Glenn Hegar
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Glenn Hegar
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
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Glenn Hegar
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
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taxes

Tax Policy News

Index

The Comptroller's office publishes this online newsletter to keep you informed about Texas taxes. Tax Policy News provides general information and is not legal or professional advice. Click Subscribe at the bottom of this page if you would like to be notified when new issues of Tax Policy News are available.

Many previous issues of Tax Policy News are no longer provided online since they may contain information that has been superseded or conflicts with current tax law. Articles from these issues that reflect policy for various taxes are still available on our State Tax Automated Research (STAR) System.

2024

February

Read February 2024 issue

  • Reminders
    • 2023 Federal Income Tax Returns – Sales Tax Deductions
    • Cigarette/Tobacco Non-Retailer Permit Renewals
    • Insurance Tax Reports Due March 1, 2024
    • Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority Fee
  • Sales and Use Tax
    • Sales Tax Exemption for Family Care Items
    • 2024 Sales Tax Holidays – Mark Your Calendar
  • Franchise Tax
    • Increase to the No Tax Due Threshold and Removal of Filing Requirements
  • Insurance Tax
    • Tax Credit for Examination Fees Paid Under Labor Code Section 414.004(c) (Performance Review of Insurance Carriers)
  • Publications and Webpages
    • Publication 96-280, Grocery and Convenience Stores
    • Earned Income Tax Credit
  • Rules
    • Adopted
  • State Tax Automated Research System (STAR)
    • STAR Watch
    • Construction of a Container Terminal – STAR Doc. No. 202312013L
    • Flowback and Water Transfer Services - STAR Doc. No. 202312010L
    • Biometric Identification Service - STAR Doc. No. 202309040L
    • Services Provided by a Facilities Management Company - STAR Doc. No. 202310013L
    • Qualifying Jobs at a Large Data Center Project - STAR Doc. No. 202310014L
    • Benefits Allowed for the Compensation Subtraction - STAR Doc. No. 202310005L
  • More Information
    • Help is just a click away! Use our website to take care of business.

2023

November

Read November 2023 issue

  • Announcement
    • Public Hearing on Nov. 8, 2023 – Rule 3.334, Local Sales and Use Tax
  • Reminders
    • Coin-Operated Amusement Machines – 2024 Renewal Applications Due Nov. 30
  • Franchise Tax
    • Increase to the No Tax Due Threshold and Removal of Filing Requirements
  • Rules
    • Proposed
    • Adopted
  • State Tax Automated Research System (STAR)
    • STAR Watch
    • Electronic Games and Associated Content – STAR Doc. No. 202309029L
    • Redemption of a Merchandise Certificate Won Through a Charity Auction – STAR Doc. No. 202307011L
    • Seeds for Grasses, Forbs, and Legumes – STAR Doc. No. 202307012L
    • Expansion of a Large Data Center Project – STAR Doc. No. 202308018L
    • Employee Benefit and Retirement Administration Services – STAR Doc. No. 202308020L
  • More Information
    • Help is just a click away! Use our website to take care of business.
August (2023 Legislative Update – 88th Legislature)

Read August 2023 issue

  • 2023 Legislative Update – 88th Legislature
    • A Note from Glenn Hegar
    • Cigarette Tax, Cigar and Tobacco Tax
    • Franchise Tax
    • Franchise Tax and Insurance Tax
    • Hotel Occupancy Tax
    • Mixed Beverage Tax
    • Motor Fuels Tax
    • Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority Fee
    • Motor Vehicle Tax
    • Oil And Gas Production Tax
    • Sales and Use Tax
    • Sexually Oriented Business Fee
    • Other Legislative Tax Updates
  • More Information
    • Help is Just a Click Away
July

Read July 2023 issue

  • Coming Soon!
    • August 2023 Tax Policy News – Legislative Update Special Edition
  • Reminders
    • Address Changes
    • Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday – Aug. 11-13, 2023
    • City Annexation or De-Annexation Activity – Please Notify Us
    • Coastal Protection Fee – Suspended Effective June 1, 2023
    • Franchise Tax – Second Extension Request for Mandatory Electronic Payers – Due Aug. 15, 2023
    • Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority Fee
    • Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Fund Assessment Billing
  • Rules
    • Adopted
  • State Tax Automated Research System (STAR)
    • STAR Watch
    • Municipal Hotel and Convention Center Projects – Star Doc. No. 202305008L
    • Stop Loss Insurance – Star Doc. No. 202306004L
  • More Information
    • Help is just a click away! Use our website to take care of business.
April

Read April 2023 issue

  • Reminders
    • 2022 Federal Income Tax Returns – Sales Tax Deductions
    • Annual Franchise Tax Reports Due May 15
    • Annual Independently Procured Insurance Premium Tax Reports Due May 15
    • Emergency Preparation Supplies Holiday (April 22-24, 2023)
      Energy STAR Sales Tax Holiday (May 27-29, 2023)
    • Water-Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday (May 27-29, 2023)
    • Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Fund Assessment Billing
  • Rules
    • Adopted
  • State Tax Automated Research System (STAR)
    • STAR Watch
    • Research and Development – Applicable Internal Use Software Regulations – STAR Doc. Nos. 202302001L and 202302002L
    • Research and Development Sales Tax Exemption – Star Doc. No. 202302017L
    • Telecommunications and the Repair and Maintenance of Computer Programs – STAR Doc. No. 202301018L
    • Amusement Services Provided by a Nonprofit – STAR Doc. No. 202301028L
    • Sourcing of Local Sales and Use Tax – STAR Doc. No. 202202027L
    • Exempt Writings and Membership in a Professional Association – STAR Doc. No. 202302009L
    • Credit Rating Services – STAR Doc. No. 202302004
  • More Information
    • Help is just a click away! Use our website to take care of business.
January

Read January 2023 issue

  • Announcements
    • Tax Policy Reorganization
  • Reminders
    • 2022 Federal Income Tax Returns – Sales Tax Deductions
    • Insurance Tax Reports Due March 1, 2023
    • Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority Fee
  • Publications and Webpages
    • Miscellaneous Gross Receipts Tax and the 2020 Federal Census
    • Earned Income Tax Credit
  • Rules
    • Proposed
    • Adopted
  • State Tax Automated Research System (STAR)
    • STAR Watch
    • Designated Doctor Examinations - STAR Doc. No. 202211002L
    • Medical Record Retrieval - STAR Doc. No. 202212003L
    • Credit Ratings Services - STAR Doc. No. 202301006L
    • Amending Out-of-Statute Reports to Create an R&D Credit – STAR Doc. No. 202301007L
  • More Information
    • Help is just a click away! Use our website to take care of business.

2022

October

Read October 2022 issue

  • Job Opportunities
    • New Positions Open
  • Reminder
    • Coin-Operated Amusement Machines – 2023 Renewal Applications Due Nov. 30
  • Cigarette Tax
    • New Webfile Options for E-Cigarette Retailers, Cigarette/Tobacco Retailers and Cigarette/Tobacco Non-Retailer
  • International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)
    • New Online IFTA Registration for Motor Carriers
  • Motor Vehicle Sales Tax
    • Extension of the Fair Market Value Deduction
  • Publications and Webpages
    • Latest Updates
  • Rules
    • Proposed
    • Adopted
  • State Tax Automated Research System (STAR)
    • STAR Watch
    • Wrapping and Packaging Supplies – STAR Doc. No. 202208017L
    • Credit Rating Services – STAR Doc. No. 202208011L
    • Texas Miscellaneous Gross Receipts Tax and Sales Tax – STAR Doc. No. 202207013L and 202207014L
    • Peer-to-Peer Motor Vehicle Rental – STAR Doc. No. 202207023L
    • Diagnostic Cardiac Monitors – STAR Doc. No. 202208009L
  • More Information
    • Help is just a click away! Use our website to take care of business.
July

Read July 2022 issue

  • Reminders
    • Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday – Tips for Sellers
    • City Annexation or De-Annexation Activity – Please Notify Us
  • Franchise Tax
    • Second Extension Request for Mandatory Electronic Payers – Due Aug. 15
  • Insurance Tax
    • Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Fund Assessment Billing
  • Publications and Webpages
    • Latest Updates
  • Rules
    • Proposed
    • Adopted
  • State Tax Automated Research System (STAR)
    • Franchise Tax and Printers – STAR Doc. No. 202204004L
    • Payment Card Management Services – STAR Doc. No. 202204028L
    • Online Educational Services – STAR Doc. No. 202206008L
  • Tax Policy Division Spotlight
    • Meet Our Management Team!
  • More Information
    • Help is just a click away! Use our website to take care of business.
May

Read May 2022 issue

  • Reminders
    • ENERGY STAR® and Water-Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday
    • Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Fund Assessment Billing
  • Publications and Webpages
    • Latest Updates
  • Rules
    • Proposed
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • Job Opportunities
    • New Positions Open
  • More Information
    • Help is just a click away! Use our website to take care of business.
April

Read April 2022 issue

  • Announcements
    • Coming Soon: Revamped Tax Policy News
  • Reminders
    • Annual Franchise Tax Reports Due May 16
    • Annual Independently Procured Insurance Premium Tax Reports Due May 16
    • ENERGY STAR® and Water-Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday
    • Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Fund Assessment Billing
  • Rules
    • Effective
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is just a click away! Use our website to take care of business.
March

Read March 2022 issue

  • Reminders
    • Annual Franchise Tax Reports Due May 16
    • Annual Independently Procured Insurance Premium Tax Reports Due May 16
    • Upcoming Tax Holidays
    • Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Fund Assessment Billing
  • Publications and Webpages
    • Latest Updates
  • Rules
    • Adopted
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is just a click away! Use our website to take care of business.
February

Read February 2022 issue

  • Reminders
    • Cigarette/Tobacco Non-Retailer Permit Renewals
    • Insurance Tax Reports Due March 1, 2022
    • Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority Fee
    • Statements of Available Premium Tax Credits
  • Sales and Use Tax
    • New Year’s Resolutions Tax Tips
  • Rules
    • Proposed
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is just a click away! Use our website to take care of business.
January

Read January 2022 issue

  • Notification
    • Certification of the Single Local Use Tax Rate for Remote Sellers – 2022
  • Reminders
    • 2021 Federal Income Tax Returns – Sales Tax Deductions
    • Cigarette/Tobacco Non-Retailer Permit Renewals
    • Insurance Tax Reports Due March 1, 2022
    • Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority Fee
  • Sales and Use Tax
    • Holiday Shopping – Returns and Exchanges
    • Mark Your Calendar for the 2022 Sales Tax Holidays
  • Publications and Webpages
    • Latest Updates
  • Rules
    • Effective Rules
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is just a click away! Use our website to take care of business.

2021

December

Read December 2021 issue

  • Notification
    • Certification of the Single Local Use Tax Rate for Remote Sellers – 2022
  • Sales and Use Tax
    • 2021 Federal Income Tax Returns – Sales Tax Deductions
    • Direct Pay Permit
    • Keeping Warm This Winter
  • Publications and Webpages
    • Latest Updates
  • Rules
    • Adopted Rules
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is just a click away! Use our website to take care of business.
November

Read November 2021 issue

  • Notice
    • Notice Regarding Rates and the 2020 Census
  • Reminder
    • Coin-Operated Amusement Machines – 2022 Renewal Applications Due by Nov. 30, 2021
  • Sales and Use Tax
    • Bookkeeping and Accounting Services: What’s Taxable?
    • Contests, Giveaways and Discounts: Who’s Responsible for the Tax?
    • Out-of-State Wineries: What Are the Tax Responsibilities?
  • Rules
    • Proposed
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is just a click away! Use our website to take care of business.
October

Read October 2021 issue

  • Reminder
    • Coin-Operated Amusement Machines: 2022 Renewal Applications Due by Nov. 30, 2021
  • Motor Vehicle Tax
    • Purchase of a Leased Motor Vehicle: Is Tax Due?
  • Sales and Use Tax
    • Donation or Taxable Sale: What’s the Difference?
    • Social Media Management Services
  • Publications and Webpages
    • Latest Updates
  • Rules
    • Effective
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is just a click away! Use our website to take care of business.
September

Read September 2021 issue

  • Reminder
    • Local Sales and Use Tax Rule Changes
  • Motor Vehicle Tax
    • Motor Vehicles: New Resident Tax vs Use Tax
  • Sales and Use Tax
    • Garage Sales and Occasional Sales
  • Publications and Webpages
    • Latest Updates
  • Rules
    • Proposed
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is just a click away!
August (2021 Legislative Update – 87th Legislature)

Read August 2021 issue

  • 2021 Legislative Update – 87th Legislature
    • A Note from Glenn Hegar
    • Cigarette Tax, Cigar and Tobacco Tax
    • Franchise Tax
    • Hotel Occupancy Tax
    • Miscellaneous Gross Receipts Tax
    • Mixed Beverage Tax
    • Oil And Gas Production Tax
    • Oil-Field Cleanup Regulatory Fees
    • Sales and Use Tax
    • Other Legislative Tax Updates
  • More Information
    • Help is Just a Click Away
July

Read July 2021 issue

  • Announcement
    • Sales and Use Tax Reporting is About to Get Easier
  • Reminder
    • Local Tax Sourcing Changes
  • Tax Training Resources
    • Resources for Texas Taxpayers
  • Sales and Use Tax
    • Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday – Tips for Sellers
    • Fairs and Festivals – A Guide for Event Promoters and Sellers
  • Public Notice
    • A Message From the Texas Workforce Commission – Service Animals and Their Access to Public Places
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is Just a Click Away
June

Read June 2021 issue

  • Announcements
    • Medical Billing Services
    • Sales and Use Tax Reporting is About to Get Easier
    • We’ve Made Webfile Better! Simpler, Smarter, Refreshed
  • Reminder
    • Local Tax Reminder
  • Tax Training Resources
    • Resources for Texas Taxpayers
  • Sales and Use Tax
    • Everything’s Coming Up Roses
    • Food Sales by Exempt Organizations
    • Pest Control Services
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is Just a Click Away
May

Read May 2021 issue

  • Announcement
    • We’ve Made Webfile Better! Simpler, Smarter, Refreshed
  • Reminders
    • Annual Franchise Tax Reports Due Date Extended to June 15
    • Sales Tax Holidays for ENERGY STAR ® and Water-Efficient Products Set for May 29-31
  • Tax Training Resources
    • Resources for Taxpayers
  • Franchise Tax
    • Certain COVID-Related Federal Loan and Grant Programs Relief
  • Sales and Use Tax
    • Purchases and Sales by Special Nonprofit Groups
  • Publications
    • Latest Updates
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is Just a Click Away
April

Read April 2021 issue

  • Notification
    • Certification of the Single Local Use Tax Rate for Remote Sellers – 2021
  • Announcement
    • We’ve Made Webfile Better! Simpler, Smarter, Refreshed
  • Reminders
    • Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday
  • Tax Training Resources
    • Resources for Taxpayers
  • Sales and Use Tax
    • Natural Gas and Electricity, Part Two: Nonresidential and/or Commercial Use
    • Sales Tax Exemptions for Qualified Organizations – Purchases and Sales
  • Rules
    • Proposed
    • Adopted
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is Just a Click Away
February

Read February 2021 issue

  • COVID-19 News
    • Comptroller COVID-19 Response
  • Announcement
    • We’ve Made Webfile Better! Simpler, Smarter, Refreshed
  • Reminders
    • 2020 Federal Income Tax Returns – Sales Tax Deductions
    • Cigarette/Tobacco Non-Retailer Permit Renewals
    • Insurance Tax Reports Due March 1, 2021
    • Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority Fee
    • Statements of Available Premium Tax Credits
  • Notification
    • Certification of the Single Local Use Tax Rate for Remote Sellers – 2021
  • Tax Training Resources
    • Resources for Texas Taxpayers
  • Franchise Tax
    • Paycheck Protection Program Loans Forgiven
  • Sales and Use Tax
    • Natural Gas and Electricity, Part One: Residential Use
  • Rules
    • Proposed
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is Just a Click Away

2020

December

Read December 2020 issue

  • COVID-19 News
    • Comptroller COVID-19 Response
  • Notifications
    • Certification of the Single Local Use Tax Rate for Remote Sellers – 2021
    • Permitted Terminal Operators Search – Available Online
  • Reminders
    • Certificate of Account Status – Webfile
    • Due Date for 2020 Franchise Tax Extended Filers
    • Notice for 2021 Franchise Tax Filers
  • Sales and Use Tax
    • Solar Energy Devices – Sales and Installation
    • Tire Disposal – What Retailers and Consumers Need to Know
    • 2020 Federal Income Tax Returns – Sales Tax Deductions
  • Tax Training Resources
    • Resources for Taxpayers
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is Just a Click Away
November

Read November 2020 issue

  • COVID-19 News
    • Comptroller COVID-19 Response
  • Reminders
    • Certificate of Account Status - Webfile
  • Tax Training Resources
    • Webinars
  • Franchise Tax
    • Total Revenue vs. Cost of Goods Sold – Understanding the Difference
  • Sales and Use Tax
    • Decking Your Halls
    • Marketplace Sellers’ Tax Responsibilities
  • Rules
    • Proposed
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is Just a Click Away
October

Read October 2020 issue

  • COVID-19 News
    • Comptroller COVID-19 Response
  • Reminders
    • Coin-operated Amusement Machines – 2021 Renewal Applications due by Nov. 30, 2020
    • Certificate of Account Status – Webfile
  • Tax Training Resources
    • Webinars
  • Sales and Use Tax
    • Funeral and Cemetery-Related Services and Sales
    • Vending Machine Sales and Operation
  • Public Notices
    • Breastfeeding Rights
  • Rules
    • Adopted
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is Just a Click Away
September

Read September 2020 issue

  • Disaster Relief
    • Taxpayer Assistance for Those Affected by Tropical Storm Beta
  • COVID-19 News
    • Comptroller COVID-19 Response
  • Tax Training Resources
    • Webinars
  • Sales Tax Rate Locator
    • Enhanced Version for Multiple Address Search
  • Motor Vehicle Tax
    • All-Electric and Hydrogen-Powered Motor Vehicles: "Watts" the Difference in Taxability?
  • Sales and Use Tax
    • Dry Cleaning, Garment Repair and Alteration Services
  • Rules
    • Proposed
    • Adopted
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is Just a Click Away
August

Read August 2020 issue

  • COVID-19 News
    • Comptroller COVID-19 Response
  • Reminders
    • Franchise Tax Second Extension Request for Mandatory Electronic Payers – Due Aug. 17
  • Tax Training Resources
    • Webinars
  • Coin-Operated Machines Tax
    • Coin-Operated Machines – Taxes, Licenses and Certificates
  • Sales and Use Tax
    • Bakeries and Bakery Items – What you "Knead" to Know
    • Two Sides of the Same Form – Resale vs. Exemption Certificates
  • Rules
    • Proposed
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is Just a Click Away
July

Read July 2020 issue

  • COVID-19 News
    • Comptroller COVID-19 Response
  • Reminders
    • International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) Report is Now Paperless
    • Franchise Tax – Second Extension Request for Mandatory Electronic Payers Due Aug. 17
  • Tax Training Resources
    • Webinars
  • Franchise Tax
    • Simplified Process – Claiming a Historic Structure Credit
  • Sales and Use Tax
    • Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday – Tips for Sellers
    • Internet Access Charges – Not Taxable Beginning July 1, 2020
  • Public Notice
    • A Message from the Texas Workforce Commission – Service Animals and Their Access to Public Places
  • Rules
    • Proposed
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is Just a Click Away
May

Read May 2020 issue

  • COVID-19 News
    • Comptroller COVID-19 Response
  • Reminders
    • Sales Tax Holidays for Water-Efficient and ENERGY STAR® Products Set for May 23-25
    • Annual Franchise Tax Reports Now Due July 15
    • Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Fund Assessment Billing
  • Tax Training Resources
    • Webinars
  • Hotel Tax
    • Tax-Exempt Hotel Stay – The Permanent Resident Way
  • Motor Vehicle Tax
    • Motor Vehicle Guide for Orthopedically Handicapped Exemptions
  • Sales and Use Tax
    • Internet Access Charges – Not Taxable Beginning July 1, 2020
    • Taxability of COVID-19 Fees and Surcharges by Businesses
  • Rules
    • Proposed
    • Adopted
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is Just a Click Away
April

Read April 2020 issue

  • COVID-19
    • Comptroller COVID-19 Response
  • Reminders
    • Annual Franchise Tax Reports Now Due July 15
    • Annual Independently Procured Insurance Premium Tax Reports Due May 15
    • Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday
  • Tax Training Resources
    • Webinars and Seminars
  • Sales and Use Tax
    • Policy Change for Medical Billing Services
    • Pet Boarding and Grooming Services
  • Rules
    • Adopted
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is Just a Click Away
February

Read February 2020 issue

  • Announcements
    • New Veteran-owned Businesses and Texas Franchise Tax
    • Cigarette/Tobacco Non-Retailer Permit Renewals
    • 2019 Federal Income Tax Returns – Sales Tax Deductions
  • Tax Training Resources
    • Podcast Episodes, Webinars, Videos and Seminars
  • Cigarette Tax, Cigar and Tobacco Tax
    • Minimum Age for Sale of Tobacco Products – Federal Update
  • Sales and Use Tax
    • Educational Products and Services
    • Off-Highway Vehicles
  • Rules
    • Proposed
    • Adopted
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is Just a Click Away
January

Read January 2020 issue

  • Reminders
    • Insurance Tax Reports Due March 1, 2020
    • Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority Fee
    • Statements of Available Premium Tax Credits
  • Tax Training Resources
    • Podcast Episodes, Webinars, Videos and Seminars
  • Cigarette Tax, Cigar and Tobacco Tax
    • Minimum Age for Sale of Tobacco Products – Federal Update
  • Mixed Beverage Tax
    • Mixed Beverage Exemptions
  • Sales and Use Tax
    • Mark Your Calendar for the 2020 Sales Tax Holidays
  • Rules
    • Proposed
    • Adopted
  • State Tax Automated Research System
    • STAR Watch
  • More Information
    • Help is Just a Click Away