Quick answer: Texas charges a 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax in every county. On top come a title fee ($33 in emissions counties, $28 elsewhere), $50.75 base registration and small state and county fees, about $95 to $120 in total. A trade-in and a separately stated rebate both come off the price before tax.
The charges behind a Texas TT&L quote
A dealer’s TT&L line bundles five or six charges. Only the sales tax scales with price; the rest are flat fees.
| Charge | Emissions county | Other county |
|---|---|---|
| Motor vehicle sales tax | 6.25% of taxable price | 6.25% of taxable price |
| Title fee | $33.00 | $28.00 |
| Registration (base) | $50.75 | $50.75 |
| TexasSure fee | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| Processing and handling | $4.75 | $4.75 |
| Vehicle inspection | $7.50 | $7.50 |
| County fee (typical) | $21.50 | $11.50 |
| Fees beyond the tax | $118.50 | $103.50 |
The county fee is the one line that really varies, roughly $10 to $31.50. Change it in the calculator if your county differs.
The formula behind the number
total = (price − trade-in − rebate) × 6.25% + feesFees = title + $50.75 + $1.00 + $4.75 + $7.50 + county feeWorked examples
$30,000 new car, emissions county, no trade-in
- Sales tax: $30,000 × 6.25% = $1,875.00
- Fees: $33 + $50.75 + $1 + $4.75 + $7.50 + $21.50 = $118.50
Result: about $1,993.50
$22,000 used car, other county, $5,000 trade-in, $1,000 rebate
- Taxable: $22,000 − $5,000 − $1,000 = $16,000
- Sales tax: $16,000 × 6.25% = $1,000.00
- Fees: $28 + $50.75 + $1 + $4.75 + $7.50 + $11.50 = $103.50
Result: about $1,103.50
Trade-ins, rebates and the SPV rule
Texas subtracts both a trade-in and a separately stated manufacturer rebate before applying 6.25%, which is more generous than most states.
SPV rule: On a private-party sale, Texas can tax 80% of the vehicle’s Standard Presumptive Value instead of the bill-of-sale price if that is higher. If you are buying well under market value, check the SPV with your county tax office first.
Qualifying gifts between close relatives are taxed at a reduced flat amount, and some inherited vehicles and out-of-state active-duty service members are exempt. Confirm the current figure and form at your county tax office.
Who uses a Texas TT&L calculator
- Car buyers budgeting the out-the-door price.
- Private-party buyers estimating what they owe when titling.
- New Texas residents titling a vehicle from another state.
- Dealers and shoppers comparing offers with TT&L included.
Frequently asked questions
How much is tax, title and license in Texas?
6.25% motor vehicle sales tax on the price, plus a title fee of $33 in emissions counties or $28 elsewhere, $50.75 base registration and small state fees. Fees beyond the tax run about $95 to $120 depending on the county.
How is the 6.25% Texas motor vehicle sales tax calculated?
6.25% of the purchase price minus any trade-in and any separately stated manufacturer rebate. A $25,000 car with neither pays $1,562.50.
Does a trade-in lower Texas vehicle tax?
Yes. A $28,000 car with an $8,000 trade-in is taxed on $20,000, saving $500.
Does a manufacturer rebate reduce the tax?
Yes, if it is separately stated on the paperwork. Texas excludes it from the taxable amount in the same way as a trade-in.
What is the Texas title fee?
$33 in emissions-testing counties such as Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, Travis, Collin, Denton and Fort Bend, and $28 in other counties.
What is the Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) rule?
On a private sale Texas can tax 80% of the vehicle’s Standard Presumptive Value instead of the bill-of-sale price, if that is higher.
Related tools
Accuracy note: Fees are checked against Harris County and Tarrant County tax assessor-collector schedules (September 2026). It excludes specialty plates, EV fees and lien charges. Confirm your total with your county tax office before you sign.
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