Texas Auction Fees Calculator
Calculate your all‑in cost at Texas auctions: buyer’s premium, sales tax, optional card fee and shipping. Use presets for local tax rates, then set a disciplined max bid.
Fees vary by auction house and item. Use this tool as an estimate and confirm terms on the event page or invoice.
Breakdown
Buyer’s premium: $
Subtotal (hammer + premium): $
Sales tax (on hammer + premium)
$
Card fee (on subtotal)
$
Assumptions: Texas tax typically applies to hammer + buyer’s premium. Some buyers may provide resale certificates; check posted terms for your session.
Vehicle purchases in Texas — what to expect
- Sales tax: 6.25% state rate (local add-ons may apply). Auction houses often collect this at settlement.
- Title fee: $33.
- Registration fees: amount varies by vehicle class and county.
- Local road & bridge fee: county-specific, if applicable.
- Other charges: some auctions/dealers assess paperwork or processing fees.
Use the “Vehicle 6.25%” preset for a quick tax baseline; add any dealer or processing fees manually as shipping or adjust the premium % if they are calculated on the subtotal.
Evidence‑based bidding: what actually moves your total
Below are concise, research‑informed notes to help you plan bids rationally and avoid common cognitive traps.
1) Compounding of fees
Buyer’s premium and sales tax often stack multiplicatively, not additively. If P is premium (%) and T is tax (%), then all‑in multiplier ≈ (1 + P/100) × (1 + T/100) (plus any card fee and shipping). A 15% premium and 8.25% tax turns a $500 hammer into $500 × 1.15 × 1.0825 ≈ $623.69 before shipping.
2) Loss‑aversion & last‑second overbids
Behavioral studies show that loss‑aversion (“fear of missing out”) peaks near the end of a lot. A pre‑committed ceiling and a 10‑second pause before any increase reduces regret and overpay risk.
3) Anchoring on estimates
Low estimates can anchor expectations. Re‑anchor with comps adjusted for condition (A–D), size, and originality. A 10–15% condition penalty is common for moderate defects on signage and painted tin.
4) Tax base varies
In Texas, tax commonly applies to hammer + premium; other services (shipping, insurance) may or may not be taxable depending on terms. Always verify the posted tax policy for the session.
5) “Max bid” as a budget tool
Pick an all‑in budget first. Use the calculator to back out a hammer that fits your ceiling. If fees or shipping change, recompute before raising your paddle.
This guidance complements, but does not replace, the terms on each event page. When in doubt, ask for a written clarification of fees before bidding.
FAQ
Does Texas tax apply to buyer’s premium?
Commonly yes—sales tax is assessed on the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium. Confirm terms for your session.
How do I set a smart max bid?
Decide your all‑in budget first; then move the hammer input until Estimated total equals that number.
Do card fees and shipping get taxed?
Policies vary by auction. This tool treats the card fee on the subtotal and shipping as a separate line.