Standard presumptive value (SPV) is used to calculate sales tax on private-party sales of all types of used motor vehicles purchased in Texas. It is also used to calculate use tax on motor vehicles brought into Texas that were purchased from a private-party out of state.

Texans who buy a used vehicle from anyone other than a licensed vehicle dealer are required to pay motor vehicle sales tax of 6.25 percent on the purchase price or standard presumptive value (SPV), whichever is the highest value.

For retail sales of new and used motor vehicles involving licensed motor vehicle dealers, the motor vehicle sales tax is based on the sales price, less any amount given for trade-in vehicle(s) and/or dealer discounts. For example, if a purchaser traded in a vehicle worth $15,000 to a licensed dealer as part of the purchase of a $42,000 vehicle, motor vehicle tax is due as follows:

Car tax rates listed by state with county and local vehicle tax lookup tools. Free access to car tax rates includes guides, manuals, handbooks, calculators.

August 7, 2025 - However, the appraisal must be certified by a licensed insurance adjuster or dealer within 20 working days of the purchase. In Texas, the sales tax rate for vehicle purchases is 6.25% of the purchase price or SPV.

March 12, 2025 - Texas applies a 6.25% sales tax on the purchase price of a vehicle. This tax is mandatory and does not vary by city or county. ... For a $40,000 vehicle, the sales tax would be $2,500.

August 21, 2025 - Texas car sales tax is a state-imposed tax on the sale or transfer of motor vehicles. The standard state sales tax rate for vehicles is 6.25% of the purchase price or the vehicle’s standard presumptive value (SPV), whichever is higher.

July 9, 2024 - Calculate your Texas car sales tax easily with our accurate calculator. Get instant tax estimates for your vehicle purchase in Texas...

No sales tax is due to the state of Texas.

Texas has a 6.25% sales tax applied to the purchase price or the “standard presumptive value” (SPV) of the car, whichever is higher. There are also fees associated with transferring or gifting cars. Here is a breakdown of what costs you'll incur when buying or selling a car in Texas.

November 14, 2025 - Private party sales in Texas are subject to the Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) rule. According to TxDMV regulations, you must pay tax on whichever is higher: your actual purchase price or 80% of the vehicle’s SPV (the state’s estimated value). Purchase Price: $22,000 Vehicle SPV: $20,000 ...

January 27, 2012 - After you enter those into the blanks, you will get the Dallas City Tax, which is .01. Add this to the Dallas MTA tax at .01, and the state sales tax of .0625, combined together give you a tax rate of .0825. If you are buying a car for $25,000.00 multiply by 1 and then multiply by .0825.

April 13, 2020 - In Texas, all vehicle purchases are taxed after incentives and rebates have been applied to the asking price, meaning that in this hypothetical situation, the buyer would only pay taxes on the final vehicle cost of $10,000.

Free calculator to find the sales tax amount/rate, before tax price, and after-tax price. Also, check the sales tax rates in different states of the U.S.

June 13, 2025 - For private-party purchases, the taxable value may be based on the higher of the actual sales price or 80% of the Standard Presumptive Value (SPV). New Texas residents: Instead of the standard rate, a flat $90 new resident use tax is charged ...

June 28, 2025 - The state tax rate in Texas is 6.25%. Certain counties and cities charge additional local tax. The total sales tax varies depending on the local tax amount your city or county charges.