
Enter your full legal name, mailing address, and Social Security Number (SSN). If you have a spouse, include their information as well. Indicate your filing status—single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, or qualifying widow(er). Use the same status you reported on your federal return.
Common mistake: Forgetting to check the box for a name or address change if applicable.
Use the appropriate schedules to apply your tax credits:
You may also use Schedule D if donating part or all of your refund to qualified Louisiana charities.
Reminder: Be sure to attach documentation for all credits claimed, such as daycare statements or proof of insurance payments.
Carefully reviewing your return before submission helps prevent delays, reduces the risk of rejection, and ensures that you receive any refund owed.
If you operated a small business in 2016, your Louisiana income tax filing requirements may differ from those of individual wage earners. Whether you're a sole proprietor, part of a partnership, or managing a single-member LLC, it’s essential to file the appropriate forms and account for self-employment obligations.
Small business owners who operated as sole proprietors or single-member LLCs (that did not elect corporate status) should report business income and expenses on Federal Schedule C. This information is carried over to your federal return and then reported on your Louisiana Form IT-540 or IT-540B, depending on residency status.
If you used part of your home for business, consider filing Federal Form 8829 to claim home office deductions. This can reduce your taxable income and lower your tax liability.
Married couples who jointly own and actively participate in a business may choose to be treated as a qualified joint venture. In this case:
If your business was structured as a partnership and included nonresident partners, you may be required to file a composite partnership return using Form R-6922. This return reports and pays Louisiana tax on behalf of nonresident individuals, unless specific exemptions apply.
Self-employed individuals may also need to:
Business owners should maintain detailed records and consult the 2016 Louisiana Department of Revenue instructions to ensure compliance. Keeping copies of tax documents, income records, and payment confirmations is critical in the event of an audit or amended return.
Taxpayers filing a 2016 Louisiana income tax return can choose between electronic filing (e-file) and paper filing. While electronic submission offers faster processing and fewer errors, paper returns remain an option for those who prefer physical documentation or don’t qualify for e-filing.
You can file your 2016 return electronically through the following methods:
Benefits of electronic filing include:
If you choose to file by mail, follow these guidelines:
If mailing a check, write down the last four digits of your Social Security number and include your full name and address. Never send cash through the mail.
If you owe Louisiana income tax for 2016, you must submit payment by the original due date to avoid penalties and interest. Although the deadline has passed, you can still pay the amount owing and reduce your liability for late filing and payment fees.
The Louisiana Department of Revenue offers several convenient methods for taxpayers to submit payments:
Important: Do not send cash when mailing a payment. Depending on whether a fee is included with your return, always use the correct P.O. Box.
If you cannot pay the full amount due immediately, you may request a monthly payment plan by submitting Form R-19026. This form is available on the LDR website and can be submitted electronically.
Paying as soon as possible helps reduce the overall balance due and prevents further enforcement actions.
After you file your 2016 Louisiana tax return, you can check the status of any refund or see whether you still have a balance due. Tracking your return helps ensure that your filing was received and is being processed correctly.
You can monitor your refund through the Louisiana Department of Revenue using these options:
To check your refund status, you'll need:
Tip: Choosing direct deposit when available can shorten the time to receive your refund by 1–2 weeks compared to a mailed check.
If you suspect a balance due or haven't received your refund:
Before submitting your 2016 Louisiana income tax return, use this checklist to ensure your return is complete and accurate. A thorough review can help avoid delays, rejected filings, or missed refunds.
Keep a copy of your filed return, supporting documents, and proof of payment for at least four years from the filing date. This protects you in case of an audit, refund dispute, or amended return.
You can still file your 2016 Louisiana tax return, but the deadline to claim a refund may have passed. Louisiana taxpayers typically have three years from the original due date (May 15, 2017) to request a refund. You should still file to comply with state income tax law and resolve outstanding obligations.
If you moved into or out of Louisiana in 2016, file Form IT-540B as a part-year resident. You'll report only the income earned while a Louisiana resident or from Louisiana sources. Use the filing status you used on your federal return, and follow the instructions to allocate income properly.
Self-employed individuals or small business owners should report their income and expenses on Federal Schedule C, which flows into their Louisiana return. Single-member LLCs generally use the same method. Partnerships with nonresidents may need to file Form R-6922. Be sure to include all relevant forms and documentation.
You can download 2016 Louisiana tax forms, instructions, and schedules directly from the Louisiana Department of Revenue at revenue.louisiana.gov/taxforms. Select the correct tax year and download the appropriate form for your filing status—whether you're a resident, part-year resident, or nonresident.
Only if you filed within three years of the original deadline—for 2016 returns, that date was May 15, 2020. If you missed that time window, you can no longer claim a refund, even if taxes were withheld or credits applied. However, it’s still important to file the return for compliance.
Form IT-540 is for full-year residents of Louisiana, while nonresidents and part-year residents use Form IT-540B. The forms differ in handling income sourcing, credits, and deductions. Choosing the correct form ensures proper calculation of your tax liability or refund.
Louisiana applies a 5% monthly filing penalty, up to 25% of the unpaid tax. A 0.5% monthly late payment penalty and accruing interest also apply. You should still file to reduce penalties even if you cannot pay in full. You may also request a payment plan through Form R-19026.
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