Tax Planning for Physicians in New Orleans, LA (2026)
Physicians in New Orleans pay federal tax at up to 37% plus Louisiana income tax (a top rate of 3%). Here is how the 2026 rules apply to doctors, dentists and practice owners in New Orleans, LA.
2026 at a glance for New Orleans, LA physicians
| Louisiana income tax | Top rate of 3% (2026) |
|---|---|
| State tax on $400,000 of state taxable income | $12,000 single / $12,000 married filing jointly |
| State tax on $1,000,000 (married filing jointly) | $30,000 |
| City income tax | None on wages |
| Pass-through entity tax | Available (elective) |
| Top federal rate | 37% (from $640,600 single / $768,700 joint) |
State tax figures apply Louisiana's 2026 brackets to state taxable income and ignore credits, deductions and local taxes.
Local taxes in New Orleans
New Orleans does not levy a city income tax, and Louisiana physicians generally do not face a separate city or county income tax on wages. Your tax picture is the federal rules plus Louisiana, which has a top rate of 3%.
State rules that apply in New Orleans
Yes. The state has an elective pass-through entity tax (PTET) that partnerships and S corporations can use to deduct state income tax at the entity level.
- Louisiana replaced its graduated income tax with a flat 3% rate starting in 2025.
- Louisiana practice owners can elect entity-level taxation to recover a federal deduction for state tax.
Where the savings usually come from
For most New Orleans physicians, federal planning drives the largest results: W-2 strategies such as 401(k)/403(b), 457(b) and the backdoor Roth; 1099 and locum planning; entity and cash balance plan design for practice owners; and real estate strategies for physicians with time to participate.
More physician tax guides
- Other Louisiana cities: Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette.
- State rules: Louisiana physician tax guide and all 50 state guides.
- By specialty: Plastic Surgeons, Surgeons, Cardiologists, Gastroenterologists and every specialty.
- Core strategy: tax planning for physicians, tax planning for medical practice owners, advanced strategies for high-income physicians and S corporation tax planning for physicians, plus the physician tax glossary.
Frequently asked questions
Does New Orleans have a city income tax?
No. New Orleans does not levy a city income tax on wages.
What state income tax do physicians in New Orleans pay?
Louisiana has a top rate of 3% for 2026. On $400,000 of state taxable income, the 2026 brackets produce about $12,000 for a married couple filing jointly, before credits.
Can GenWealth 360 work with physicians in New Orleans?
Yes. GenWealth 360 works with physicians, dentists and practice owners nationwide, including New Orleans, through virtual meetings. Our office is in Long Beach, California.
Get a tax plan built for your situation
GenWealth 360 builds proactive, tax-first plans for physicians, dentists and medical practice owners in all 50 states. Start with a conversation about your income, entity and goals.
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Sources
This article is for general educational purposes and is not tax, legal or investment advice. Tax law changes often and its application depends on your facts. Figures reflect 2026 rules as published by the sources listed above. Consult a qualified professional before acting. See our editorial policy.