Do Freelancers Need to Charge Sales Tax in Texas?

If you're a freelancer or creative working in Texas, you’ve probably asked yourself this question:
“Do I need to charge sales tax?”

The short answer? Sometimes, yes. It depends on the type of service you provide.

At Attah Digital, we don’t provide tax advice—but we work with a lot of freelancers and service-based businesses, and we’ve learned how important it is to understand these rules (and reflect them professionally on your website and invoices).

Let’s break it down.

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🧾 What Texas Law Says About Freelancers and Sales Tax

In Texas, sales tax applies to certain services—specifically those considered:

• Data processing
• Web hosting or development
• Creating finished art (logos, brochures, templates)
• Digital products (courses, templates, downloads)

But many consulting and creative services are exempt.

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✅ Non-Taxable Freelancer Services

• Brand strategy
• Marketing consulting
• Copywriting (without finished art)
• Coaching, training, and workshops (non-downloadable)

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🚨 Potentially Taxable Services

• Web development
• SEO reporting/analytics
• Graphic design with final deliverables (logos, print assets)
• Selling downloadable templates or courses

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📦 Should You Register for a Sales Tax Permit?

If you’re consistently providing taxable services in Texas, then yes, you likely need to:

1. Register for a sales tax permit with the Texas Comptroller
2. Collect and remit sales tax on your invoices
3. Report sales tax quarterly or monthly

You can register for free at comptroller.texas.gov

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🎨 What Freelancers Often Miss: Displaying Tax Properly on Your Website

Whether you charge tax or not, your website should show you’re running a professional operation.

✅ Add to your site:

• A pricing section that clearly states “+ applicable taxes where required”
• Terms & Conditions or FAQs explaining your invoicing process
• A proper invoice/quote system that includes your business info & tax permit (if applicable)

💡 At Attah Digital, we help freelancers present their brand like a real business—because you are one.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

If you’re offering services in Texas, take a few minutes to understand which parts of your business might be taxable.
Even if you don’t need to charge sales tax now, it’s smart to plan for it as you scale.

And when you’re ready to look the part, Attah Digital can help you build a site, brand and system that reflects your value—and supports your growth.

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✅ Need a site that makes you look like a pro?

Let’s build your freelancer brand the right way → Get in touch

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