B.R. software developers get sales tax exemption

Baton Rouge-based app maker NewAperio and other custom-built software developers in the city have reason to rejoice this morning, as the Metro Council unanimously approved Wednesday evening an exemption from paying the 2% sales tax to the city-parish for such businesses. “I’m really excited about it. I think it shows Baton Rouge is solidly in support of its technology companies; and it shouts a message to the rest of the country and Louisiana: Come build a technology business here,” says Logan Leger, NewAperio co-founder and CEO, who initially brought the idea of the exemption to the Metro Council. “It’s significant for a company such as ours: the difference between hiring another staff member or not.” Other professional services firms are already exempt from the 2% sales tax in Baton Rouge. The only other parish in the state to have approved a local sales tax exemption for custom-built software developers is Orleans Parish. The ordinance is aimed at attracting more software development firms to the area. —Steve Sanoski