Texas Franchise Tax Calculator
Most Texas small businesses owe zero franchise tax — but you have to file either way, and businesses over the threshold often overpay by picking the wrong margin method. Check where you stand for the 2026 report in under a minute.
Your Business
2026 report year (due May 15, 2026)
No tax due at or below $2,650,000
Direct costs of products sold — many service businesses have little or none
W-2 wages, officer comp, and benefits
Usually $0 — only if someone earns over the per-person cap
100 for Texas-only businesses
Estimated franchise tax (EZ computation)
$11,585
0.331% of revenue — saves $4,165 vs the standard method
The four margin methods
Texas taxes the lowest of these four margins:
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to file a Texas franchise tax report?
Every taxable entity formed or doing business in Texas — LLCs, corporations, S-Corps, partnerships (except most general partnerships owned solely by individuals), and professional associations. Sole proprietorships are not subject to franchise tax. Since 2024, entities under the no-tax-due threshold no longer file a No Tax Due Report, but they must still file a Public Information Report (PIR) or Ownership Information Report (OIR) by May 15.
What is the no-tax-due threshold for 2026?
For reports due in 2026, entities with annualized total revenue of $2,650,000 or less owe zero franchise tax. You still must file the information report (PIR/OIR) to keep your entity in good standing.
How is the franchise tax margin calculated?
Your taxable margin is the LOWEST of four calculations: 70% of total revenue, total revenue minus cost of goods sold, total revenue minus compensation (capped at $480,000 per person for 2026 reports), or total revenue minus $1 million. The margin is then apportioned to Texas and multiplied by your rate — 0.375% for retail/wholesale, 0.75% for everything else.
What is the EZ computation?
Entities with $20 million or less in annualized total revenue can elect the EZ computation: 0.331% of Texas-apportioned revenue with no deductions for COGS or compensation. It is simpler, but not always cheaper — businesses with large COGS or payroll usually do better with the standard calculation. This calculator compares both.
What happens if I miss the May 15 deadline?
Texas charges a $50 late filing penalty per report, plus a 5% tax penalty (10% after 30 days) and interest on unpaid tax after 60 days. Repeated non-filing leads to forfeiture of your entity's right to transact business in Texas.
Does Texas have a state income tax?
No — Texas has no personal or corporate income tax. The franchise ("margin") tax is the state's primary business levy, and most small businesses under the $2.65M threshold owe nothing beyond the annual information report.
Estimates only — COGS eligibility, combined groups, and apportionment have detailed rules. Talk to a Texas CPA →
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