Texas sales tax at a glance
| State sales tax rate | 6.25% |
| Average local rate | 1.95% |
| Average combined rate | 8.2% |
| Combined rate rank (1 = highest of 50 states) | 14 |
The average local rate is weighted by population, so your own rate may be higher or lower.
What's taxed in Texas
The Texas Comptroller says the state rate is 6.25% and that cities, counties, special purpose districts and transit authorities can add up to 2%, for a combined maximum of 8.25%. Groceries such as flour, sugar, bread, milk, eggs, fruit and vegetables aren't taxed, but prepared food (such as hot food), food a store combines into one item (like salads), single-portion snacks, candy and gum, beer and wine are taxable.
How it's calculated
Price before tax = total ÷ (1 + rate ÷ 100)
This is the same calculator as the main sales tax calculator, with Texas's rate filled in.
Worked example
A $100 purchase at the 6.25% state rate has $6.25 of tax, for $106.25. At the 8.2% average combined rate it's $8.20 of tax, for $108.20. Working backwards, a $106.25 receipt at 6.25% was $100.00 before tax.
Find your exact rate
Your rate is the state rate plus any county, city or district taxes where you buy. For deliveries, it's usually the rate where the item is delivered. The Texas revenue department publishes current rates and a rate lookup.
Limitations
- Stores round tax to the cent, per item or per receipt, so results can differ by a penny.
- A receipt that mixes taxed and untaxed items won't give one clean rate.
- Rates can change at the start of any quarter. Combined rates here are averages as of July 1, 2026.
Compare every state on the sales tax by state page.