Sales Tax on Used Truck Lease Buyout in Texas

I'm getting ready to buy my tractor that I've been leasing and I was wondering if there is any sales tax I have to pay? (Texas)

It's been difficult getting anybody on the phone to talk about this. According to my local Texas Tax Assessor, there is only a $33 fee associated with transferring the title from the carrier to myself. But she said I would have to get Texas apportioned plates. Currently, the truck is licensed outside of Texas with the carrier I am leased on to. Is it possible to just transfer the title and keep the licensing the way it is?

 

I went and transferred the title today so I thought I would post an update in case anyone else is wondering about this process.

I didn't have to pay any sales tax. There's a box on the form where you can mark "exempt" and then put "interstate commerce" as the reason. They mentioned that I would have to get Texas plates but they didn't force me to. They wanted to see my registration cab card, insurance policy, and old title. They did not require HVUT payment documentation, my owner operator agreement, or inspection.

 

Update:

They rejected my title application because they said I didn't have an official Texas inspection. So I went and got an "official" state of Texas inspection for $40. Apparently they do not accept the usual DOT inspection forms.

 

Schneider