Texas Senate Bill SB653

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the payment of franchise taxes by taxable entity that employs or contracts with a professional athlete.

Impact

The primary impact of SB653 is the modification of tax liabilities for businesses that employ professional athletes in Texas. By excluding these employment costs from labor costs in tax calculations, the bill aims to allow businesses to maintain a more favorable tax position while still supporting the engagement of high-caliber talent such as professional athletes. The bill is likely to affect how taxable entities budget for employment costs in relation to franchise taxation, potentially encouraging more businesses to invest in local athletic talent.

Summary

Senate Bill 653 (SB653) proposes an amendment to the Texas Tax Code concerning the payment of franchise taxes by taxable entities that employ or contract with professional athletes. Specifically, the bill provides that for taxable entities electing to subtract costs of goods sold from their taxable revenue, they cannot include the costs associated with employing a professional athlete as part of their labor costs. This stipulation applies particularly when the remuneration paid to the athlete surpasses certain limits defined in the existing tax code.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB653 may arise concerning the fairness of tax exemptions for specific sectors, notably the sports and entertainment industries. Critics may argue that such a tax provision disproportionately benefits affluent sports organizations while potentially neglecting the broader tax obligations owed to the state by other businesses. The debate could center on whether the state should prioritize financial incentives for particular industries over more universally beneficial tax policy reforms.