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Master business taxation with expert tips on compliance, deductions, and strategies to optimize tax planning and reduce liabilities for your business.
Master business taxation with expert tips on compliance, deductions, and strategies to optimize tax planning and reduce liabilities for your business.
Final Franchise-Tax Filings When You Close a Texas LLC
Final Franchise-Tax Filings When closing your Texas LLC, the final franchise-tax filing is critical to avoid penalties, interest, or future liens. This “final report” notifies the Comptroller that your business has ceased operations and ensures no outstanding tax liabilities remain. Relevant Tax Code References Texas Tax Code §171.255(d) requires a final franchise-tax report and payment […]
Dissolving a Texas LLC: Certificate of Termination Step-by-Step
Dissolving a Texas LLC Properly dissolving your Texas LLC protects you from future tax liabilities, fees, or compliance requirements. Filing a Certificate of Termination with the Secretary of State (SOS) and settling final franchise tax obligations are essential steps to formally wind down your entity. Relevant Code References Texas Business Organizations Code §11.056 (Certificate of […]
Secretary of State Forfeiture: Reviving a Texas LLC After Tax Default
Secretary of State Forfeiture If your Texas LLC has been forfeited by the Secretary of State due to unpaid franchise taxes or missing annual reports, you can restore its good standing—and your liability protections—by following a straightforward reinstatement process. Relevant Tax & State Code References Texas Tax Code §171.255 (Forfeiture of Charter or Authority for […]
ACH vs. Credit Card: Cheapest Way to Pay the Texas Comptroller
ACH vs. Credit Card When filing Texas sales tax, franchise tax, or other Comptroller obligations, you can pay electronically via ACH (Automated Clearing House) or by credit card. Choosing the most cost-effective method helps preserve cash flow and reduce fees. IRC & Texas Tax Code References IRC §6302(a) requires taxpayers to timely remit federal tax […]
Annualized Revenue Test: Avoiding a Surprise Texas Tax Bill
Annualized Revenue Test If your Texas franchise-tax reporting period isn’t a full 12 months—because you formed or acquired the business mid-year, changed your fiscal year, or operate on a short tax period—you must annualize your total revenue to determine: Whether you fall under the $2.47 million no-tax-due threshold, and Whether you qualify for the E-Z […]
Franchise-Tax Extensions: Form 05-164 Walk-Through
Franchise-Tax Extensions If you need extra time to prepare your Texas franchise-tax report, Form 05-164 gives you a six-month extension—from May 15 to November 15—to file. Note, however, that an extension does not extend your payment deadline. You must still remit at least 90 percent of your estimated tax liability by the original due date […]
$50 “Late Report” Fine: How to Abate It With One Letter
$50 “Late Report” Fine If you’ve filed your Texas franchise-tax report late—even if no tax is due—you automatically incur a $50 late-filing fee per report. Fortunately, Texas law allows you to request a waiver of that flat fee (and any related interest or penalties) with a single letter or form. In this post, we’ll explain […]
E-Z Computation (0.331 %) for SaaS Startups Under $20 M Revenue
E-Z Computation For Texas entities with annualized total revenue of $20 million or less, the E-Z Computation method offers a simplified franchise tax calculation at a flat 0.331 % rate. This option eliminates complex deductions (COGS, compensation, 70% of revenue, or $1 million) in exchange for a straightforward multiplier—ideal for SaaS founders looking to minimize […]
Step-by-Step: Completing the Texas Public Information Report
Texas Public Information Every Texas-taxable entity must file a Public Information Report (PIR) each year, even if no franchise tax is due. The PIR ensures the Comptroller’s office—and the public—has up-to-date ownership and contact information for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other entities with Texas nexus. Missing or incomplete PIRs can lead to notices, late-filing fees, […]
0.375 % vs 0.75 %: Which Texas Franchise-Tax Rate Applies to You?
Introduction Texas imposes two different franchise-tax rates—0.375 % and 0.75 %—depending on whether your business is primarily engaged in retail or wholesale trade. Getting the rate wrong can lead to under-payment penalties or over-paying unnecessarily. This guide will help you determine which rate applies, illustrate with examples, and walk you through how to report the […]