US • Taxes • Houston • Updated for 2026

Houston Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Instantly estimate sales tax in Houston, TX using the combined rate breakdown.

Inputs

Enter purchase details to calculate sales tax.

Purchase Price

Enter the price before tax.

Results

Sales tax breakdown for Houston, Texas.

Effective Tax Rate: 8.250%

This category is taxable under the configured rules.

Purchase Price$100.00

Sales Tax$8.25

Total Price$108.25

Rate Breakdown

State6.250%

County0.000%

City0.000%

Special District2.000%

Base combined8.250%

Total8.250%

Calculator inputs stay on your device (local processing).

Disclaimer: All calculators on this website are provided for informational and illustrative purposes only. The results do not constitute professional advice (including legal, tax, financial, medical, or other advice). Despite careful programming, we assume no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the results. For matters requiring professional advice, we recommend consulting an appropriate specialist (e.g., a tax advisor, lawyer, accountant, or physician).

How This Calculator Works

Enter a purchase price and category. The calculator applies Houston’s combined sales tax rate (Texas state + local add-ons) to estimate the tax amount and total price.

Calculation Methodology

We calculate sales tax using:

Total Rate: State + Local add-ons
Tax Amount: Price × (Total Rate / 100)
Total Price: Price + Tax

Houston, Texas Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Planning a purchase in the Space City? Our Houston Sales Tax Calculator provides an instant breakdown of state and local taxes so you know exactly what you’ll pay at the checkout.

What is the Sales Tax Rate in Houston, Texas?

In 2026, the combined sales tax rate for Houston, TX is commonly 8.25%. Texas is known for a relatively straightforward structure compared to states with heavy county layering, but the total is still a sum of multiple components:

Texas state sales tax: 6.25%
Local add-ons (combined): 2.00% (city + transit authorities + special-purpose districts)
Total combined rate: 8.25%

Verify local components by address when needed. Sources: Texas Comptroller (local tax max), Texas Comptroller (city rates table), Houston.org (regional rates summary).

Quick Example (Houston Sales Tax)

Example: a $100 taxable purchase in Houston at 8.25% results in $8.25 in sales tax and a total of $108.25.

Is Houston’s Sales Tax High?

Houston sits at the maximum allowable combined rate of 8.25% in Texas. Compared to cities like Los Angeles (9.5%+) or Chicago (10%+), Houston can be relatively competitive for large purchases such as electronics or furniture.

Texas Sales Tax Holidays 2026

One of the best times to shop in Houston is during the Texas Sales Tax Holiday (often in August). During this period, certain clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks priced under a threshold may be exempt from sales tax. Always check the official list for 2026 details.

Exemptions and Special Rules in Texas

Groceries: most unprepared food items are generally tax-exempt.
Prescription drugs: generally tax-exempt.
Digital goods: often taxable depending on how the product is defined and delivered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What is the sales tax on a car in Houston?

Motor vehicle sales in Texas are often taxed at a flat 6.25% state rate, regardless of city add-ons. Additional registration fees may apply. For an exact estimate, consult Texas DMV guidance.

Q:Does Houston have a luxury tax?

No. Texas does not have a specific luxury sales tax. High-value items are generally subject to the standard combined sales tax rate.

Q:Are tips or services taxed in Houston?

Taxability depends on the service type. Many professional services are not subject to sales tax, while some services may be taxable. Check Texas Comptroller guidance for the service category.