Houston Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate Houston area sales tax using an approximate typical combined rate. Local districts vary, so override the rate to match your receipt.
Regional Rule Context
United States Rates and Rules
Tax Rates
Exemptions
- -Unprepared grocery food
- -Prescription medicines
- -OTC drugs
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Result
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Houston sales tax calculator for 2026. Combined rate: 8.25% (6.25% state + 1% city + 1% MTA), the maximum allowed in Texas. Same 8.25% across Houston, Harris County, and most suburbs (The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Katy). Texas has no state income tax. Groceries exempt. Clothing taxable.
Disclaimer: This calculator uses publicly available rules effective as of Jan 1, 2025 (version 1.0). Results are for informational purposes only. Always verify with official sources or a qualified professional. Last reviewed: Mar 1, 2026.
Formula
Houston combines Texas state tax with local add-ons. The default is a common planning rate for the metro area.
United States FAQs
What is the Houston sales tax rate?
Houston charges 8.25%: 6.25% Texas state + 1% city + 1% MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority). This is the maximum combined rate allowed under Texas law.
Is Houston tax the same as Dallas and Austin?
Yes. Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and most major Texas cities all charge 8.25% because they each hit the 2% local cap on top of the 6.25% state rate.
Is food taxed in Houston?
Unprepared food (groceries), prescription medicines, and OTC drugs are exempt. Prepared food, restaurant meals, candy, and soft drinks are taxable at 8.25%.
Does the rate change in Houston suburbs?
Most Houston suburbs (The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Katy, Pearland, Spring) also charge 8.25%. Some very small unincorporated areas may have slightly lower rates, but this is uncommon in the metro.
How does Houston compare tax-wise to other cities?
Houston at 8.25% is lower than Chicago (10.25%), LA (10.25%), Seattle (10.25%), and NYC (8.875%). Combined with no state income tax, Houston has one of the lower overall tax burdens among major US cities.
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