Navigating the complexities of state taxes can be daunting, but understanding the Texas tax landscape is essential for residents and newcomers.
In this guide, we'll explore key components of The Lone Star State's tax system, from income and sales taxes to property taxes and retirement benefits.
Texas state tax: Overview
Overall, Texas offers pros and cons when it comes to taxes.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The statewide sales tax starts at 6.25 percent, and local areas can tack on up to 2% more, which can make shopping a little pricey.
Meanwhile, property taxes in the Lone Star State are also relatively high, but some homeowners have recently seen relief due to legislative changes.
But: Two Texas property tax bills will be on the state's ballot this fall. So, more relief could be on the way. This includes increased homestead exemptions and a property tax cut for businesses.
If approved by voters in November, homeowners and business owners could receive $10 billion in tax relief funds.
For more information, see Property Tax Relief Bill in Texas: What to Know for 2025.
[Data for this state tax guide was gathered from a number of sources including the Census Bureau, the state’s government website, the Sales Tax Handbook, and the Tax Foundation. Property taxes are cited as a rate percentage rather than the assessed value.]
Texas income tax
Texas is one of nine U.S. states with no income tax.
Texas retirement taxes
There is no personal income tax in Texas. That means none of your retirement income will be taxed at the state level. There are no estate or inheritance taxes in Texas either.
- Social Security: Not taxable
- Pensions: Not taxable
- 401(k) and IRA Distributions: Not taxable
Texas sales tax
Texas has a 6.25% state sales tax rate, but not all items are taxable.
- Groceries: Exempt
- Prescription drugs: Exempt
- Over-the-counter medications: Exempt
- Clothing: Taxable
However, Texas holds three sales tax holidays every year, one of which focuses on back-to-school essentials. For more information, check out Kiplinger's report, Texas Sales Tax-Free Weekend 2025.
How much are property taxes in Texas?
In Texas, the average effective property tax rate is 1.36%. A Texas property tax relief measure enacted last year lowered property taxes for many Texans, partially due to an increase to the state's homestead exemption.
Texas Property Tax Breaks for Retirees
Homestead Exemption: Homeowners age 65 or older may be eligible for a special homestead exemption for their principal residence. For qualified homeowners, $10,000 of the property's assessed value is exempt from school taxes (in addition to the regular homestead exemption of $100,000). Other taxing units may also offer an exemption of at least $3,000 to qualified homeowners.
Texas gas tax
Gasoline | $0.20 per gallon |
Diesel | $0.20 per gallon |
Source: Sales Tax Handbook
Texas taxes on alcohol and tobacco
Product | Tax Amount |
|---|---|
Cigarettes | $1.41 per pack |
Cigars | $0.01-$0.15 per pack of 10 |
Tobacco/Snuff | $1.22 per ounce |
Medical Marijuana | 0% |
Source: Sales Tax Handbook
Product | Tax Amount |
Wine | $0.20 per gallon |
Beer | $0.20 per gallon |
Liquor | $2.40 per gallon |
Source: Sales Tax Handbook
Texas estate and inheritance taxes
Texas has no inheritance or estate tax.
Related Content
-
How to Read a Company's Balance Sheet Like a Stock ProKnowing how to read this financial statement can help you separate strong companies from struggling ones.
-
How to Choose the Best Charities to Donate ToWhile you set your giving strategy, think about your values, and select organizations that will put your contributions to good use.
-
When to Hire a Tax Pro: The Age Most Americans Switch to a CPATax Tips Taxpayers may outsource their financial stress by a specific age. Find out when you should hire a tax preparer.
-
The Original Property Tax Hack: Avoiding The ‘Window Tax’Property Taxes Here’s how homeowners can challenge their home assessment and potentially reduce their property taxes — with a little lesson from history.
-
Social Security Tax Limit Rises Again: Who Pays More in 2026?Payroll Taxes The Social Security Administration has announced significant changes affecting millions as we approach a new year.
-
Three Critical Tax Changes Could Boost Your Paycheck in 2026Tax Tips The IRS predicts these tax breaks may change take-home pay in 2026. Will you get over $1,000 in tax savings?
-
Trump’s 2025 Tax Bill: What’s Changing and How It Affects Your TaxesTax Law From standard deduction amounts to tax brackets and Medicaid cuts, here’s what individual filers need to know about tax changes in Trump's so called "big beautiful bill."
-
The Rubber Duck Rule of Retirement Tax PlanningRetirement Taxes How can you identify gaps and hidden assumptions in your tax plan for retirement? The solution may be stranger than you think.
-
RMDs, Roth, and SS: Test Your Knowledge of Retirement Tax RulesQuiz Don't let the IRS catch you off guard. Take our quiz to reveal common retirement tax rules that could save (or cost) you thousands.
-
What’s the New 2026 Estate Tax Exemption Amount?Estate Tax The IRS just increased the exemption as we enter into a promising tax year for estates and inheritances.
