88R2828 CJC-D By: Hall S.B. No. 356 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to a franchise tax credit for a taxable entity that participates in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 171, Tax Code, is amended by adding Subchapter K to read as follows: SUBCHAPTER K. TAX CREDIT FOR PARTICIPATION IN FEDERAL ELECTRONIC VERIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION PROGRAM Sec. 171.551. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "E-verify program" has the meaning assigned by Section 673.001, Government Code. Sec. 171.552. ENTITLEMENT TO CREDIT. A taxable entity is entitled to a credit in the amount and under the conditions provided by this subchapter against the tax imposed under this chapter. Sec. 171.553. QUALIFICATION. A taxable entity qualifies for a credit under this subchapter if the taxable entity registers with and participates in the E-verify program to verify employee information for a period of at least 12 consecutive months. Sec. 171.554. AMOUNT OF CREDIT; LIMITATION. (a) The amount of the credit for a report is equal to the amount of franchise tax due for the report after applying all other applicable credits. (b) A taxable entity may not claim more than one credit under this subchapter. Sec. 171.555. APPLICATION FOR CREDIT. (a) A taxable entity must apply for a credit under this subchapter on or with the report for the period for which the credit is claimed. (b) The comptroller shall promulgate a form for the application for the credit. A taxable entity must use the form in applying for the credit. (c) The comptroller may require a taxable entity to submit with an application any information the comptroller determines is necessary to determine whether the taxable entity qualifies for the credit under Section 171.553. Sec. 171.556. RULES. The comptroller shall adopt rules necessary to implement and administer this subchapter. SECTION 2. Subchapter K, Chapter 171, Tax Code, as added by this Act, applies only to a report originally due on or after January 1, 2024. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2023.