Texas taxes cars at 6.25% statewide with no city or county sales tax on top. On private sales the state won’t let you pay tax on a price far below the car’s typical value: it uses 80% of the standard presumptive value (SPV) as a floor.
Texas car taxes and fees at a glance
| Motor vehicle sales tax | 6.25%, no local sales tax |
|---|---|
| Trade-in | Subtracted from the price |
| Private sales | Taxed on the higher of the price or 80% of the SPV |
| Title | $33 in emissions counties, $28 elsewhere |
| Registration | $50.75 base + $1 TexasSure, county fees $0 to $31.50, inspection replacement $7.50, processing $4.75 |
| Electric vehicles | $200 a year extra ($400 for a new EV registered for 2 years) |
Rules worth knowing
- Private buyers have 30 days to pay the tax at the county tax office; late payment adds 5%, then 10% after 30 more days.
- If you paid less than 80% of the SPV, a certified appraisal (Form 14-128) can set the taxable value instead.
- New residents pay a flat $90 new resident tax instead of sales tax on a car already registered in their name in another state.
- Gifts are taxed at a flat $10 and even exchanges at $5.
Example: what you’d pay in Texas
Buying a $30,000.00 used car from a dealer, with a $5,000.00 trade-in:
| Motor vehicle sales tax (6.25%) | $1,562.50 |
| Title application fee | $33.00 |
| Registration (base $50.75 + $1 TexasSure) | $51.75 |
| County local fees | $10.00 |
| Inspection replacement fee | $7.50 |
| Processing and handling fee | $4.75 |
| Taxes and fees | $1,669.50 |
|---|---|
| Out-the-door price | $26,669.50 |
Dealer documentation fees aren’t included in this example; add your dealer’s fee in the calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard presumptive value in Texas?
It’s the state’s typical value for a used car, published by TxDMV. On a private sale you pay 6.25% on the higher of your price or 80% of that value.
Do Texas cities add sales tax on cars?
No. The motor vehicle sales tax is 6.25% everywhere in Texas. Your county only adds small registration fees.
Is there a yearly car tax in Texas?
Not on personal cars beyond the yearly registration. Electric vehicles pay an extra $200 a year.
Sources
- Texas Comptroller: Motor vehicle sales and use tax
- Texas Comptroller: Private-party purchases and SPV
- TxDMV: Register your vehicle (fees)
- Tarrant County: Title fees