Texas Sales Tax Calculator
Figure the tax, the total, or the pre-tax price for any U.S. state or city rate
Texas levies a 6.25% state sales tax on most retail sales, leases, and rentals of goods and certain services. On top of that, cities, counties, special-purpose districts, and transit authorities can add up to 2.00% in local sales taxes, bringing the maximum possible combined rate to 8.25%. According to the Tax Foundation, the average combined rate across all Texas jurisdictions is approximately 8.20% as of 2025 — one of the higher averages in the South.
Not everything is taxed. Texas exempts most unprepared groceries (cereal, meat, produce, bread, dairy) from sales tax, as well as prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines with a Drug Facts label, and most agricultural items. However, candy, soft drinks, and prepared food (restaurant meals, deli items, food trucks) are fully taxable at the combined rate.
Worked example: If you buy a $100 pair of shoes in Austin, where the combined rate is 8.25%, you would owe $8.25 in sales tax for a total of $108.25. In a smaller city with only the state base rate, that same $100 purchase adds just $6.25.
Use this calculator to estimate sales tax for any Texas city or region. Enter the applicable combined rate for your location (or use the 8.20% average as a quick estimate) and your purchase amount to see the tax and grand total instantly. Results are estimates — always verify the exact local rate with the Texas Comptroller's office for formal purposes.
Practical example — Texas
A $500 electronics purchase in Dallas (combined rate 8.25%) adds $41.25 in sales tax for a total of $541.25; the same item in a Texas area with only the state rate would add $31.25.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in Texas?
Texas has a 6.25% state sales tax rate. Local jurisdictions (cities, counties, transit districts) may add up to 2.00%, capping the combined rate at 8.25%. The Tax Foundation estimates the statewide average combined rate at about 8.20% for 2025.
Does Texas have local sales tax on top of the state rate?
Yes. Most Texas cities and counties impose their own local sales taxes. For example, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin all charge the maximum combined rate of 8.25% (6.25% state + 2.00% local). Smaller or unincorporated areas may have lower combined rates.
Are groceries taxed in Texas?
Most unprepared food items intended for home preparation are exempt from Texas sales tax — this includes meat, produce, bread, dairy, cereal, and most packaged snacks. However, candy, soft drinks, ice, and any food prepared for immediate consumption (restaurants, food trucks, deli counters) are taxable at the full combined rate.
Are prescription drugs and medicine taxed in Texas?
No. Prescription drugs dispensed by a licensed practitioner are exempt from Texas sales tax, as is insulin. Over-the-counter medicines that carry an FDA-required Drug Facts label are also exempt. Dietary supplements with a Supplement Facts label are likewise not taxable.
What is the maximum Texas sales tax rate and where does it apply?
The maximum combined rate in Texas is 8.25%, which applies in most major cities — including Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and Fort Worth — where the state's 6.25% base combines with the full 2.00% local add-on. The state legally caps the combined rate at 8.25% regardless of how many local taxing authorities apply.