Franchise FAQ

how to look up texas franchise tax returns

by Mr. Ron Emard IV Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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UltraTax/TX Franchise Tax offers electronic filing for 1040, 1120, 1065, and 1041 returns. Enter information in the fields in Screen TXELF for an electronically filed Texas Franchise Tax return. Press F1 in any field to view instructions for that field.

Contact the Comptroller's office by completing the online help form or calling 800-252-1381.

Full Answer

Who has to pay Texas franchise tax?

Franchise tax taxes all the businesses involved in the process from the manufacturer to the end distributor. It can be considered a tax for the privilege of doing business in Texas. Who Needs to File for Texas Franchise Tax? The short answer is everyone who has nexus in Texas has to file & pay Texas franchise tax.

How to file Texas franchise tax?

File and Pay Franchise Tax

  • Approved Tax Preparation Software Providers
  • Filing and Payment Requirements
  • Request an Extension
  • Report Common Owner Information

Are franchise fees taxable in Texas?

Tax vs. Fees – thin Texas and the 5 Judicial Circuit 5th Circuit Court of Appeals held that Cable franchise fees are “FEES,” NOT TAXES Franchise fees are not a tax, however, but essentially a form of rent or fee: the price or fee paid to rent use of public right-of-ways. See, e.g., City of St. Louis v.

How do you verify business in Texas?

Some of the highlights include:

  • Business Name
  • Taxpayer Number
  • Entity type – Corporation, Limited Liability Company. ...
  • Status – Active means the entity is in good standing and can conduct business in the state. ...
  • Registered Agent’s information – A Texas Registered Agent is the singular point of contact for the entity should a legal, or tax notice need to be sent to the business. ...

More items...

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How do I get a copy of my Texas franchise tax report?

Copies and CertificatesOnline using SOSDirect. Instructions for ordering using SOSDirect.By phone: (512) 463-5578.By email: [email protected] mail: Certifying Team. Secretary of State. P. O. Box 13697. Austin, Texas 78711-3697.

What is Texas franchise tax report?

The Texas franchise tax is a privilege tax imposed on each taxable entity formed or organized in Texas or doing business in Texas.

Are tax records public in Texas?

Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, gives you the right to access government records. All government information is presumed to be available to the public, although exceptions may apply to the disclosure of some information.

How do I find my Texas franchise tax Webfile number?

It is printed in the upper left corner of the tax report we mail to each taxpayer and on most notices. It is two letters followed by six numbers (Example: RT666666). If you do not have your Webfile number, you can contact us at (800) 442-3453 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Do I have to file a franchise tax return in Texas?

Each taxable entity formed in Texas or doing business in Texas must file and pay franchise tax.

What happens if you don't file Texas franchise tax?

Penalties and Interest A $50 penalty is assessed on each report filed after the due date. If tax is paid 1-30 days after the due date, a 5 percent penalty is assessed. If tax is paid over 30 days after the due date, a 10 percent penalty is assessed.

Can I look up someones tax return?

No, tax forms are not public record. They are private information. Tax forms contain confidential information and are not meant to be shared. Information from a tax form can only be revealed to certain persons if there is some legal need to do so.

Can you look at someone's tax return?

There are only a few specific cases where one person is legally entitled to gain access to another person's tax returns. In those instances, the person requesting the other person's returns should state the reasons for her request clearly and provide verification that she is entitled to the information.

Can you look up public records in Texas?

Any person may access Texas public records, except in situations where the information is confidential or disclosure is prohibited by law (Texas Government Code Chapter 552.007).

How do I find my 11 digit Texas taxpayer number?

0:241:33How to Find Your 11-Digit Franchise Taxpayer Number - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWebsite choose the type of tax you need to file or pay. This will provide you with the 11 digitMoreWebsite choose the type of tax you need to file or pay. This will provide you with the 11 digit taxpayer number you're searching. For click on the franchise.

How do I find Webfile RT or XT number?

XT Numbers: The number begins with the letters XT followed by six digits. They are for filing franchise tax reports, and they are printed in the upper right corner of the notification letter you receive from our office. We mail these letters to each taxable entity about six weeks before the due date of the next report.

What is 11 digit Texas taxpayer number?

An 11-digit TIN has three components: the one-digit prefix number, nine-digit base number and one-digit self-check number. The nine-digit base number is usually a federal employer identification number (EIN), Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Who has to file a Texas franchise report?

The Texas Franchise Tax is levied annually by the Texas Comptroller on all taxable entities doing business in the state. The tax is based upon the entity's margin, and can be calculated in a number of different ways. Each business in Texas must file an Annual Franchise Tax Report by May 15 each year.

What is the purpose of franchise tax?

The term franchise tax refers to a tax paid by certain enterprises that want to do business in some states. Also called a privilege tax, it gives the business the right to be chartered and/or to operate within that state.

Does an LLC have to pay franchise tax in Texas?

Therefore, each taxable entity that is organized in Texas or doing business in Texas is subject to franchise tax, even if it is treated as a disregarded entity for federal income tax purposes and is required to file a franchise tax report.

Who is exempt from Texas franchise tax?

A nonprofit corporation organized under the Development Corporation Act of 1979 (Article 5190.6, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes) is exempt from franchise and sales taxes. The sales tax exemption does not apply to the purchase of an item that is a project or part of a project that the corporation leases, sells or lends.

What happens if a franchise is forfeited in Texas?

If the corporate privileges are forfeited, the entity will be denied the right to sue or defend itself in a Texas court and each director or officer will be liable for the debt of the entity.

What is the search result in Texas?

Search results reflect the information in the Comptroller's records at the time the query is made. The Comptroller is required by law to forfeit a company's right to transact business in Texas if the company has not filed a franchise tax report or paid a franchise tax required under Chapter 171.

What is franchise tax in Texas?

The Texas franchise tax is a privilege tax imposed on each taxable entity chartered/organized in Texas or doing business in Texas.

What is a stock certificate?

A Stock Certificate is a printed document which states the name, incorporation state, and date of incorporation, the registered number of the certificate, the number of shares of stock in a corporation the certificate represents, the name of the shareholder, the date of issuance, and the number of shares authorized in the particular issue of stock, signed by the President and Secretary of the corporation. On the reverse side of the certificate is a form for transfer of the stock certificate to another person. After transfer the new owner should register the change of ownership with the corporation. In corporate law, a stock certificate is a legal document that certifies ownership of a specific number of stock shares in a corporation. In large corporations, buying shares does not always lead to a stock certificate.

Does Hubco provide rubber stamps?

Our corporate kit can be customized to meet almost any specific requirements or may be ordered in the standard version and shipped immediately. We serve individuals who require Corporate Kits for either a small or a large companies. HUBCO supplies retailers who make their corporate kit purchases in bulk, directly from the manufacturer. In addition to our incorporation kits we also provide the rubber stamps, ink pads, corporate seals and stock certificates for your corporation or LLC.

How often do you need to file a franchise tax return in Texas?

But whether or not tax is owed, you’ll need to file a Texas Franchise Tax Report every year to keep your business in good standing.

What happens if you don't get your franchise tax report in Texas?

If the Comptroller’s office does not receive your franchise tax report (and payment, if you owe one) within 45 days of the deadline, they are required by law to forfeit your business’s right to transact business in Texas. This forfeiture is essentially a loss of corporate liability protection: business owners will become liable for the debts of the business, and the entity will not be permitted to defend itself in a court of law.

What is a webfile number?

Your WebFile number.This number, which begins with “FQ,” is the temporary access code that allows you to create a WebFile account. After you log in to the system for the first time and complete your franchise tax questionnaire (addressed in the next step), you’ll receive a permanent WebFile number beginning with “XT” for your franchise tax account.

What does independent Texas do?

When you hire Independent Texas to form your Texas company or serve as your registered agent, we keep your state correspondence organized, send you multiple reminders ahead of the franchise tax due date, and provide affordable franchise report filing service.

What is franchise tax in Texas?

The Texas Franchise Tax is an annual business privilege tax processed by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Essentially, it’s a tax levied on business owners in exchange for the opportunity to do business in Texas. Here's what you should know about it.

How to calculate annualized revenue?

To find annualized revenue, divide your business’s total revenue by the number of days since it became subject to the franchise tax, then multiply the result by 365.

How to check if a franchise is active in Texas?

How can I check my business’s Texas Franchise Tax status? You can check on the Texas Franchise Tax account status of your company (or another company) by conducting an online Taxable Entity Search on the Comptroller’s website. To search for a business, enter its name, 11-digit Texas taxpayer ID number, 9-digit Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Texas SOS file number. Once you locate the business you’re looking for, click on the blue “Details” button to the left of the business name. Under the “Franchise Search Results” tab, you’ll see an item called “Right to Transact Business in Texas.” If the right to transact business is “Active,” then the entity is still entitled to conduct business in Texas.

Looking for a Certificate of Good Standing?

Although the comptroller's office no longer uses the term, "certificate of good standing" is sometimes used to refer to a certificate issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts regarding an entity's franchise tax account status.

Certificate Verification

Use our online Certificate Verification service to verify that a certificate of filing or a certificate of fact regarding a business organization has, in fact, been issued by the Corporations Section of the Office of the Texas Secretary of State.

How to file a franchise tax report in Texas?

How to File. There are three ways to file the Texas Franchise Tax Report: No Tax Due. EZ Computation. Long Form. If your business falls under the $1,110,000 revenue limit, then you don’t owe any franchise tax. If you are above the limit, you can choose to fill out and file the EZ Computation form or to take the time to fill out the Long Form.

What is franchise tax in Texas?

What is the Texas Franchise Tax? The Texas Franchise Tax is levied annually by the Texas Comptroller on all taxable entities doing business in the state. The tax is based upon the entity’s margin, and can be calculated in a number of different ways.

How many types of franchise tax extensions are there?

There are four different types of Franchise Tax Extensions, depending upon your situation.

How is Total Revenue Calculated?

Total revenue is calculated by taking revenue amounts reported for federal income tax and subtracting statutory exclusions.

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Certificates of Account Status

  • Use ouronline searchto find a taxpayer's Franchise Tax Account Status page. "Certificates of Account Status," previously called "Certificates of Good Standing," provide the status of an entity's right to transact business in Texas. Franchise tax account status may be required in order to conduct real estate or financial transactions. Search results...
See more on comptroller.texas.gov

Secretary of State Filings

  • Franchise tax account status printed from our online search is not acceptable for filings with the Secretary of State (SOS). Complete Form 05-359, Request for Certificate of Account Status to Terminate a Taxable Entity's Existence in Texas (PDF), to obtain a certificate for filing with the Secretary of State. The certificate is available in hard copy or PDF format.
See more on comptroller.texas.gov

Get More Information

  1. Review our Franchise TaxFrequently Asked Questions.
  2. Contact the Comptroller's office by completing the online help form or calling 800-252-1381.
  3. Visit the SOS website or call 512-463-5555.
See more on comptroller.texas.gov

Reporting Change For Passive Entities

  • Effective for franchise tax reports originally due on or after Jan. 1, 2011, a passive entity that is registered (or required to be registered) with either the Texas Secretary of State or the Comptroller’s office must file Form 05-163 to affirm that the entity qualifies as passive for the period upon which the tax is based. Form 05-163 is available on our Franchise Tax Forms page.
See more on texassecretaryofstate.com

Franchise Tax Accountability Questionnaires – New Online Version

  • This questionnaire must be completed by any Texas or out-of-state entity who recently registered with the Secretary of State or established a franchise tax account with this office. Learn more about our new online version of the questionnaire.
See more on texassecretaryofstate.com

Get Account Status/Texas Taxpayer ID Number

  • Check current franchise tax account standing, view and print a certificate of account status (good standing) or look up a Texas franchise taxpayer ID number. Any entity’s account status that is in “temporary good standing” will be updated when the franchise tax report is processed to the account. Learn more about Certification of Account Status.
See more on texassecretaryofstate.com

Tax Assistance and Customer Service Response Times

  • We are committed to responding to calls and e-mails as quickly as possible. See our call tips and peak schedulefor details on factors that may impact response times.
See more on texassecretaryofstate.com

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