What is the sales tax rate in Texas?

Texas has a state sales tax rate of 6.250%. Local jurisdictions (cities, counties, transit authorities, and special purpose districts) can add up to 2% in local taxes, bringing the total combined rate to a maximum of 8.25%.

What is the sales tax rate in Houston?

Houston has a combined sales tax rate of 8.25%. This includes the 6.250% state rate plus 2% in local taxes, including the Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) transit tax.

What is the sales tax rate in Dallas?

Dallas has a combined sales tax rate of 8.25%, which includes the 6.250% state rate plus 2% in local taxes (1% city tax and 1% Dallas Area Rapid Transit tax).

Are groceries taxed in Texas?

No, most grocery items are exempt from sales tax in Texas. Unprepared food products like bread, milk, eggs, and sugar are not taxed. However, prepared foods, candy, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages are taxable at the full rate.

Is clothing taxed in Texas?

Yes, clothing and footwear are generally subject to the full sales tax in Texas. However, most clothing and footwear priced under $100 can be purchased tax-free during the annual Sales Tax Holiday weekend in August.

Does Texas have a sales tax holiday?

Yes! Texas holds multiple sales tax holidays throughout the year: an Emergency Preparation Supplies holiday (April), an Energy Star and Water-Efficient Products holiday (Memorial Day weekend in May), and a Back-to-School holiday (August weekend). During these periods, qualifying items can be purchased tax-free.

When did Texas last change its sales tax rate?

The Texas state sales tax rate has been 6.250% since 1990. While the state rate has remained stable for over 30 years, local tax rates change frequently as cities, counties, and special districts adjust their rates.

Do I pay Texas sales tax on online purchases?

Yes, online purchases delivered to Texas addresses are subject to Texas sales tax. Major online retailers collect the 6.250% state rate plus applicable local taxes based on your delivery address.

Sales Tax Calculator

Texas Sales Tax
Calculator

Calculate Texas sales tax instantly for any city. Enter any amount to see the exact tax and total with local rates included.

State Rate

6.250%

Select City

Located in Houston MTA (Transit) (+8.250%)

Amount before tax

About Texas Sales Tax

State rate: 6.250%

Local rate in Harris County: 1.000%

Combined rate in Houston: 0.000%

Houston MTA (Transit)

Businesses in this district charge an additional tax, bringing the total rate to 8.250% instead of the standard 0.000%.

State Rate

6.250%

Max Local

2.00%

Max Combined

8.250%

Lubbock County

0.000%

Standard Rate

272,086

City	County	Standard Rate	Special District	Population
Houston	Harris	0.000%	Special District	2,390,125
San Antonio	Bexar	0.000%	Special District	1,526,656
Dallas	Dallas	0.000%	Special District	1,326,087
Fort Worth	Tarrant	0.000%	Special District	1,008,106
Austin	Travis	0.000%	Special District	993,588
El Paso	El Paso	0.000%	Special District	681,723
Arlington	Tarrant	0.000%	Standard Rate	403,672
Corpus Christi	Nueces	0.000%	Special District	317,317
Plano	Collin	0.000%	Special District	293,286
Lubbock	Lubbock	0.000%	Standard Rate	272,086
Garland	Dallas	0.000%	Special District	250,431
Frisco	Collin	0.000%	Standard Rate	235,208
McKinney	Collin	0.000%	Standard Rate	227,526
Grand Prairie	Dallas	0.000%	Special District	207,331
Amarillo	Potter	0.000%	Standard Rate	203,729
Brownsville	Cameron	0.000%	Standard Rate	191,967
Denton	Denton	0.000%	Special District	165,998
Killeen	Bell	0.000%	Standard Rate	160,616
Pasadena	Harris	0.000%	Special District	149,617
McAllen	Hidalgo	0.000%	Standard Rate	148,782
Waco	McLennan	0.000%	Standard Rate	146,608
Midland	Midland	0.000%	Special District	143,687
Lewisville	Denton	0.000%	Standard Rate	135,983
Carrollton	Dallas	0.000%	Special District	135,456
Round Rock	Williamson	0.000%	Standard Rate	135,359
Abilene	Taylor	0.000%	Standard Rate	130,501
Laredo	Webb	0.000%	Special District	26,126
Irving	Dallas	0.000%	Special District	25,806
Mesquite	Dallas	0.000%	Standard Rate	15,014
Pearland	Brazoria	0.000%	Standard Rate	12,962

Note: Cities like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin all have combined rates of 8.25%. Local rates include city, county, transit authority, and special purpose district taxes.

How to Calculate Sales Tax in Texas

Sales Tax Calculation

Texas

Example: Laptop Purchase in Houston

Determine the purchase price

Purchase price (before tax) $1,000.00

Multiply by the tax rate

$1,000.00 × 8.25% (0.0825)

Sales tax (Houston rate) $82.50

Add to the original price

$1,000.00 + $82.50

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $1,082.50

Thank you for your purchase

Reverse Calculation

Know the total? Divide by 1.0825 to find the pre-tax price in most major TX cities. Example: $1,082.50 ÷ 1.0825 = $1,000.00

What's Taxed?

Taxable: Clothing, electronics, furniture

Exempt: Groceries, prescriptions, some ag equipment

Special Texas Sales Tax Rules

Multiple Sales Tax Holidays

Texas offers three annual sales tax holidays, allowing residents to purchase qualifying items tax-free during specific weekends throughout the year.

Back-to-School (August)

Clothing, footwear, and backpacks: Under $100 per item
School supplies: Under $100 per item

Emergency Preparation (April)

Portable generators, emergency ladders, hurricane shutters, and other disaster prep items under $300

Energy Star (Memorial Day)

Energy-efficient appliances, air conditioners, and water-efficient products

Grocery Exemption

Texas exempts most food and food ingredients from sales tax

✓
Tax-Exempt: Bread, milk, eggs, sugar, flour, fruits, vegetables, meat, and other unprepared foods
✕
Taxable: Prepared foods, candy, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, dietary supplements
•
Prescription Drugs: Exempt from sales tax
•
Over-the-Counter Medicines: Generally taxable

Note: Texas has some of the most generous grocery exemptions in the nation. The exemption covers most food items typically purchased at grocery stores for home consumption.

How Texas Compares to Neighboring States

Here's how Texas's sales tax stacks up against nearby states

6.250%

Oklahoma

4.50%

+ up to 7%
local tax

Louisiana

5.00%

+ up to 7%
local tax

Texas

6.250%

+ up to 2% local tax

#35 of 50 states

New Mexico

4.875%

+ up to 4.5%
local tax

Arkansas

6.50%

+ up to 5.125%
local tax

Texas has a higher state rate but lower local tax cap (2%) compared to neighboring states like Louisiana and Oklahoma, which can add up to 7% in local taxes.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Texas Sales Tax Rate History

Texas adopted its sales tax in 1961, and the state rate has been remarkably stable at 6.250% since 1990.

Effective Date	Rate	Change	Notes
January 1, 1990	6.250%	▼ -0.250%	Reduced from 6.5% (35+ years at this rate)
October 1, 1987	6.500%	▲ +0.500%	Temporary increase
August 1, 1984	6.000%	▲ +2.000%	Major increase
October 1, 1971	4.000%	▲ +0.500%	Increased from 3.5%
September 1, 1961	2.000%	—	Sales tax first adopted in Texas

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Resources

Official TX Tax Info

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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current Texas sales tax rates as of January 2025. Tax rates are subject to change by state and local legislation. For official tax rates and specific guidance on your situation, please consult the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts or a qualified tax professional.

Not Legal or Tax Advice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always verify current rates before making large purchases or business decisions.

Sources: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Texas Tax Code Chapter 151 (Limited Sales, Excise and Use Tax), local tax authorities

Last updated: October 10, 2025