Houston Texas Sales Tax Auto Repair
We get just as many calls from individuals looking to repair their cars as mechanic shops wanting to know what their sales tax obligations are when it comes to repairing automobiles.
NOTE: Sales tax is due on all parts and labor for the sale and installation of accessories such as car stereos, amplifiers, and alarm systems.
NOTE: If a shop erroneously charges tax, it must remit the tax collected in error and must still pay tax on items used in the repair.
There’s no tax on labor to repair a motor vehicle. This means that charges for labor to replace a tire, battery, muffler, or shock absorber on a car, truck, trailer, or any other motor vehicle are not subject to sales tax.
A repair shop that charges a single price for parts and labor should not collect sales tax from the customer, but instead should pay sales tax to its supplier when buying parts. For example, a shop performs an oil change for $100. The shop should pay tax when buying oil, filters, and other items used in the repair, and should not collect tax on any portion of the $100.00 charge to the customer.
However, if a shop that charges separately for labor and parts must collect sales tax on the parts. In this situation, the shop can issue a resale certificate in lieu of paying tax when buying the parts. No sales tax is due on the charge for labor. For example, if a shop does an oil change for $10.00 labor and $9.95 materials, it can buy the oil and filter tax-free and must collect tax on the separately stated charge for materials. A repairman that separately states a charge for consumables used directly in repairing motor vehicles may collect tax on the charge for the consumables and buy these materials tax-free. Qualifying consumables do not include tools, electricity, or office supplies.
A shop that performs services under an extended warranty must collect sales tax on the separately stated parts. No sales tax is due on parts furnished by a manufacturer to repair a motor vehicle under a manufacturer’s warranty.
NOTE: Labor to Remodel Motor Vehicles is Taxable
All charges for both parts and labor to remodel a motor vehicle are taxable. For sales tax purposes, “remodel” means to modify the style, shape, or form of a motor vehicle. Remodeling includes such things as installing body lift kits, converting a van into a camper, and increasing vehicle performance. Remodeling also includes removing the back seat or modifying the trunk to install a car sound system.
Sale and Installation of Accessories
Houston Texas Sales Tax Auto Repair
Ansari Tax
