Centralized collections a priority for small business

The Louisiana chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business is lining up behind a constitutional amendment that would — over time and without definitive directives — create a centralized sales tax collection system in the Bayou State. While some details of the plan remain murky, the amendment’s purpose is clear: Rather than retailers and other businesses paying local sales taxes in each individual parish, there would be a one-stop shop on the state level. While the temporary increase in the sales tax could very much be on the agenda in the upcoming regular session, the push by small business for the consolidation of collections in Baton Rouge could very well become the defining policy issue heading into the fall election cycle.