Texas Business Tax Guide

Texas famously has no corporate income tax. However, it replaces it with the Texas Franchise Tax (often called a margin tax).

The Franchise Tax Explained

It is generally calculated based on a business's margin (total revenue minus either cost of goods sold or compensation). The rate is relatively low (often 0.375% for retail/wholesale, 0.75% for others), but it applies to gross receipts, meaning unprofitable companies still owe tax.

Property Taxes: The Hidden Cost

Texas relies heavily on property taxes to fund local government and schools. In Travis County, commercial property tax rates easily exceed 2.2%. When budgeting for a corporate campus or warehouse, this often eclipses any savings from the lack of income tax.