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Tag: Texas Comptroller
Texas Gross Receipts Tax Myths (Hint: It’s the Franchise Tax)
Many founders and out-of-state business owners believe Texas has a gross-receipts tax. While technically false, this myth exists because the Texas Franchise Tax – also known as the margin tax – functions similarly by taxing total revenue with limited deductions. Let’s debunk this and explain what Texas actually taxes in 2025. Is There a Gross-Receipts […]
Texas Franchise Tax vs Sales Tax: Which One Hits You First?
Starting a business in Texas? You’ll likely face two major state-level taxes: the Franchise Tax and the Sales and Use Tax. But which one applies first? Which one costs more? This guide will break down how each tax works, when it kicks in, and what startups, e-commerce sellers, and service providers need to prioritize in […]
6.25% Sales Tax on SaaS: What Counts as “Taxable Cloud” in Texas?
Texas imposes 6.25% state sales tax on many cloud-based services , including certain SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS platforms. But not all software is taxable. For startups, AI firms, and SaaS providers, knowing what counts as “taxable cloud” in Texas is critical to stay compliant and avoid audits in 2025. Texas Sales Tax on Software: The […]
Bringing a Delaware Corp to Texas: Franchise-Tax Triggers
Bringing a Delaware Corp to Texas When you register a Delaware C-Corporation to do business in Texas as a foreign entity, understanding Texas franchise-tax triggers helps you anticipate annual filing obligations and associated costs. Proper planning avoids unexpected liabilities. Relevant Code & Tax References Texas Tax Code §171.002(4) defines “doing business” in Texas, including maintaining […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Texas Franchise Tax: What Founders Must File by May 15v
Introduction Texas imposes a franchise tax on most entities “doing business” in the state. Under Texas Tax Code §171.002, any corporation, LLC, or other taxable entity with revenue above the no-tax-due threshold must file an annual franchise tax report and Public Information Report by May 15, 2025. Founders should understand what forms are required, how […]