Taxes in San Marcos, Texas
Complete tax guide for San Marcos, TX. No state income tax, 1.6% property tax, 8.25% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
None
Texas
Property Tax
1.6%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
8.25%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
Moderate
San Marcos, TX Tax Overview
No state income tax; Texas State University
Population
67,553
Median Income
$38,818
Cost of Living
88.7 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
None
Median Home Price
$265,000
San Marcos Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with San Marcos median: $38,818
Total Tax Burden in San Marcos
$5,589
Take-Home: $33,229 · Effective Rate: 14.40%
Federal Tax
$2,620
6.75% eff.
TX State
$0
0.00% eff.
FICA
$2,970
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$33,229
85.60% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $38,818.00 | $3,234.83 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$2,619.66 | -$218.30 |
| Texas State Tax | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$2,406.72 | -$200.56 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$562.86 | -$46.91 |
| Take-Home Pay | $33,228.76 | $2,769.06 |
Property Tax in San Marcos
Median Home
$265,000
Annual Tax
$4,240
Monthly Tax
$353
Effective Rate
1.6%
Sales Tax in San Marcos
Combined Rate
8.25%
State Portion
~5.8%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in San Marcos is 8.25%, which is above the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $8.25 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | San Marcos | Texas Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | None | None | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 1.6% | ~1.6% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 8.25% | ~8.25% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | Moderate | — | Moderate |
About Taxes in San Marcos
San Marcos has a population of approximately 67,553 residents with a median household income of $38,818. The cost of living index is 88.7 (11.3% lower than the national average of 100).
Local context: No state income tax; Texas State University
Tax burden classification: Moderate. Effective combined tax rate of 28.3% includes federal, state, FICA, property, and sales taxes for a typical San Marcos household.
Official Tax Resources for Texas
For authoritative Texas tax forms, filing deadlines, and the latest legislative updates, consult these official government resources:
- Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts — official state revenue agency
- Texas Individual Income Tax Forms — current tax year forms and instructions
- IRS Federal Tax Forms and Instructions — federal income tax filing
Tax Saving Tips for San Marcos Residents
- Texas has no state income tax, meaning your income is only subject to federal taxes and FICA. Consider investing your tax savings into a Roth IRA for tax-free growth.
- Property tax in San Marcos (1.6%) is above the national average. Check if you qualify for homestead exemptions or assessment appeals to reduce your property tax bill.
- The combined sales tax rate of 8.25% is relatively high. Consider making large purchases in lower-tax jurisdictions or online retailers that do not charge local tax rates.
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. Contributions are tax-deductible ($4,400 individual, $8,750 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
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LowSources & Methodology
Tax rate data on this page is compiled from official government sources and updated for the 2026 tax year. Calculations follow the IRS-published 2026 federal tax brackets, FICA rates (6.2% Social Security up to $176,100 wage base, 1.45% Medicare), and Texas state tax provisions. Property tax estimates use San Marcos's median home value of $265,000and the local effective property tax rate of 1.6%.
- • Federal tax brackets and standard deductions: IRS.gov
- • State income tax rates and brackets: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
- • Median household income, home value, and demographics: U.S. Census Bureau ACS
- • Cost of living comparisons: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CES
- • National average benchmarks: Tax Foundation state-level tax burden studies
Disclaimer: Estimates are for informational purposes only. Actual tax liability depends on filing status, deductions, credits, and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed tax professional or your state revenue agency for binding tax guidance.
Reviewed by LevyIO Tax Research Team · Published 2026-01-15 · Last updated 2026-04-30
Calculate Your Full Texas Tax Burden
See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in San Marcos, TX?
San Marcos, Texas has no state income tax. The property tax rate is 1.6% and the combined sales tax rate is 8.25%. No state income tax; Texas State University
How much is property tax in San Marcos?
The effective property tax rate in San Marcos is 1.6%. On the median home price of $265,000, this equals approximately $4,240 per year or $353 per month. This is above the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in San Marcos?
The combined sales tax rate in San Marcos is 8.25%, which includes both state and local components. This is above the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does San Marcos's tax burden compare to other cities?
San Marcos has a moderate overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 28.3%. The absence of state income tax significantly reduces the overall burden. Cost of living index is 88.7 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in San Marcos?
San Marcos does not impose a separate local or city income tax. Residents pay no state income tax, federal income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare). No state income tax; Texas State University