The official attire in Texas for many involves a nice pair of boots & a big ol' belt buckle around your pants. For some people, it's a fashion statement. For others...it's just something cool to wear. But in every case, if you buy a belt buckle, you have to pay more because of this very weird tax that's only for Texas.

Canva
Canva
loading...

Texas is the only state with a belt buckle tax

I know...it sounds fake, right? But it's not. Texas is the only state where a sales tax is included when you buy a belt buckle. And we're talking about the BIG belt buckles. Like THIS.

Or what Lane Pryce had in Mad Men...

According to CBS, Texas has a sales tax of 6.25% for every belt buckle you wish to purchase. In fact, the Texas Star Comptroller website even listed all the items that are taxable or exempt during tax-free sales weekends. On the website, belt buckles are still listed as "Taxable".

WHY is there a belt buckle tax?

Well the reason WHY belt buckles have that 6.25% sales tax, is that they're considered an "accessory" (like jewelry), not a "necessity" when you're buying clothes. So if you're wanting to complete a cowboy look, cowboy boots & cowboy hats DON'T have a sales tax but the belt buckle DOES.

cowboy boots and hat in front of Monument Valley
frederic prochasson
loading...

Some other interesting state taxes that Texas has include the firework tax; meaning a sales tax of 2.0% on all sales of fireworks in Texas. And we're one of the few states WITHOUT a corporate income tax -- only 10 states have no corporate income tax.

Khanchit Khirisutchalual
Khanchit Khirisutchalual
loading...

SO, next time you're shopping for belt buckles, just remember to have a little extra cash at the checkout. Gotta pay those additional taxes...

600 ESPN El Paso logo
Get our free mobile app

DON'T THROW AWAY: These Are Illegal Items to Throw in the Trash in Texas

Not everything is safe to just toss in the trash; certain items are illegal & must be disposed properly. Here are certain items you CAN'T throw in the trash in Texas.

Gallery Credit: Daniel Paulus

5 Area Codes Texans Should NEVER Answer

 Everyone has gotten a suspicious call at least once, and According to a recent article on socialcatfish.com, you really need to watch out for these five area codes in particular. And whatever you do, don't answer!

Caboots - El Paso's Bootmaker To The Stars

Check out these custom boots made in El Paso by Caboots

Gallery Credit: Dubba G