Texas Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate the exact sales tax for any purchase in Texas. Get instant breakdowns of state, county, and city taxes. Updated with current 2026 rates.
TX Base State Rate: 6.25% (up to 8.25% combined)
Bexar
Total Amount
$106.50
$100.00 + $6.50 tax
Tax Components
Texas Sales Tax Highlights
Texas has a 6.25% state sales tax
Combined rate capped at 8.25%
Groceries exempt
No state income tax
Texas Sales Tax FAQ
What is Texas's sales tax rate?
Texas has a 6.25% state rate with local taxes capped so combined rates don't exceed 8.25%. Groceries are exempt.
Texas Sales Tax Rate Structure in 2026
Texas imposes a 6.25% state sales tax on most retail purchases. Local jurisdictions (cities, counties, transit authorities, and special purpose districts) can add up to 2% more, but the total combined rate is capped at 8.25% by state law. Most major metro areas hit or approach this cap.
Texas has no state income tax, making sales tax one of the state's primary revenue sources.
| Area | State Rate | Local Rate | Combined Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston (Harris Co.) | 6.25% | 2% | 8.25% |
| Dallas | 6.25% | 2% | 8.25% |
| San Antonio (Bexar Co.) | 6.25% | 2% | 8.25% |
| Austin (Travis Co.) | 6.25% | 2% | 8.25% |
| Fort Worth (Tarrant Co.) | 6.25% | 2% | 8.25% |
| El Paso | 6.25% | 2% | 8.25% |
The 8.25% cap means most urban areas in Texas have identical combined rates. Rural areas without city or transit taxes may have lower rates, sometimes as low as 6.25% (state rate only).
Tax-Exempt Items and Special Rules in Texas
Texas exempts groceries (unprepared food for home consumption) and prescription drugs from sales tax. Clothing is fully taxable except during the annual sales tax holiday. Over-the-counter medicine is also taxable.
| Category | Taxable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries (unprepared food) | Exempt | Food for home consumption |
| Prepared food / restaurant meals | Taxable | Full combined rate |
| Clothing | Taxable | No year-round exemption |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt | Requires valid prescription |
| Over-the-counter medicine | Taxable | Full rate |
| Motor vehicles | Taxable | 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax |
| Digital goods | Taxable | Data processing services taxed at 80% of value |
Texas holds an annual sales tax holiday (typically the second weekend in August). Clothing and footwear under $100 per item, backpacks under $100, and school supplies under $100 are exempt from state and local tax during this period.
Filing and Compliance for Texas Sales Tax
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts administers all sales and use tax collection. Businesses must obtain a Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit (no fee). Filing frequency is assigned based on tax liability: businesses collecting more than $1,500/month file monthly, those collecting $500-$1,500/quarter file quarterly, and smaller sellers file annually.
Texas requires remote sellers to collect sales tax once they exceed $500,000 in total revenue from Texas sales in the preceding 12 months. Marketplace facilitators must collect on behalf of third-party sellers since October 1, 2019.
| Filing Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Economic nexus threshold | $500,000 in annual Texas sales |
| Marketplace facilitator rule | Yes — effective October 1, 2019 |
| Filing frequency | Monthly, Quarterly, or Annual |
| State agency | Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts |
| Late filing penalty | 5% after 1 day, 10% after 30 days |
Texas offers a timely filing discount of 0.5% of tax due (up to $75/month for monthly filers) when returns are filed and paid on time.
Related Calculators
Official References
This calculator uses current sales tax rates based on official sources:
- Texas Comptroller
Official Texas tax authority
Tax rates are updated regularly but may change. Always verify current rates with local tax authorities for official transactions.