The Texas state sales and use tax rate is 6.25% since 1990, but local taxing jurisdictions (cities, counties, special purpose districts, and transit authorities, but specifically not including school districts) may also impose sales and use taxes up to 2% for a total of 8.25%.The main items exempt from Sales Tax (get Seller's Permit) include medicines (prescription and over-the-counter), food and food seeds (but prepared food, such as from a restaurant, is subject to Sales Tax (get Seller's Permit) ).

Motor vehicle and boat sales are taxed at only the 6.25% state rate; there is no local sales and use tax on these items. In addition, a motor vehicle or boat purchased outside the state is assessed a use tax at the same rate as one purchased inside the state. The Sales Tax (get Seller's Permit) is calculated on the greater of either the actual purchase price or the "standard presumptive value" of the vehicle, as determined by the state, except for certain purchases (mainly purchases from licensed dealers or from auctions).

Lodging rates are subject to a 6% rate at the state level, with local entities being allowed to charge additional amounts. For example, the city of Austin levies a 9% hotel/motel tax, bringing the total to 15%, trailing only Houston for the highest total lodging tax statewide, at 17%.Lodging for travelers on official government business is specifically exempt from tax but the traveler must submit an exemption form to the hotel/motel and provide proof of official status.

If merchants file and pay their sales and use tax on time, they may subtract 1/2 percent of the tax collected as a discount, to encourage prompt payment and to compensate the merchant for collecting the tax from consumers for the state.

Texas provides one Sales Tax (get Seller's Permit) holiday per year (generally in August prior to the start of the school year, running from Friday to Sunday of the designated weekend). Clothing less than $100 (except for certain items, such as golf shoes) and school supplies are exempt from all Sales Tax (get Seller's Permit) (state and local) on this one weekend only. There has also been talk of a tax free weekend in December to help with the Holiday shopping season.