Texas Sales Tax Calculator 2026 — 6.25% Rate

Calculate Texas sales tax on any purchase instantly. The state sales tax rate is 6.25%, and the average combined rate (state + local) is 8.2%. 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%. However, most shoppers pay more than the state rate because counties and cities add their own local taxes on top. The average combined rate across all jurisdictions in Texas is 8.2%, according to Tax Foundation 2026 data. This means a $100 purchase could cost between $106.25 (state only) and more in high-tax localities.

What Is and Isn't Taxed in Texas

Texas exempts most unprepared grocery items from state sales tax, which helps reduce the cost of essential food purchases. Texas exempts most clothing items from state sales tax, making it a tax-friendly state for apparel purchases. Prescription drugs are also exempt from sales tax in Texas.

Texas Sales Tax Holidays

Texas holds a Sales Tax Holiday in August for clothing/footwear under $100 and one for emergency supplies. During a sales tax holiday, qualifying items are sold without collecting state sales tax — and sometimes local sales tax too. Check the Texas Department of Revenue website for exact dates, eligible items, and price limits each year.

How to Calculate Texas Sales Tax

To calculate Texas sales tax: multiply the purchase price by the applicable rate. For the state rate only: price × 6.25% = tax. For the combined rate: use 8.2% for an average estimate, or enter the exact local rate from your receipt or the Texas Department of Revenue website. Example: a $200 purchase at the 8.2% combined rate = $16.40 in tax = $216.40 total.

Tips for Accurate Sales Tax Calculations

Always confirm the exact local rate for your specific city or county — the combined average (8.2%) is a statewide mean and may differ from your actual checkout rate. Large purchases like vehicles, appliances, or electronics are where the difference between 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.

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% use tax on items bought tax-free out of state and brought into Texas — including online orders from retailers that did not collect Texas tax. Per Texas Comptroller sales and use tax guidance, common triggers include vehicles bought in another state, large electronics shipped to Texas, and business equipment purchased from non-Texas vendors. Individuals report use tax on Form 01-156 (annual filing); businesses report it on their sales tax return. The rate matches the sales tax rate that would have applied — 6.25% state plus your local rate.

Combined Texas Sales Tax Rate by Major City (2026)

The 8.2% state-average rate hides large gaps between metro and rural Texas. Most major cities sit at or near the 8.25% statutory cap (6.25% state + 2.0% local maximum). Per the Texas Comptroller city sales-tax rate lookup (2026):

Find your exact rate by ZIP or address on the Comptroller's lookup — sub-county boundaries (PIDs, SPDs, ESDs) can change the rate within a single city. Updated 2026-07-03.

Texas Sales Tax Holidays: Full 2026 Calendar

Texas runs THREE sales-tax holidays per year — one of the most generous holiday calendars in the US. All three are legislated per Texas Comptroller Publication 98-490 (2026) and apply to state 6.25% AND local combined rate (typically 2%, so full 8.25% is waived). Dates for 2026: Emergency Preparation Supplies: April 25–27, 2026 (portable generators under $3,000, batteries and flashlights under $75, hurricane shutters under $75) — critical for Gulf Coast homeowners. Energy Star / Water-Saving Products: May 23–25, 2026 (Energy Star air conditioners under $6,000, refrigerators under $2,000, dishwashers, ceiling fans, LEDs, and water-conserving showerheads). Sales Tax Holiday for Clothing/Backpacks/School Supplies: August 8–10, 2026 (clothing and footwear under $100/item, backpacks under $100, school supplies under $100). Combined potential savings on back-to-school shopping alone: $150–$300 for a family of 4. Set calendar reminders — the state does NOT auto-apply the exemption if you shop the day before or after. Updated 2026-07-12.

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

Texas is one of the few US states that taxes SaaS, cloud storage, and most digital services — but at a reduced base. Per Texas Comptroller Publication 94-127, "data processing services" (which includes SaaS, cloud hosting, and most B2B software subscriptions) are taxed at the standard combined rate — but only 80% of the sale price is taxable (a statutory 20% exemption applies). Example: a $1,000/month SaaS subscription in Houston (8.25% combined) is taxed as $800 × 8.25% = $66/month tax, not $82.50. Digital audio/video/e-book downloads and streaming subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify) are fully taxable at 100% of price. SaaS billed to a non-Texas customer is generally exempt, but the seller must document the buyer's out-of-state ship-to or use address. Updated 2026-07-22.

Texas Sales Tax Nexus for Online Sellers (2026)

Out-of-state online sellers must register and collect Texas sales tax once they cross the economic nexus threshold: $500,000 in Texas gross revenue over the previous 12 months, per the Texas Comptroller Publication 94-108 (2026). There is no separate transaction-count trigger — Texas uses a revenue-only test, unlike many states. Marketplace facilitators (Amazon, Etsy, eBay) collect on behalf of third-party sellers, but Texas-only DTC brands, Shopify stores, and B2B invoicing shops must register directly. After crossing $500K, use the state's Texas Online Sales Tax Permit application; filing frequency is assigned by expected liability (monthly, quarterly, or annually). Late filing triggers a 5% penalty per month up to 25% plus interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sales tax rate in Texas?

The Texas state sales tax rate is 6.25%. When combined with local county and city taxes, the average rate across Texas is 8.2% (Tax Foundation 2026).

Does Texas tax groceries?

Texas exempts most unprepared grocery items from state sales tax, which helps reduce the cost of essential food purchases.

Is clothing taxed in Texas?

Texas exempts most clothing items from state sales tax, making it a tax-friendly state for apparel purchases.

What is the combined sales tax rate in Texas?

The average combined (state + local) sales tax rate in Texas is 8.2%. The state portion is 6.25%; the remainder comes from county and municipal taxes that vary by location.

How do I calculate sales tax in Texas?

Multiply the purchase price by the rate. For state tax only: price × 0.0625. For the average combined rate: price × 0.0820. Example: $50 × 0.0820 = $4.10 tax, total $54.10.

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

Yes, if the online retailer did not collect Texas sales tax. Texas use tax is owed at the same combined rate (6.25% state + local) on items bought tax-free and brought into Texas. Individuals report annually on Form 01-156; businesses report on the regular sales tax return. Common triggers: vehicles, appliances, and business equipment ordered from out-of-state vendors. Source: Texas Comptroller.

What is the highest combined sales tax rate in Texas?

The maximum allowed combined Texas sales tax rate is 8.25% — 6.25% state plus a 2.0% local cap (counties + cities + special districts combined). Most major metros (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin) hit this 8.25% ceiling. Rural counties may charge less; the statewide average is 8.2% per Tax Foundation 2026.

How is sales tax on a vehicle calculated in Texas?

Texas charges a flat 6.25% motor-vehicle sales tax on the purchase price (or standard presumptive value for private sales), NOT the combined city/county rate — this is a separate tax administered by the Texas DMV at registration, not by the Comptroller's general sales tax system. Trade-in value is deducted from the taxable amount. Title transfer adds $33-$35 statewide plus county fees. Confirm at the Texas Comptroller motor-vehicle tax page before purchase.

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

Use the Texas Comptroller City Sales-Tax Rate Search at comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/sales/city.php — enter your ZIP code or street address to get the precise rate including any sub-jurisdictional districts (PIDs, SPDs, ESDs, MTAs) that the city-level rate alone misses. The 8.2% statewide average and even the per-city rates listed above can miss 0.125%-0.25% within special districts, which matters on big-ticket purchases.

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

Once an out-of-state seller crosses $500,000 in Texas gross revenue over the previous 12 months, they must register within 30 days and begin collecting the combined state + local rate at the buyer's ZIP code. Texas uses revenue only — there is no 200-transaction fallback. Marketplace facilitators like Amazon and Etsy collect on behalf of their third-party sellers, so DTC and Shopify sellers are the main group needing to register. Source: Texas Comptroller Publication 94-108 (2026).

How often do Texas businesses file sales tax returns?

The Texas Comptroller assigns filing frequency based on expected sales tax liability. Businesses collecting less than $500/month generally file annually; $500-$1,500/month file quarterly; over $1,500/month file monthly. Returns are due the 20th of the month after the reporting period. Late filing triggers a 5% penalty (10% if more than 30 days late) plus statutory interest — file a $0 return even in a zero-sales month to avoid penalties.

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

August 8–10, 2026. During this weekend, most clothing and footwear under $100/item, backpacks under $100, and school supplies under $100 are exempt from BOTH state (6.25%) and local (up to 2%) sales tax — a full 8.25% waiver in Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Layaways and rain checks placed during the weekend also qualify. Items over the $100 threshold pay tax on the full price, not just the excess — so a $110 pair of jeans is fully taxed. Source: Texas Comptroller Publication 98-490 (2026).

What sales-tax holidays does Texas have in 2026?

Texas has three sales-tax holidays per year: (1) Emergency Preparation Supplies — April 25–27, 2026 (generators under $3,000, batteries, flashlights); (2) Energy Star / Water-Saving Products — May 23–25, 2026 (Energy Star ACs, refrigerators, dishwashers, LEDs); (3) Back-to-School — August 8–10, 2026 (clothing/backpacks/supplies under $100). All three waive the full combined rate (typically 8.25%). Gulf Coast homeowners can save $200+ on a $3,000 generator during the April holiday. Set calendar reminders — no auto-application if you shop off-date.

Is SaaS taxable in Texas?

Yes — SaaS, cloud hosting, and most B2B software subscriptions are classified as taxable 'data processing services' under Texas Tax Code § 151.0035, but only 80% of the sale price is taxable (a 20% statutory exemption applies). Example: a $1,000/month SaaS bill in Houston (8.25% combined) is taxed as $800 × 8.25% = $66/month, not $82.50. If your buyer is outside Texas and you keep a valid ship-to/use address on file, the sale is exempt entirely. Source: Texas Comptroller Publication 94-127 (2026).

How is Netflix, Spotify, or an e-book taxed in Texas?

Fully taxable at 100% of price at the combined state + local rate — unlike SaaS/data processing which gets a 20% exemption. Streaming subscriptions, digital audio/video downloads, and e-books all fall under the state's 'amusement services' or 'tangible personal property' classification depending on the delivery method. A $15/month Netflix bill in Dallas (8.25%) generates about $1.24 in monthly Texas sales tax that Netflix collects on the state's behalf. Source: Texas Comptroller Publication 96-259 (2026).