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Texas sales tax Calculator

Texas has no state income tax, but it makes up for it with a 6.25% state sales tax rate — and when you factor in local city and county additions, most Texans pay a combined rate of 8.25%, the statutory maximum allowed under state law.

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Rates updated for May 2026

This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for your specific situation. Rates last verified May 2026.

Verify rates on May 2026

How it's calculated

Price × 0.0825 = sales tax owed
1

Start with the purchase price: $25,000.00

2

Multiply by the combined tax rate to get the tax amount: $2,062.50

3

Add tax to the purchase price for the total amount due: $27,062.50

Texas sales tax rates by county

LocationCombined rate
Houston (Harris County)8.25%
San Antonio (Bexar County)8.25%
Dallas (Dallas County)8.25%
Austin (Travis County)8.25%
Fort Worth (Tarrant County)8.25%
El Paso (El Paso County)8.25%
Lubbock (Lubbock County)8.25%
Amarillo (Potter County)8.25%

Common examples in Texas

Based on county rates shown above. Select your county in the calculator for a precise result.

Used car purchase

$15,000.00 purchase

$1,237.50

tax owed

New car purchase

$35,000.00 purchase

$2,887.50

tax owed

Electronics (laptop)

$1,200.00 purchase

$99.00

tax owed

Home appliance

$800.00 purchase

$66.00

tax owed

Texas tax-free weekends

Shop during these periods and pay no sales tax on qualifying items.

Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

First weekend of August (Fri–Sun)

Clothing under $100, school supplies under $100, backpacks under $100

Emergency Preparation Supplies Holiday

Last weekend of April (Sat–Sun)

Generators under $3,000, batteries, flashlights, first aid kits

Energy Star Products Holiday

Memorial Day weekend (Sat–Mon)

Energy Star air conditioners, refrigerators, ceiling fans, washers/dryers under $2,000

Frequently asked questions

What is the sales tax rate in Texas?
Texas has a 6.25% state sales tax rate. Local cities, counties, and transit authorities can add up to 2% more, bringing the maximum combined rate to 8.25%. Most major Texas cities — including Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin — charge the full 8.25% combined rate.
Do you pay sales tax on a used car in Texas?
Yes. Texas charges a 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax on used car purchases. This is collected at the time of title transfer. Private party sales are taxed on the higher of the purchase price or the vehicle's Standard Presumptive Value (SPV).
What items are exempt from sales tax in Texas?
Texas exempts most groceries (unprepared food), prescription drugs, and certain agricultural items from sales tax. Prepared restaurant food, most clothing, electronics, and household goods are all taxable.
Is there sales tax on food in Texas?
Most unprepared grocery food is exempt from Texas sales tax. However, prepared food sold at restaurants, fast food chains, or ready-to-eat from a deli counter is taxable at the full rate.
When is Texas tax-free weekend 2026?
Texas has three tax-free weekends in 2026: the Back-to-School holiday on the first weekend of August, the Emergency Preparation Supplies holiday on the last weekend of April, and the Energy Star Products holiday on Memorial Day weekend.