State profile

Louisiana SUI rate 2026 and payroll registration

The 2026 wage base and rates, the protest window and the registrations Louisiana requires of an employer, each with its source.

Agency: Louisiana Workforce Commission

Kreto checks unemployment-tax rate notices in this state against the agency's 2026 schedule. Form 941 notices are checked in every state.

The 2026 figures.

  • Taxable wage base

    $7,000

    The wages per employee per year that SUI tax applies to.

    Source: Louisiana Workforce Commission

    Kreto-computed, not yet checked by a CPA.

  • SUI rate range

    0.09% to 6.2%

    The range for experience-rated employers.

    Source: Louisiana Workforce Commission

    Kreto-computed, not yet checked by a CPA.

  • New employer rate

    1.1%

    The rate before experience rating applies.

    Kreto-computed, not yet checked by a CPA.

  • Protest window

    30 days

    From the mailing date.

    Source: La. R.S. 23:1541(E)

    Kreto-computed, not yet checked by a CPA.

  • Voluntary contributions

    Allowed

    An employer may pay into its SUI account to move to a lower rate.

  • Paid family and medical leave

    No state program

    Louisiana runs no paid family and medical leave program.

About Louisiana SUI rates

Louisiana employers pay state unemployment insurance (SUI, also called SUTA) on the first $7,000 of each employee's wages each year. New employers start at 1.1% until experience rating applies. Once rated, Louisiana rates run from 0.09% to 6.2%. Louisiana Workforce Commission sets each employer's rate every year from its experience. Rates follow a reserve ratio: what the employer has paid in, less the benefits charged to its account, set against its average taxable payroll. A bigger reserve means a lower rate. Kreto-computed, not yet checked by a CPA.

If your rate notice looks wrong, Kreto checks it against the agency's 2026 schedule and shows the difference in dollars.

Registering as an employer in Louisiana

Kreto's rules list what Louisiana requires of an employer, from the first employee. Kreto files each one and tracks it to the state's confirmation.

Louisiana employer registrations
RequirementAgencyFormHow it is submitted
Unemployment insuranceLouisiana Workforce CommissionLWC-ES-4, Application for Employer Identification NumberOnline portal
WithholdingLouisiana Department of RevenueOnline portal
New-hire reportingLouisiana New Hire ReportingOnline portal
Workers' compLouisiana Workers Compensation (private market)By mail
Paid family and medical leaveNot requiredNo state paid-leave program.

Forms and agencies as Kreto's rules record them. Check the agency's site before you file on your own. See every state's requirements

Beyond SUI

  • Paid family and medical leaveLouisiana has no state program.
  • Voluntary contributions Louisiana lets employers make a voluntary contribution to their SUI account, which can lower next year's rate. Timing and deadlines vary; check with Louisiana Workforce Commission.
  • Workers' compNCCI rating jurisdiction. Federal OSHA jurisdiction.
  • Income taxHas state individual income tax.

Questions about Louisiana.

  • What is the Louisiana SUI wage base for 2026?

    $7,000 per employee per year. Kreto-computed, not yet checked by a CPA.

  • What is the new employer SUI rate in Louisiana?

    1.1% for 2026, until experience rating applies. Kreto-computed, not yet checked by a CPA.

  • How do I register for unemployment insurance in Louisiana?

    With the Louisiana Workforce Commission, on form LWC-ES-4 (Application for Employer Identification Number). Kreto files it once you approve and tracks it to the state's confirmation.

RelatedAll states Coverage by requirement SUI rate lookup Deadline checker SUI rate guide SUI and unemployment

Got a Louisiana SUI notice?

Upload it to the free notice scan to see what it is and when it is due. In an account, Kreto checks the rate against the agency's 2026 schedule and drafts the protest for your approval.