October 29, 2008
In follow-up to our initial meetings and notification of downtown Covington’s designation by the State of Louisiana as a Cultural District, below are links to instructions, definition, and documentation form for Cultural District Sales Tax Exemption as provided by the State.
As of November 1st, all sales of original one-of-a-kind works of art within the boundaries of our Covington Cultural District (currently our historic district boundary map) are tax exempt – NO sales tax, either state or local, will be charged.
The State requires that all sales of original one-of-a-kind works of art (as defined by the State), must be documented on the form provided, and vendors shall retain copies for possible future. Tax-exempt sales must be included and submitted on your monthly sales tax returns to the State (line 33) and Parish (lines 9 & 10).
In addition to the exemption of sales tax on original art sales, properties in the district may qualify for tax credits for eligible expenses for rehabilitation of owner-occupied or revenue generating historic structures in a Cultural District.
Covington is one of the first 29 districts designated by the State. Louisiana’s Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism has researched this initiative in other states and found the program to be a very effective economic engine, enhancing tourism and revitalization in participating communities. Five of the districts are in St. Tammany Parish and include areas in Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe and Slidell. The St. Tammany Parish Arts Commission has been an advocate of the State’s Cultural District initiative and will be hosting a workshop for all businesses in our Cultural Districts to discuss the program in detail. You will be receiving an invitation to attend in the near future.
After you have had an opportunity to review the information, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Thank you,
Pam Keller
Director of Economic Development
(985) 898-4731
Links:
Cultural District Sales Tax Exemption Instructions
Cultural District Original Works of Art Sales Tax Exemption Certificate