Texas Private Party Car Tax Calculator

Private-party sales are taxed on whichever is greater: the price you paid or 80% of the vehicle’s Standard Presumptive Value (SPV). If you paid less, a certified appraisal on Form 14-128, obtained within 30 days of purchase, can lower the taxable value (but not below the price).

No. According to the Texas Comptroller, the trade-in allowance for motor vehicle sales tax only applies when purchasing from a licensed motor vehicle dealer. In a private-party transaction, sales tax must be paid on the full purchase price or Standard Presumptive Value (SPV).

The title application fee is $33 in nonattainment counties and $28 in all other counties. Registration for a car or light truck of 6,000 lbs or less is $50.75 plus $1 TexasSure ($54 plus $1 for 6,001 to 10,000 lbs), plus a $7.50 inspection program replacement fee, a processing fee, and county fees of up to $31.50. Electric vehicles add $200 a year.

Yes. You pay Texas’s 6.25% motor vehicle tax when you title the vehicle in Texas, on the greater of the price or 80% of its Standard Presumptive Value. Title it in your name within 30 days of the sale.

A gift from a spouse (separate property), parent or stepparent, child or stepchild, sibling, grandparent or grandchild (including in-laws), or guardian is taxed only the $10 gift tax, with a joint notarized Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer (Form 14-317). Gifts from aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, or cousins, and family sales for money, owe the regular 6.25% motor vehicle tax.

30 days from the date of sale. After that, a $25 delinquent transfer penalty applies, plus another $25 for each additional month late. Active-duty military get 60 days.