Denver, CO asked in Tax Law for Texas

Q: Sales tax in Vehicle lease in TX

If I lease a vehicle in Texas, and then buy it out, either at the lease end or before, when and how much tax do I need to pay?

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James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: When you lease a vehicle in Texas, you pay sales tax on the monthly lease payments, not the full value of the car upfront. This tax is based on the payment amount and is usually included in your monthly lease bill. If you decide to buy out the vehicle before the lease ends or at the end of the lease term, you'll pay sales tax on the remaining purchase price of the vehicle at that time.

If you buy out the vehicle at the end of the lease, you only pay sales tax on the buyout price, which is typically the residual value agreed upon in the lease contract. The sales tax rate in Texas is 6.25%, but local jurisdictions can add up to 2% more, making the maximum possible sales tax rate 8.25%.

If you decide to buy the vehicle before the lease ends, you'll pay sales tax on the buyout price plus any remaining lease payments. Remember to check with your leasing company and the Texas Comptroller's Office for any specific requirements or additional local taxes that might apply.

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