INSTRUCTIONS: LOUISIANA RESIDENT INCOME TAX RETURN (Form IT-540)

Louisiana residents file their state income taxes using a form IT-540. This document can be obtained from the website of the Louisiana Department of Revenue.

Louisiana Resident Income Tax Return It-540 Step 1: At the top of the first page, give your name and Social Security number, as well as that of your spouse if filing jointly.

Louisiana Resident Income Tax Return It-540 Step 2: Enter your current home address, city, state and zip code. Provide a daytime phone number.

Louisiana Resident Income Tax Return It-540 Step 3: Five numbers are listed corresponding to possible filing statuses. Enter the number corresponding to your filing status.

Louisiana Resident Income Tax Return It-540 Step 4: Indicate all exemptions being claimed. If claiming dependents, you must give their names, Social Security numbers, relationship to you and birth dates.

Louisiana Resident Income Tax Return It-540 Step 5: Enter your federal adjusted gross income on line 7.

Louisiana Resident Income Tax Return It-540 Step 6: Enter your federal itemized deductions on line 8A, your federal standard deductions on line 8B, then subtract the latter from the former. Enter the difference on line 8C.

Louisiana Resident Income Tax Return It-540 Step 7: Complete Schedule H in order to complete line 9.

Louisiana Resident Income Tax Return It-540 Step 8: Complete lines 10 and 11 as instructed to calculate your Louisiana income tax due before adjustments.

Louisiana Resident Income Tax Return It-540 Step 9: Lines 12A through 15 concern nonrefundable credits. You will need to complete Schedule G in order to complete line 14.

Louisiana Resident Income Tax Return It-540 Step 10: Lines 16 through 18 adjust your tax liability and add any use tax owed.

Louisiana Resident Income Tax Return It-540 Step 11: Lines 19 through 23 concern refundable tax credits. To complete line 23, you will first need to complete Schedule F.

Louisiana Resident Income Tax Return It-540 Step 12: Lines 24 through 32 document payments already made.

Louisiana Resident Income Tax Return It-540 Step 13: Lines 33 through 45 concern voluntary donations.

Louisiana Resident Income Tax Return It-540 Step 14: In lines 46 through 58, perform the final calculations as instructed to determine your final balance due or refund owed. Sign and date the bottom of the fourth page. If filing jointly with your spouse, they must do the same.