TAX & LICENSE / STATE TAX SYSTEM

Newcomers to Texas can look forward to a high quality of life in a state with no personal income tax, no state property taxes, and no unitary tax. Even local property taxes are relatively low. For assistance with tax-related issues or answers to questions about taxes in Texas, contact:

Comptroller of Public Accounts
https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/

Field Offices

Houston Northwest
1919 North Loop West
Houston 713-426-8200

Houston Southwest
2222 Bay Area Boulevard
Houston 218-226-8000

Sales Tax
The Texas sales tax rate is 6.25 percent, although local sales and use taxes imposed by local jurisdictions include cities, counties, special purpose districts, and transit authorities. In general, the combined rate cannot exceed 2 percent, which makes 8.25 percent the highest rate. The rate for the City of Houston is 8.25 percent (1 percent city tax and 1 percent transit authority tax).

Local Sales & Use Tax Rate Information
https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/sales/

Gasoline Tax
Fuels used to operate motor vehicles are taxed at a rate of 20 cents per gallon. These include gasoline, liquefied petroleum, and diesel.

Property Taxes
Also known as “ad valorem” taxes, property taxes are locally assessed. The county appraisal district appraises the property; local taxing units set the tax rates and collect property taxes based on appraised values. Local taxing units such as city, county, school, and special districts prepare a budget and set tax rates high enough to raise sufficient funds.

The property tax year goes through four stages: appraisal of property, protesting appraisals, formulating tax rates, and collecting the taxes. Property owners over 65 years of age and owners who are totally disabled can claim certain exemptions. For more information, contact your county tax officials:

Property Appraisal Districts

Harris County
713-957-7800
https://hcad.org/

Brazoria County
979-849-7792
http://www.brazoriacad.org/

Fort Bend County
281-344-8623
https://www.fbcad.org/

Galveston County
409-935-1980
www.galvestoncad.org

Matagorda County
979-244-2031
www.matagorda-cad.org

Montgomery County
936-756-3354
http://mcad-tx.org/

Tax Assessors/Collectors

Harris County
713-274-8000
https://www.hctax.net/Property/PropertyTax

Brazoria County
Central/West 979-864-1320
South 979-388-1320
North 281-756-1320
https://brazoriacountytx.gov/departments/tax-office

Fort Bend County
281-341-3710
www.fortbendcountytx.gov

Galveston County
409-766-2481
www.galvestoncountytx.gov/TO/Pages/default.aspx

Matagorda County
979-244-7670
http://www.co.matagorda.tx.us/page/matagorda.county.assessor.collector

Montgomery County
936-539-7897
www.mctx.org/departments/departments_q_-_z/tax_office/index.php