Texas Senate Bill SB178

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 11/14/16

Caption

Relating to the repeal of the franchise tax.

Impact

The immediate effect of enacting SB178 will be a significant change in the tax landscape in Texas, particularly for businesses that were previously subject to the franchise tax. Removing this taxation mechanism could lead to increased financial relief for businesses, potentially fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and investment. By alleviating the tax burden, proponents of the bill argue that it will stimulate job creation and enhance the competitiveness of Texas businesses.

Summary

SB178 is a legislative bill proposing the complete repeal of the franchise tax in the state of Texas. The bill specifically targets Chapter 171 of the Tax Code, abolishing the franchise tax imposed on taxable entities as of December 31, 2017. Taxable entities affected by this repeal are required to submit a final franchise tax report along with a transitional tax payment by May 15, 2018. This transitional tax mirrors the amount the entity would have owed under the previous franchise tax structure, ensuring a smooth transition away from the tax.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the proposal faces contention regarding its long-term implications on state revenue. Critics argue that repealing the franchise tax could lead to a detrimental decrease in state revenues, creating budgetary challenges that may impact public services and infrastructure funding. Additionally, concerns are raised about the fairness of tax structures, suggesting that the repeal disproportionately favors larger corporations while placing a higher burden on smaller businesses and individual taxpayers reliant on income and sales taxes.