Purpose of This Notice
The City of Taft is providing the following information to explain Proposition A, which will appear on the November 3, 2026, general election ballot. This notice is intended solely to provide factual information regarding the proposed sales tax change and its potential effect on taxable purchases and City revenue.
This notice does not express support for or opposition to Proposition A.
Background
From April 1, 2015, through June 30, 2026, the combined state and local sales tax rate in Taft was 8.25%.
On July 1, 2026, the combined rate decreased to 8.00% following the expiration of the City’s 0.25% street maintenance sales tax.
Proposition A asks voters to consider increasing the City’s general-purpose sales tax rate from 1.00% to 1.25%.
If approved, the additional 0.25% would be allocated to the City’s General Fund.
If Proposition A is not approved, the City’s general-purpose sales tax rate would remain at 1.00%, and the combined state and local sales tax rate would remain at 8.00%, unless subsequently changed through another lawful action.
Current and Proposed Sales Tax Rates
Texas generally limits the combined state and local sales tax rate to 8.25%. The State of Texas imposes a 6.25% sales tax, and local taxing jurisdictions may impose additional sales taxes totaling up to 2.00%.
The following table compares the current sales tax rates in Taft with the rates that would apply if Proposition A is approved.
| Sales Tax Recipient | Current Rate | If Prop A is Approved |
| State of Texas | 6.25% | 6.25% |
| City General Fund | 1.00% | 1.25% |
| Type A EDC | 0.25% | 0.25% |
| Type B EDC | 0.50% | 0.50% |
| Total Local Sales Tax | 1.75% | 2.00% |
| Combined State and Local Sales Tax | 8.00% | 8.25% |
The State’s 6.25% sales tax and the existing Type A and Type B economic development sales tax rates would not change as a result of Proposition A.
How Would Proposition A Affect Taxable Purchases?
Proposition A would increase the combined sales tax rate by 0.25 percentage points, equivalent to an additional $0.25 in sales tax for every $100 in taxable purchases.
The following examples illustrate the difference between the current combined sales tax rate of 8.00% and the proposed combined rate of 8.25%.
| Taxable Purchase | Current Tax (8.00%) | Proposed Tax (8.25%) | Difference |
| $10.00 | $0.80 | $0.83* | $0.03* |
| $50.00 | $4.00 | $4.13* | $0.13* |
| $100.00 | $8.00 | $8.25* | $0.25 |
* Amounts reflect rounding to the nearest cent. Actual sales tax collected may vary slightly depending on applicable tax calculation and rounding rules.
The proposed increase would apply to purchases subject to the applicable state and local sales taxes. Items exempt from sales tax would remain exempt.
How is City Sales Tax Revenue Used?
The city currently receives sales tax revenue from three separate local sales taxes:
- General Fund Sales Tax (1.00%): Revenue is deposited into the City’s General Fund and may be used for authorized municipal purposes, including public safety, public works, parks, administration, and other City operations.
- Type A Economic Development Sales Tax (0.25%): Revenue is allocated to the City’s Type A Economic Development Corporation for purposes authorized by state law.
- Type B Economic Development Sales Tax (0.50%): revenue is allocated to the City’s Type B Economic Development Corporation for purposes authorized by state law.
If Proposition A is approved, the City’s general-purpose sales tax rate would increase to 1.25%. The additional revenue would be deposited into the General Fund.
If Proposition A is not approved, the existing sales tax allocations would remain unchanged.
What Would Happen if Proposition A Is Approved or Rejected?
If Proposition A Is Approved:
- The City’s general-purpose sales tax rate would increase from 1.00% to 1.25%.
- The combined state and local sales tax rate would increase from 8.00% to 8.25%, upon the effective date established under applicable law.
- The City would receive additional General Fund revenue equal to 0.25% of applicable taxable sales.
- The Type A and Type B economic development sales tax rates would remain unchanged.
If Proposition A Is Not Approved:
- The City’s general-purpose sales tax rate would remain at 1.00%.
- The combined state and local sales tax rate would remain at 8.00%.
- The City would not receive the additional 0.25% General Fund sales tax revenue proposed under Proposition A.
- The Type A and Type B economic development sales tax rates would remain unchanged.
Additional Information
Sales tax is collected on taxable transactions occurring within the City, subject to applicable state law. Purchasers may include Taft residents, visitors, and individuals traveling through the community.
Actual City sales tax collections depend on the volume of taxable sales, applicable exemptions, and other factors. Future collections cannot be determined solely from the proposed tax rate.
Proposition A concerns the rate of the City’s general-purpose sales tax. It does not directly change the City’s property tax rate or the existing Type A and Type B economic development sales tax rates.
The City of Taft provides this information for educational purposes only and does not advocate for the approval or rejection of Proposition A.