Texas Tax Deadlines
Even though residents of Texas do not pay state individual income tax, many businesses and other tax-filing entities have key deadlines each year for state taxes, fees, and reports. This guide reviews the major 2025 deadlines for filings with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (TCPA) and what you need to file and pay.
Relevant Law & Forms
- Due dates for Texas taxes, fees, and reports are listed on the TCPA schedule.
- Sales and use tax reporting: monthly, quarterly, yearly.
- Franchise tax for businesses: due May 15 in many cases.
Step 1: Key Filing Deadlines for Sales & Use Tax
- Monthly filers: Report due on the 20th of the month following your reporting month.
- Quarterly filers: Reports due April 20 (Q1), July 20 (Q2), October 20 (Q3), January 20 (Q4).
- Payments and returns must be filed via the TCPA Webfile system by 11:59 p.m. CT on the due date to avoid penalties.
Step 2: Business Franchise Tax Deadlines
- Many Texas-based businesses must file the Texas franchise tax report and public information report by May 15 following the close of their tax year.
- If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, it becomes the next business day.
- Extension filings may be available but the payment is still due by the original deadline.
Step 3: Property Tax & Other Local Deadlines
- Property owners in Texas must follow appraisal district deadlines such as the date tax bills are mailed and first half of taxes due by November 30.
- Appraisal-district boards must adopt budgets or tax rates by certain dates; these affect taxpayer notifications.
Step 4: What Happens If You Miss the Deadline
- Late filings for sales tax may incur a $50 penalty for each late report.
- A 5 % penalty if tax is paid 1-30 days late and 10 % if more than 30 days late.
- Late payments may accrue interest beginning 61 days after the due date.
- For franchise tax, failing to file may result in penalties and loss of good standing.
Step 5: How to Ensure You File On Time
- Determine your filing frequency (monthly, quarterly, yearly) based on your business tax history.
- Mark deadlines on your calendar, especially recurring dates like the 20th of the month or January 20.
- Use the TCPA Webfile system and ensure payments are scheduled to meet cutoff times (e.g., by 10:00 a.m. CT for payments under $1 million).
- If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, file by the next business day.
- Retain confirmations of filings and payments for your records.
Conclusion
Understanding the major Texas tax deadlines for 2025 will help you stay compliant, avoid penalties, and maintain good standing with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Whether you’re a business filing sales tax or a franchise tax report, knowing the due dates and filing methods is critical.
Call to Action
For tailored advice on your Texas tax-filing deadlines, filing frequency, and payment methods, reach out to Anshul Goyal, CPA EA FCA, a U.S.-licensed Certified Public Accountant and Enrolled Agent admitted to practice before the IRS, who also assists individuals and businesses in Texas with state tax compliance and planning.
Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Consult a licensed CPA to review your specific Texas tax-filing obligations.
Top 5 FAQs
- When is the Texas sales tax return due for monthly filers?
The return is due on the 20th of the month following the reported month. - When must a Texas business file its franchise tax report?
Most businesses must file by May 15 following the close of their tax year. - What happens if a filing deadline falls on a holiday?
The due date becomes the next business day. - Are there penalties for filing Texas tax returns late?
Yes. For example, a $50 penalty per late sales tax report and further penalties for payment delays. - Can I file and pay Texas taxes online?
Yes, via the Texas Comptroller’s Webfile and payment systems like TEXNET.
About Our CPA
Anshul Goyal, CPA EA FCA is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in the United States, an Enrolled Agent authorized to practice before the IRS, and a cross-border tax expert who helps U.S. and Indian clients with federal and Texas state tax compliance, planning, and filings.