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The Daily Insight

What taxes do business owners pay in Texas?

Author

James Williams

Published Apr 05, 2026

Texas calls its business tax a franchise tax. Most businesses in the state are taxed at the rate of one percent. Some small businesses will have a tax rate lower than one percent. Business types in Texas are subject to the franchise tax with the exception of sole proprietorships and some general partnerships.

Do business owners get taxed?

You might be surprised to learn that most small businesses don’t pay the corporate rate for income tax. Owners include income from their small business in their personal taxes, so their income tax rates are calculated based on the business owner’s total earnings.

What kind of taxes do small businesses pay in Texas?

Small businesses have two common taxes — employment and sales tax. Texas does not impose an income tax on corporations, nor does it impose an individual state income tax. Texas does have a corporate franchise tax based on earned surplus.

How are shareholders taxed in the state of Texas?

Instead, shareholders are taxed on their equity in the company. Texas, however, still subjects S corporations to its franchise tax based on the business’ annual revenue. Once again, the highest this tax can ever be is 1%.

Why do companies want to do business in Texas?

One of the biggest reasons companies want to do business in Texas is its favorable tax climate. Compared to most states, business taxes are extremely low in Texas, and personal income tax is nonexistent. This gives companies two distinct competitive advantages in locating there.

How much do you have to make to not pay franchise tax in Texas?

However, the E-Z Computation form does not allow a business to deduct COGS or compensation, or to take any economic development or temporary credits. As of 2015, businesses that earn less than $1.08 million in annual revenue owe no franchise tax at all; this amount is known in Texas as the no-tax-due threshold.