Do I need to pay sales tax on online purchases?

Yes, in most cases, you are required to pay sales tax on online purchases in Texas. The Texas Department of Revenue states that if you are purchasing taxable items online and the seller does not collect sales tax, you as the buyer are responsible for reporting and remitting the use tax directly to the department. Use tax is a complementary tax to the sales tax and applies to taxable items used or consumed in Texas, but purchased from out-of-state sellers. However, certain exceptions may apply, such as purchases of certain non-taxable items or for purchasers who qualify for exemptions. It is recommended to consult the department's guidelines or contact them directly regarding specific circumstances to ensure compliance with sales and use tax regulations in Texas.