Free Tool

Texas Sales Tax Calculator

Calculate the exact sales tax on any purchase in Texas. State rate of 6.25% plus local rates up to 2% — instantly computed for every major city.

Enter Purchase Details

Standard: Calculate tax on this amount

Purchase Amount (pre-tax)

City / Location

Houston

Combined Rate

8.25%

State 6.25% + Local 2.00%

Tax Calculation

Total with Tax

$108.25

Subtotal $100.00

State tax (6.25%) $6.25

Local tax (2.00%) $2.00

Total sales tax $8.25

Total paid $108.25

Tax Breakdown

State (6.25%) Local (2.00%)

Texas Sales Tax Rates by City (2026)

Compare sales tax rates across major Texas cities. Click a column header to sort.

	County	Local Rate
Amarillo	Potter	2.00%	8.25%
Arlington	Tarrant	2.00%	8.25%
Austin	Travis	2.00%	8.25%
Beaumont	Jefferson	2.00%	8.25%
Brownsville	Cameron	2.00%	8.25%
Cedar Park	Williamson	2.00%	8.25%
Corpus Christi	Nueces	2.00%	8.25%
Dallas	Dallas	2.00%	8.25%
Denton	Denton	2.00%	8.25%
El Paso	El Paso	2.00%	8.25%
Fort Worth	Tarrant	2.00%	8.25%
Frisco	Collin	2.00%	8.25%
Garland	Dallas	2.00%	8.25%
Grand Prairie	Dallas	2.00%	8.25%
Houston	Harris	2.00%	8.25%
Irving	Dallas	2.00%	8.25%
Killeen	Bell	2.00%	8.25%
Laredo	Webb	2.00%	8.25%
Leander	Williamson	2.00%	8.25%
Lubbock	Lubbock	2.00%	8.25%
McAllen	Hidalgo	2.00%	8.25%
McKinney	Collin	2.00%	8.25%
Midland	Midland	1.50%	7.75%
Pasadena	Harris	2.00%	8.25%
Plano	Collin	2.00%	8.25%
Round Rock	Williamson	2.00%	8.25%
San Antonio	Bexar	2.00%	8.25%
Sugar Land	Fort Bend	2.00%	8.25%
The Colony	Denton	2.00%	8.25%
Waco	McLennan	2.00%	8.25%

How Texas Sales Tax Works

Texas imposes a 6.25% state sales tax on the retail sale, lease, and rental of most goods and some services. In addition to the state rate, local taxing jurisdictions — including cities, counties, transit authorities, and special purpose districts — may levy an additional local tax of up to 2%, bringing the maximum combined rate to 8.25%.

Most major Texas cities, including Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth, charge the full 2% local rate for a combined total of 8.25%. Some smaller cities and unincorporated areas may have lower local rates. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts maintains the authoritative list of rates for all jurisdictions.

Sales tax in Texas is destination-based, meaning the rate applied is determined by the delivery address of the buyer, not the location of the seller. This applies to both in-store purchases and online orders shipped to Texas addresses.

Items Exempt from Texas Sales Tax

Texas exempts a number of everyday items from sales tax, including:

Groceries — most unprepared food items (bread, milk, produce, meat, etc.)
Prescription medicines — all medications prescribed by a licensed practitioner
Over-the-counter medicines — including pain relievers, cold medicine, and allergy medication
Baby essentials — diapers, baby wipes, bottles, and formula
Feminine hygiene products — tampons, pads, and menstrual cups
Seeds and plants — for growing food for human consumption
Water — including bottled water (plain, non-carbonated)

Note that prepared food (restaurant meals, deli items) is subject to sales tax, even though unprepared groceries are not. Clothing and shoes are also fully taxable at the regular rate, except during the annual tax-free weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sales tax rate in Texas? +

Texas has a state sales tax rate of 6.25%. Local jurisdictions (cities, counties, transit authorities, and special purpose districts) can add up to 2%, bringing the maximum combined rate to 8.25%.

What items are exempt from Texas sales tax? +

Most groceries (unprepared food), prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, and certain medical devices are exempt from Texas sales tax. Additionally, items like baby supplies, feminine hygiene products, and some agricultural products are tax-free.

Does Texas have a sales tax holiday? +

Yes, Texas holds an annual sales tax holiday typically in August before the school year. During this weekend, qualifying items like clothing under $100, school supplies under $100, and backpacks under $100 are exempt from state and local sales tax.

Do I pay sales tax on a used car in Texas? +

Yes. Texas charges a 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax on the purchase price of used vehicles. This is collected at the time of title transfer at the county tax office, not at the point of sale.

Is online shopping taxed in Texas? +

Yes. Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Texas requires remote sellers and marketplace providers (like Amazon) with substantial economic activity in the state to collect and remit sales tax on purchases shipped to Texas addresses.

How do I calculate reverse sales tax (find the pre-tax price)? +

To find the pre-tax price from a total that includes tax, divide the total by (1 + the combined tax rate). For example, if you paid $108.25 total with an 8.25% rate: $108.25 / 1.0825 = $100.00 pre-tax price.

Disclaimer: Rates shown are estimates based on publicly available data and may not reflect recent changes. Always verify current rates with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts before making financial decisions. This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax or legal advice.

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