The Louisiana Tax Free Shopping Program has opened a refund center in Baton Rouge. The program provides a tax exemption in the form of a refund on most retail purchases made by international visitors to Louisiana. In order to qualify for the program, visitors must be travelling on a foreign passport with a current U.S. tourist visa and be staying in the country for less than 90 days. The sales tax refund is offered on tangible items purchased at tax-free stores then permanently removed from the United States. A sales tax refund is not offered for personal services including lodging and meals. When making a purchase, the individual must display his or her passport or current official picture ID and pay the entire purchase price, including the sales tax. The individual will then be given a voucher along with their receipt or invoice. The sales tax refund is paid in U.S. currency up to $500, and checks are issued on refunds over $500. Individuals can also obtain refunds via the mail. (Tax Topics, Louisiana Department of Revenue, September 27, 2011)