Texas Car Sales Tax & Fee Calculator
Calculate total out-of-the-door costs for Texas vehicle purchases
Cost Breakdown
Understanding Texas Vehicle Sales Tax and Fees
Buying a car in the Lone Star State involves more than just the sticker price. This calculator is designed to help Texas residents estimate the total "Out-the-Door" (OTD) price by accounting for specific state tax laws and registration requirements.
1. The 6.25% Sales Tax Rule
In Texas, the state motor vehicle sales and use tax rate is 6.25%. One of the biggest financial advantages for Texas car buyers is the trade-in tax credit. When you trade in a vehicle, you only pay sales tax on the difference between the new car's price and your trade-in's value.
Example: If you buy a truck for $40,000 and trade in your old car for $15,000, you only pay 6.25% tax on $25,000.
2. Standard Presumptive Value (SPV)
If you are buying a used car from a private party rather than a dealer, Texas uses the Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) to calculate tax. If your purchase price is significantly lower than the SPV (determined by the state), the tax will be calculated on 80% of the SPV instead of your actual purchase price.
3. Title and Registration Fees
Texas vehicle registration costs are relatively uniform but can vary slightly by county. Common fees included in our calculation estimate:
- State Registration Fee: Base fee of $51.75.
- Title Application Fee: Usually $28 or $33 depending on the county.
- Inspection Fee: The state's portion of the safety/emissions inspection (approx. $7.50).
- Local County Road & Bridge Fee: Typically ranges from $10 to $20.
4. Dealer Documentation Fees
In Texas, there is no legal cap on what a dealer can charge for a "Doc Fee," but it must be "reasonable." Most Texas dealerships charge between $125 and $200. This fee covers the administrative costs of processing titles and registrations.