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Franchise Tax
Higher Than Normal Call Volume
We are experiencing higher than normal call volume. While we are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Central Time, shorter wait times normally occur from 8-10 a.m. and 4-5 p.m. Please have your 11-digit taxpayer number ready when you call. For additional information, see our Call Tips and Peak Schedule webpage.
Changes to Franchise Tax Nexus
The Comptroller's office has amended Rule 3.586, Margin: Nexus, for franchise tax reports due on or after Jan. 1, 2020. A foreign taxable entity with no physical presence in Texas now has nexus if, during any federal accounting period ending in 2019 or later, it has gross receipts from business done in Texas of $500,000 or more.
Additionally, a foreign taxable entity with a Texas use tax permit is presumed to have nexus and is subject to Texas franchise tax.
The Texas franchise tax is a privilege tax imposed on each taxable entity formed or organized in Texas or doing business in Texas. For general information, see the Franchise Tax Overview.
Update a Franchise Tax Account
- Complete the Franchise Tax Accountability Questionnaire
- Change a Business Address or Contact Information
- Close or Reinstate a Business
- Look Up Account Status
- Request a Tax Certificate or Tax Clearance Letter
File and Pay Franchise Tax
- Approved Tax Preparation Software Providers
- Filing and Payment Requirements
- Request an Extension
- Report Common Owner Information
Tax Rates, Thresholds and Deduction Limits
Franchise tax rates, thresholds and deduction limits vary by report year. Use the rate that corresponds to the year for which you are filing.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| No Tax Due Threshold | $1,230,000 |
| Tax Rate (retail or wholesale) | 0.375% |
| Tax Rate (other than retail or wholesale) | 0.75% |
| Compensation Deduction Limit | $400,000 |
| EZ Computation Total Revenue Threshold | $20 million |
| EZ Computation Rate | 0.331% |
Tax Rates, Thresholds and Deduction Limits for Prior Years
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| No Tax Due Threshold | $1,180,000 |
| Tax Rate (retail or wholesale) | 0.375% |
| Tax Rate (other than retail or wholesale) | 0.75% |
| Compensation Deduction Limit | $390,000 |
| EZ Computation Total Revenue Threshold | $20 million |
| EZ Computation Rate | 0.331% |
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| No Tax Due Threshold | $1,130,000 |
| Tax Rate (retail or wholesale) | 0.375% |
| Tax Rate (other than retail or wholesale) | 0.75% |
| Compensation Deduction Limit | $370,000 |
| EZ Computation Total Revenue Threshold | $20 million |
| EZ Computation Rate | 0.331% |
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| No Tax Due Threshold | $1,110,000 |
| Tax Rate (retail or wholesale) | 0.375% |
| Tax Rate (other than retail or wholesale) | 0.75% |
| Compensation Deduction Limit | $360,000 |
| EZ Computation Total Revenue Threshold | $20 million |
| EZ Computation Rate | 0.331% |
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| No Tax Due Threshold | $1,080,000 |
| Tax Rate (retail or wholesale) | 0.475% |
| Tax Rate (other than retail or wholesale) | 0.95% |
| Compensation Deduction Limit | $350,000 |
| EZ Computation Total Revenue Threshold | $10 million |
| EZ Computation Rate | 0.575% |
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| No Tax Due Threshold | $1,080,000 |
| Tax Rate (retail or wholesale) | 0.4875% |
| Tax Rate (other than retail or wholesale) | 0.975% |
| Compensation Deduction Limit | $350,000 |
| EZ Computation Total Revenue Threshold | $10 million |
| EZ Computation Rate | 0.575% |
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| No Tax Due Threshold | $1,030,000 |
| Tax Rate (retail or wholesale) | 0.5% |
| Tax Rate (other than retail or wholesale) | 1.0% |
| Compensation Deduction Limit | $330,000 |
| EZ Computation Total Revenue Threshold | $10 million |
| EZ Computation Rate | 0.575% |
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| No Tax Due Threshold | $1,000,000 |
| Tax Rate (retail or wholesale) | 0.5% |
| Tax Rate (other than retail or wholesale) | 1.0% |
| Compensation Deduction Limit | $320,000 |
| EZ Computation Total Revenue Threshold | $10 million |
| EZ Computation Rate | 0.575% |
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| No Tax Due Threshold | $300,000 |
| Tax Rate (retail or wholesale) | 0.5% |
| Tax Rate (other than retail or wholesale) | 1.0% |
| Compensation Deduction Limit | $300,000 |
| EZ Computation Total Revenue Threshold | $10 million |
| EZ Computation Rate | 0.575% |
Due Dates
Annual Franchise Tax Reports
The annual franchise tax report is due May 15. If May 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date will be the next business day.
Final Franchise Tax Reports
Before getting a Certificate of Account Status to terminate, convert, merge or withdraw registration with the Texas Secretary of State:
- A Texas entity, terminating, converting or merging, must file its final tax report and pay any amount due in the year it plans to terminate, convert or merge.
- An out-of-state entity, ending its nexus in Texas, must file its final report and pay any amount due within 60 days of ceasing to have nexus.
Penalties and Interest
Penalties
- A $50 penalty is assessed on each report filed after the due date.
- If tax is paid 1-30 days after the due date, a 5 percent penalty is assessed.
- If tax is paid over 30 days after the due date, a 10 percent penalty is assessed.
Interest
- Past due taxes are charged interest beginning 61 days after the due date.
- To calculate interest on past due taxes, visit Interest Owed and Earned.