Texas Title & Registration: Sales Price or SPV?

[Airhead3000]

We just purchased a used 2002 Bambi 19 from a private seller, we need to register and transfer the title. Curious to know if the tax office (we're in Williamson County) will base the sales tax off the Sales Price or the SPV (standard presumptive value).

[DoubleR]

We purchased our 2013 FC 30 RBQ in 2020 in California and Harris County used the Bill of Sale value to calculate the sales taxes.

[Fungus]

Sales price. You will need a bill of sale. I did this last winter. Take all your paperwork. You’ll need to be able to trace ownership from a valid title. Mine went through a wholesaler then a dealer.

Maybe the bureaucrats in Williamson county are smarter and easier to work with than the bureaucrats in Travis county. For those of you not familiar with central Texas, they are adjacent counties. Travis county = High-cost-of-living Austin.

[prostar]

I bought from a private seller in another state and registered in TX. You will need to have trailer inspected where your car get inspected. They basically check the lights. That needs to be before going to your county office.

[Bubba L]

Also, in Texas they go by the RV weight in determining annual inspections. So, gross weight exceeding 7500lbs would need an inspection. But still need to get it registered. Good luck

[Fungus]

Yes. Get it “inspected” first. My inspected didn’t do anything but look at the VIN. That seems to be the true reason for the inspection…make sure the VIN on the paperwork matches the trailer. It is intended to eliminate obtaining a clear title on a stolen vehicle.

As for the weight, I took mine to the scrap metal yard to get a certified weight. Didn’t even unhitch. It’s bogus. The 7500# comment is accurate too.

[Airhead3000]

Williamson County didn't require a bill of sale or an inspection! I just took the title and the Application for Title form (Form 130-U). Maybe because it's under 7500 GVW inspection isn't required? The process was super easy and we're so glad to be official now!

[Fungus]

Originally Posted by Airhead3000

Williamson County didn't require a bill of sale or an inspection! I just took the title and the Application for Title form (Form 130-U). Maybe because it's under 7500 GVW inspection isn't required? The process was super easy and we're so glad to be official now!

Awesome! It took me two trips (nearly three), and I had thoroughly read the regs and even downloaded and read their own internal manual.

So it is true: the bureaucrats in Williamson county are easier to work with. I'm not surprised.

There is a nuance to my situation: the previous title was a Florida title, and I purchased the trailer in Virginia. The out-of-state title required the inspection. I had forgotten that fine point. My trailer is also under 7500# GVWR, so no annual inspection.

The bill of sale, though, could have been a difference in counties. It's the tax collector who processes the title application.

I wonder if you must transfer the title in your home county?