Franchise FAQ

how to avoid la franchise tax

by Earl Senger Sr. Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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How can businesses minimize their liability for the franchise tax in Louisiana

  • One method is to allocate a larger portion of the businesss income to expenses that are not subject to tax, such as advertising or employee benefits.
  • Another way to reduce liability is to choose a lower tax bracket by organizing the business as an S corporation or LLC.
  • Finally, businesses can also claim credits and deductions to offset the franchise tax.

Full Answer

Who is subject to LA franchise tax?

Who Must File? Any corporation or entity taxed as a corporation for federal income tax purposes meeting any of the following provisions, unless specifically exempted under the provisions of R.S. 47:608, must file a Louisiana corporation franchise tax return: Organized under the laws of Louisiana.

Are LLCs subject to LA franchise tax?

Any limited liability company qualified and eligible to make an election to be taxed in accordance with the provisions of 26 U.S.C. Subtitle A, Chapter 1, Subchapter S on the first day of the franchise tax period is not subject to franchise tax.

Who must file a Louisiana franchise tax return?

corporationIf a corporation is a domestic corporation, meaning it is organized under the laws of Louisiana, it is required to file Form CIFT-620, Louisiana Corporation Income and Franchise Tax return, each year unless exempt from both taxes.

Does an LLC pay franchise tax in Louisiana?

Louisiana Franchise Tax for LLCs Under Act 12, all entities that have elected corporate federal income tax treatment must also pay Louisiana franchise tax. Two exceptions exist: LLCs that have opted for pass-through taxation under Subchapter S (S corporations)

Do you have to pay the $800 California LLC fee the first year 2022?

If you start to operate an LLC business in California, you need to pay the first $800 fee in the 4th month after the approval of your LLC. After that, you will also need to pay another $800 in annual tax due date on April 15th every year. To pay that, you need to file Form 3522, called the LLC Tax Voucher.

How long is an LLC good for in California?

2 yearsYou'll need to file your first Statement of Information within 90 days after the state approves your California LLC. Afterwards, you must submit it once every 2 years to keep your business in good standing.

What is the difference between income tax and franchise tax?

Unlike state income taxes, franchise taxes are not based on a corporation's profit. A business entity must file and pay the franchise tax regardless of whether it makes a profit in any given year. State income taxes—and how much is paid—on the other hand, are dependent on how much an organization makes during the year.

Do I have to file a Louisiana state tax return?

Who must file. Louisiana residents, part-year residents of Louisiana, and nonresidents with income from Louisiana sources who are required to file a federal income tax return must file a Louisiana Individual Income Tax Return.

How can I avoid paying taxes at the end of the year?

Having enough tax withheld or making quarterly estimated tax payments during the year can help you avoid problems at tax time. Taxes are pay-as-you-go. This means that you need to pay most of your tax during the year, as you receive income, rather than paying at the end of the year.

How much are LLC taxed in Louisiana?

The self-employment tax of the LLC members and managers who get profit out of the company is 15.3%.

Do you have to renew your LLC every year in Louisiana?

The State of Louisiana requires you to file an annual report for your LLC. You can file your annual report online at the SOS website. You also can go online to print out a paper annual report to file by mail. The annual report is due on or before the anniversary date of your LLC's formation.

What taxes do businesses pay in Louisiana?

Louisiana also has a corporate income tax that ranges from 3.50 percent to 7.50 percent. Louisiana has a 4.45 percent state sales tax rate, a max local sales tax rate of 7.00 percent, and an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 9.55 percent.

How are LLCs taxed in California?

Every LLC that is doing business or organized in California must pay an annual tax of $800. This yearly tax will be due, even if you are not conducting business, until you cancel your LLC. You have until the 15th day of the 4th month from the date you file with the SOS to pay your first-year annual tax.

Do limited partnerships pay franchise tax in California?

Limited partnerships in California must pay an $800 annual franchise tax. Also, out-of-state partners are subject to withhold income tax if income is more than $1500.

Do I file LLC and personal taxes together?

Single member LLCs are typically treated the same as sole proprietorships. The IRS disregards the LLC entity as being separate and distinct from the owner. Essentially, this means that the LLC typically files the business tax information with your personal tax returns on Schedule C.

Does a single member LLC need to file a California tax return?

Even though an SMLLC may be a disregarded entity for federal tax purposes, the SMLLC is considered a separate, taxable entity for California's LLC tax and LLC fee and must report its income on a separate state tax return. The tax and fee are payable to the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB).

How long does an LLC have to be in California to pay franchise tax?

And although your LLC existed for only 2 months in 2020 (November – December), it is considered to have existed for the entire taxable year (all 12 months of 2020). This means your LLC has to pay the entire $800 franchise tax for the year 2020. An no, unfortunately, California doesn’t let you prorate it.

When are California LLC franchise taxes due?

Your first LLC annual franchise tax payment is due the 15th day of the 4th month after your California LLC is approved. The succeeding annual franchise tax payments are then due by April 15th every year. That language is confusing. It sounds like the $800 is due 4.5 months after your LLC is approved.

How to cancel an LLC in California?

You can cancel your LLC by filing online with the California Secretary of State. Their online filing system is called BizFile. Click “File Online”. On the next page, click “LLC Termination” and then follow the prompts.

How long does it take for an LLC to get taxable in California?

If your LLC goes into existence in the last 15 days of December, it’s considered to not exist for that taxable year and therefore you don’t owe an $800 for those 15 days.

How to avoid paying back to back 800?

The best way to avoid paying back-to-back $800 franchise tax is to not let your California LLC go into existence at the end of the year.

How far ahead can you file an LLC?

1. If you’re forming your LLC online, you’ll see a “File Date” section. This is where you’d select January. Note, the date can’t be more than 90 days ahead.

Can you avoid CA Franchise Tax?

In fact, you can’t avoid the Annual Franchise Tax in California. If you don’t pay this tax, the CA Franchise Tax Board will impose penalties and fines. See section 17942 of the Revenue & Tax Code, FTB penalty chart, and FTB penalties and fees. Furthermore, if you think forming your LLC out of state is going to help you, you’re in for a surprise.

Who pays franchise tax in Louisiana?

Louisiana franchise tax must be paid by all corporations who earn income from state-based sources. This also includes other business entities who have opted for federal corporate tax treatment.

When are Louisiana franchise taxes due?

Louisiana Franchise Tax Deadlines. Franchise tax must be paid by the 15th day of the fifth month after a fiscal year closes. For example, the due date would be May 15 for companies that go by the calendar year.

How long does it take to get a Louisiana franchise tax extension?

Louisiana Tax Extension. If your company needs a franchise tax extension, you can file a request to pay within seven months of the return's original due date. You must request an extension online on or before the due date at the Louisiana Department of Revenue website.

What is the corporate tax rate?

Flat rate of 6.5 percent for corporate income tax

When did Louisiana change its tax laws?

Changes to Louisiana Tax Law. Governor John Bel Edwards signed several tax bills in March 2016, resulting in major changes to state tax law that include: Franchise tax for corporations that use a joint venture, partnership, or other entity to own Louisiana real estate.

When did Louisiana start taxing LLCs?

Beginning in 2017, Louisiana limited liability companies (LLCs) are taxed in the same way they are taxed by the federal government. This rule was established by the 2016 First Extraordinary Session, Act 12.

Can you get refunded for overpayment of estimated tax?

Overpayments of estimated tax can be credited to unpaid installments. Excess tax payments will be refunded.

Is a limited liability company subject to franchise tax?

Subtitle A, Chapter 1, Subchapter S on the first day of the franchise tax period is not subject to franchise tax.

Is LLC taxed in Louisiana?

An LLC is treated and taxed in the same manner for Louisiana income tax purposes as it is treated and taxed for federal income tax purposes.

Is LLC a partnership in Louisiana?

If the LLC is considered a partnership for federal income tax purposes, which is the most common situation, the LLC is treated as a partnership for Louisiana income tax purposes.

Is a domestic corporation subject to franchise tax?

A domestic or foreign entity taxed as a corporation pursuant to 26 U.S.C. Subtitle A, Chapter 1, Subchapter C for federal income tax purposes, is now subject to franchise tax if it meets any of the criteria that subject a domestic or foreign corporation to franchise tax, with 2 exceptions: Any limited liability company qualified ...

When do franchises file taxes?

While the filing date for Annual Franchise Tax Reports is May 15th (in non-pandemic years), what you do the other 364 days of the year can play a big part in making sure your company pays only the minimum tax required.

When do you have to file a franchise tax return in Texas?

As of January 1st 2020, out-of-state taxable entities with annual gross receipts over $500,000 from business in Texas must file a Franchise Tax Report even if the entity has no physical presence in this state.

Why do we need to work with a tax professional?

Working with a tax professional to plan the best approach (and therefore knowing exactly what to track throughout the year) can also help avoid some of the other common mistakes we’ve seen, such as:

Does Texas have franchise tax?

Service industries, especially those with a low employee count, are generally the most affected by the Texas franchise tax as they do not have a COGS deduction. Manufacturing and retail, on the other hand, do have the COGS deduction as well as the advantage of a reduced 0.375% tax rate, both of which help minimize their tax burden.

Is a sole proprietorship taxable in Texas?

Exceptions include sole proprietorships not registered as an LLC, passive partnerships, and certain non-profits and trusts.

Does Texas have a corporate tax?

Texas is one of only six states that do not have a corporate income tax. Texas businesses are instead required to pay a franchise tax – companies pay what is basically an annual fee to Texas for the privilege of doing business in the state. It is a tax on revenue and is less than 1%.

Is franchise tax a burden in Texas?

The Texas Franchise tax is rumored to be a bigger burden on companies than the impact of income tax in other states. That’s usually because companies aren’t calculating their tax obligation in the smartest way. We just finished filing taxes for hundreds of companies across Texas – here’s what we know about Texas Franchise Tax and how you can build your tax strategy around it in 2021. You can also get estimates immediately using our free Texas Franchise Tax Calculator.

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Cost

Issue

Scope

  • Starting with the 2017 Franchise tax period, a limited liability company (L.L.C.) for Louisiana franchise tax purposes is treated and taxed in the same manner that it is treated and taxed for federal income tax purposes. Act 12 of the 2016 First Extraordinary Session extended the imposition of the franchise tax to additional types of entities. An entity taxed as a corporation pu…
See more on revenue.louisiana.gov

Timeline

  • Initial return: An initial return covering the period beginning with the date the corporation first becomes liable for filing a return and ending with the next close of an accounting period must be filed on or before the 15th day of the third month after the corporation first becomes liable.
See more on revenue.louisiana.gov

Schedule

  • Annual return: For franchise tax periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017, Louisiana corporation franchise tax accrues on the first day of each accounting year, and the return for that period must be filed on or before the 15th day of the fifth month of that accounting year. For prior periods, the return for that period must be filed on or before the 15th day of the fourth month of t…
See more on revenue.louisiana.gov

Example

  • If, after paying any installment of estimated tax, the taxpayer determines that a new estimate is required, the payment amounts for the remaining installments may be increased or decreased, as the case may be. The amount required by the new estimate is computed by calculating the difference between the previous estimated tax amount and the new estimated tax amount and d…
See more on revenue.louisiana.gov

Benefits

  • Within 45 days of the date that an application for an adjustment is filed, the adjustment will be allowed or disallowed if it is determined that the application contains material omissions or errors. If the adjustment is allowed, the secretary may credit the amount of the adjustment against any other tax liability owed by the corporation and refund the remainder.
See more on revenue.louisiana.gov

Effects

  • If it is later determined that adjustment amount was excessive, a penalty of 12 percent annually of the excessive amount from the date on which the credit was allowed or the refund is paid to the due date for the taxable year. For the purposes of the penalty, the excessive amount is the lesser of the amount of the adjustment or the amount by which the corporations income tax liability ex…
See more on revenue.louisiana.gov

Preparation

  • In order to amend the amounts reported for the computation of income or franchise taxes, you must file an amended (corrected) Form CIFT-620. Louisiana Revised Statute 47:287.614(C) requires every taxpayer whose federal return is adjusted to furnish a statement disclosing the nature and amounts of such adjustments within 180 days after the adjustmen...
See more on revenue.louisiana.gov

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