Texas Sales Tax Calculator 2026 — 6.25% Rate

Calculate Texas sales tax on any purchase instantly. The state sales tax rate is 6.25%, local taxes add up to 2% for a maximum of 8.25%, and the statewide average combined rate (state + local) is 8.2% (Tax Foundation, rates as of July 1, 2026). Enter your purchase amount to see state tax, local tax, and the total amount due — all calculated privately in your browser.

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Texas Sales Tax Rate: State vs Combined

The Texas state sales tax rate is 6.25%. Most shoppers pay more than that, because cities, counties, transit authorities and special purpose districts can add up to 2% in local tax, for a maximum combined rate of 8.25% (Texas Comptroller). The statewide average combined rate is 8.2% — a population-weighted average published by the Tax Foundation for rates as of July 1, 2026. A $100 purchase costs $106.25 at the state rate alone and $108.25 at the 8.25% maximum.

What Is and Isn't Taxed in Texas

Texas does not tax ordinary groceries: food products such as flour, sugar, bread, milk, eggs, fruits and vegetables are not subject to sales tax, while prepared food, soft drinks and candy are taxable (Comptroller Publication 96-280). Clothing is taxed like other goods at the full state and local rate — Texas has no general clothing exemption. The one break is the annual sales tax holiday in August, when most clothing and footwear priced under $100 per item is tax free. Prescription drugs are exempt from Texas sales tax, and so are over-the-counter drugs and medicines labeled with a Drug Facts panel (Comptroller Publication 94-155).

Texas Sales Tax Holidays

Texas has four annual sales tax holidays, held on three weekends: Emergency Preparation Supplies in April, ENERGY STAR products and Water-Efficient Products over Memorial Day weekend, and the back-to-school Sales Tax Holiday in August (Texas Comptroller). Qualifying items are sold free of state and local sales tax. The 2026 dates, eligible items and price limits are in the full calendar below.

How to Calculate Texas Sales Tax

To calculate Texas sales tax, multiply the purchase price by the rate that applies where you buy. For the state rate only: price × 6.25% = tax. In a city at the 8.25% maximum: price × 8.25% = tax. For any other address, look up the rate with the Texas Comptroller Sales Tax Rate Locator and enter it in the optional field above; the 8.2% statewide average is only an estimate. Example: a $200 purchase at 8.25% = $16.50 in tax = $216.50 total.

Tips for Accurate Sales Tax Calculations

Always confirm the exact local rate for your specific city or county — the statewide average (8.2%, Tax Foundation, July 2026) is a population-weighted mean and may differ from your actual checkout rate. Large purchases like appliances or electronics are where the difference between the state-only and combined rates matters most. Keep receipts that show the tax rate used; this helps verify correct tax was charged and supports any refund claims for exempt purchases. If you are making a business purchase, check whether your state offers a sales tax exemption certificate to avoid paying tax on resale items.

Why 8.25% Is the Rate on Almost Every Texas Receipt

Texas law caps the combined sales tax rate at 8.25% — the 6.25% state rate plus a maximum of 2.0% in local tax shared between city, county, transit authority and special purpose districts. Many Texas cities fill the cap exactly: Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, Arlington, Plano, Corpus Christi and Lubbock all charge 8.25% in the Comptroller's city rate table (rates in effect October 1, 2026). The 8.2% statewide average (Tax Foundation, rates as of July 1, 2026) sits below the cap because smaller cities and unincorporated areas levy less than the full 2%, so it rarely matches a real receipt. The calculator above therefore defaults to 8.25% and keeps the statewide average as an option; if your address is below the cap, enter its exact rate in the optional field. Two things worth knowing: motor vehicles are taxed at 6.25% with no local tax at all (a dealer collects it at the sale; on a private-party purchase you pay it to the county tax assessor-collector when you title the vehicle), and grocery food is exempt from Texas sales tax — clothing is not, outside the August sales tax holiday. Confirm any specific address with the Texas Comptroller Sales Tax Rate Locator, which searches rates by address. Updated 2026-10-07.

Texas Use Tax: When You Owe Tax on Out-of-State Purchases

This Texas sales tax calculator computes tax on in-state purchases, but Texas also charges a 6.25% state use tax, plus up to 2% local use tax, on taxable items bought from a seller that did not charge Texas tax and then stored, used or consumed in Texas — including online orders. Per Texas Comptroller use tax guidance, examples include a camera bought from an out-of-state website that did not charge Texas tax and taxable items brought back from another country. Purchasers without a sales tax permit report use tax on Form 01-156, Texas Use Tax Return — by January 20 of the following year if they owe less than $1,000, or by the 20th of the month after their use tax owed for the year reaches $1,000; permit holders report it on their sales and use tax return. Texas allows a credit for sales or use tax paid to another state. Motor vehicles brought into Texas fall under the separate 6.25% motor vehicle use tax. Updated 2026-10-07.

Combined Texas Sales Tax Rate by Major City (2026)

The 8.2% statewide average (Tax Foundation, rates as of July 1, 2026) hides the fact that the cities below all sit exactly at the 8.25% statutory cap (6.25% state + 2.0% local maximum). Per the Texas Comptroller city sales and use tax rate table (rates in effect October 1, 2026):

MTA is a metropolitan transit authority, CTD a city transit department and ATD an advanced transportation district. Find the exact rate for an address with the Comptroller's Sales Tax Rate Locator — which city, county, transit and special purpose district taxes apply depends on the address. Updated 2026-10-07.

Texas Sales Tax Holidays: Full 2026 Calendar

Texas has four annual sales tax holidays, held on three weekends, per the Texas Comptroller. Qualifying items are free of state and local sales tax, so the full 8.25% is waived in most cities. Dates for 2026: Emergency Preparation Supplies: April 25–27, 2026 (portable generators priced under $3,000, emergency ladders and hurricane shutters under $300, and batteries, flashlights, first aid kits and similar supplies under $75). ENERGY STAR and Water-Efficient Products: May 23–25, 2026 (ENERGY STAR air conditioners priced $6,000 or less, refrigerators priced $2,000 or less, ceiling fans, clothes washers, dishwashers, dehumidifiers and incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs; plus WaterSense-labeled products and certain water-conserving products bought for a residence). Sales Tax Holiday for clothing, backpacks and school supplies: August 7–9, 2026 (most clothing and footwear, student backpacks and listed school supplies, each priced under $100). The Comptroller estimated $142.5 million in state and local sales tax savings for the August 2026 holiday and has published August 6–8, 2027 as the next one. Items bought before or after a holiday do not qualify, and there is no refund for them. Updated 2026-10-07.

Texas Sales Tax on SaaS, Digital Products, and Data Processing (2026)

Texas taxes software as a service and data storage as data processing services — but at a reduced base. The Comptroller's Publication 96-259, Taxable Services lists sellers of software as a service and application service providers as data processing providers and states that twenty percent of the charge for data processing services is exempt, so only 80% of the sale price is taxable; Publication 94-127 gives examples of taxable data processing such as data entry, data storage and payroll preparation. Example: a $1,000/month SaaS subscription in Houston (8.25% combined) is taxed as $800 × 8.25% = $66/month tax, not $82.50. Streaming video is treated differently: it is taxed as cable television service on the full charge. Only the part of a data processing service used in Texas is taxable, so a customer with locations inside and outside Texas can give the seller an exemption certificate and pay the tax on the Texas portion itself. Updated 2026-10-07.

Texas Sales Tax Nexus for Online Sellers (2026)

Out-of-state online sellers (remote sellers) must get a Texas permit and collect Texas use tax once their total Texas revenue exceeds $500,000 in the preceding twelve calendar months, per the Texas Comptroller Remote Sellers page and Publication 94-108. Total Texas revenue counts taxable and nontaxable sales, including sales for resale, and the safe harbor is based on revenue only. Collection must begin no later than the first day of the fourth month after the month in which the seller passed $500,000. A remote seller that sells only through a marketplace provider that collects and reports the tax on its behalf does not need a permit. Registration is through the Texas Online Tax Registration Application or Form AP-201, and the Comptroller's approval letter says whether to file monthly or quarterly. A $50 penalty is assessed on each report filed late; tax paid 1–30 days late carries a 5% penalty and tax paid more than 30 days late a 10% penalty, with interest starting 61 days after the due date. Updated 2026-10-07.

Last updated: October 2026. Sources: Tax Foundation, State and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2026 (rates as of July 1, 2026); Texas Comptroller — Sales and Use Tax; Texas Comptroller — City Sales and Use Tax rates (in effect October 1, 2026); Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Holidays; Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Holiday, Publication 98-490; Texas Comptroller — Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax; Texas Comptroller — Use Tax; Texas Comptroller — Remote Sellers; Texas Comptroller — Publication 96-259, Taxable Services; Texas Comptroller — Publication 96-280, Grocery and Convenience Stores.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sales tax rate in Texas?

The Texas state sales tax rate is 6.25%. Cities, counties, transit authorities and special purpose districts can add up to 2% in local tax, for a maximum combined rate of 8.25% (Texas Comptroller). The statewide average combined rate is 8.2% (Tax Foundation, July 2026).

Does Texas tax groceries?

No, not ordinary groceries. Food products such as flour, sugar, bread, milk, eggs, fruits and vegetables are not subject to Texas sales tax. Prepared food, soft drinks and candy are taxable (Texas Comptroller Publication 96-280).

Is clothing taxed in Texas?

Yes. Texas has no general clothing exemption, so clothing is taxed at the 6.25% state rate plus local tax — 8.25% in most cities. The exception is the annual sales tax holiday in August, when most clothing and footwear priced under $100 per item is tax free; in 2026 it ran August 7–9.

What is the combined sales tax rate in Texas?

The maximum combined (state + local) sales tax rate in Texas is 8.25%: the 6.25% state rate plus up to 2% in local tax. The statewide average is 8.2%, according to the Tax Foundation's table of rates as of July 1, 2026.

How do I calculate sales tax in Texas?

Multiply the purchase price by the rate. For state tax only: price × 0.0625. For a city at the 8.25% maximum: price × 0.0825. Example: $50 × 0.0825 = $4.13 tax, total $54.13.

Do I owe Texas use tax on out-of-state online purchases?

Yes, if the seller did not charge Texas tax. A Texas purchaser owes 6.25% state use tax plus up to 2% local use tax on taxable items bought from a seller who does not collect Texas sales tax. If you do not hold a sales tax permit, report it on Form 01-156, Texas Use Tax Return: it is due by January 20 of the following year if you owe less than $1,000, or by the 20th of the month after your use tax owed for the year reaches $1,000. Permit holders report it on their sales and use tax return. Source: Texas Comptroller, Use Tax.

What is the highest combined sales tax rate in Texas?

The maximum combined Texas sales tax rate is 8.25% — 6.25% state plus up to 2.0% local tax (cities, counties, transit authorities and special purpose districts combined). Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso and Arlington all charge 8.25%. Smaller cities and unincorporated areas may charge less; the statewide average is 8.2% (Tax Foundation, July 2026).

How is sales tax on a vehicle calculated in Texas?

Texas motor vehicle sales tax is 6.25% of the sales price, minus any trade-in allowance — city, county and transit rates are not added. It is a separate tax from the general sales tax: a dealer collects it at the sale and remits it to the county tax assessor-collector, and on a private-party purchase you pay it to the county tax assessor-collector within 30 days of purchase, where the taxable value may be based on the vehicle's standard presumptive value. Title and registration fees are charged separately. Source: Texas Comptroller, Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax.

How do I find the exact sales tax rate for my Texas address?

Use the Texas Comptroller Sales Tax Rate Locator at gis.cpa.texas.gov/search to search for the sales tax rate by address. The Comptroller also publishes the full list of city rates, with the transit authority, county and special purpose district taxes that apply in each, at comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/sales/city.php. The 8.2% statewide average and even a city-level rate can be wrong for an address outside the city limits, which matters on big-ticket purchases.

When must online sellers register for a Texas sales tax permit?

A remote seller whose total Texas revenue exceeded $500,000 in the preceding twelve calendar months must get a Texas permit and begin collecting use tax no later than the first day of the fourth month after the month in which it passed $500,000. Total Texas revenue counts taxable and nontaxable sales, and the safe harbor is based on revenue only. A remote seller that sells only through a marketplace provider that collects the tax on its behalf does not need a permit. Remote sellers may collect the local tax in effect at the delivery address or elect the single local use tax rate, currently 1.75%. Source: Texas Comptroller, Remote Sellers.

How often do Texas businesses file sales tax returns?

The Comptroller tells each taxpayer by letter, once the permit application is approved, whether to file monthly or quarterly; there is also a yearly schedule. Monthly reports are due on the 20th of the following month, quarterly reports on April 20, July 20, October 20 and January 20, and yearly reports on January 20. A $50 penalty is assessed on each report filed after the due date; tax paid 1–30 days late carries a 5% penalty and tax paid more than 30 days late a 10% penalty, and interest starts 61 days after the due date. Source: Texas Comptroller.

When is the 2026 Texas back-to-school sales tax holiday?

August 7–9, 2026 — Friday through midnight Sunday. Most clothing, footwear, school supplies and student backpacks priced under $100 were exempt from state and local sales tax, which is 8.25% in Austin, Houston, Dallas and San Antonio. The limit is per item: an item sold for $100 or more is taxed on its full price, and delivery charges count toward the price. Placing a qualifying item on layaway, or making the final layaway payment, during the holiday qualifies; a rain check does not if you pay after the holiday. The Comptroller has published August 6–8, 2027 for the next one. Source: Texas Comptroller, Sales Tax Holiday (Publication 98-490) and news release of August 4, 2026.

What sales-tax holidays does Texas have in 2026?

Texas has four sales tax holidays on three weekends each year. In 2026: (1) Emergency Preparation Supplies — April 25–27 (portable generators under $3,000, emergency ladders and hurricane shutters under $300, batteries, flashlights and similar supplies under $75); (2) ENERGY STAR products and (3) Water-Efficient Products — both May 23–25 (ENERGY STAR air conditioners priced $6,000 or less, refrigerators priced $2,000 or less, ceiling fans, clothes washers, dishwashers, dehumidifiers and light bulbs; WaterSense-labeled products); (4) the August Sales Tax Holiday — August 7–9 (clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks under $100). Items bought before or after the holiday dates do not qualify. Source: Texas Comptroller.

Is SaaS taxable in Texas?

Yes. The Texas Comptroller lists sellers of software as a service and application service providers as providers of taxable data processing services, and twenty percent of the charge for data processing services is exempt, so tax applies to 80% of the price (Publication 96-259, Taxable Services). Example: a $1,000/month SaaS bill in Houston (8.25% combined) is taxed as $800 × 8.25% = $66/month, not $82.50. Only the part of the service used in Texas is taxable (Publication 94-127).

How is Netflix or other streaming video taxed in Texas?

Streaming video is taxed as cable television service: the Comptroller's definition of cable television service includes streaming video programming and video on demand (Publication 96-259, Taxable Services). The full charge is taxable — there is no 20% reduction like the one for data processing services. A $15/month subscription at a combined 8.25% carries about $1.24 in tax.

Should I use 8.2% or 8.25% for Texas sales tax?

Use 8.25% if you are shopping in a city at the cap. Texas limits local tax to 2.0% on top of the 6.25% state rate, and Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, Arlington, Plano, Corpus Christi and Lubbock all charge exactly 8.25% in the Texas Comptroller's city rate table (October 2026). The 8.2% figure is the Tax Foundation's statewide average for rates as of July 1, 2026, pulled below the cap by places that levy less than the full 2% local tax, so it rarely matches a real receipt. The calculator defaults to 8.25% for that reason.

Is the sales tax on a car in Texas 8.25%?

No. Texas motor vehicle sales tax is 6.25% of the sales price minus any trade-in allowance, with no city, county or transit tax added. A dealer collects it when you buy; on a private-party purchase you pay it to the county tax assessor-collector when you title the vehicle. Title and registration fees are charged separately. Select the motor-vehicle option in the calculator to apply the 6.25%.