September 20, 2024
Recent changes in Tennessee tax law now allow businesses to claim refunds for franchise taxes on previous payments. On May 10, 2024, Public Chapter 950 was signed into law, eliminating the property measure from the franchise tax calculation. Starting January 1, 2024, businesses will calculate franchise taxes based only on net worth, simplifying the process and potentially lowering tax liabilities.
This change affects both future tax filings and past overpayments. Businesses that paid franchise tax based on the property measure for tax years ending on or after March 31, 2020, may now qualify for a refund. Eligible taxpayers will want to act quickly to amend their returns and file refund claims before the November 30, 2024, deadline. To help clients, prospects, and others, Wilson Lewis has provided a summary of the key details below.
Historically, Tennessee’s franchise tax was calculated using the greater of two amounts:
The franchise tax was then applied at a rate of 0.25% of the higher of these two amounts, with a minimum franchise tax of $100. This calculation often resulted in higher tax liabilities for businesses with significant physical assets, such as those in real estate, retail, transportation, and manufacturing. As a result, some businesses challenged the property measure, arguing that it discriminated against interstate commerce and violated constitutional principles.
Starting January 1, 2024, the property measure has been removed, and businesses that previously paid franchise taxes based on property holdings may now be eligible for a refund. Refunds apply to tax years ending on or after March 31, 2020. For example, if a business paid $12,000 in franchise tax using the property measure for the 2023 tax year but would have paid $10,000 under the net worth method, it may be eligible to claim a $2,000 refund.
Eligible taxpayers include businesses that:
Refunds can be claimed for the difference between what was paid under the property measure and what would have been owed under the net worth measure. The state estimates that nearly $1.6 billion in refunds will be issued due to this legislative change.
Note: Refund claims for $200 or more may require additional documentation, such as balance sheets or federal tax returns. Businesses must also agree to certain conditions, including waiving any future claims related to the constitutionality of the franchise tax.
Deadline for Filing Refund Claims
The deadline to file refund claims is November 30, 2024. Extensions are not permitted. Once processed, the Tennessee Department of Revenue will publish the names of businesses receiving refunds between May 31, 2025, and June 30, 2025.
Contact Us
Businesses will want to act quickly to determine their eligibility for a refund. This includes analyzing tax filings from 2020 to 2023 and filing the necessary amended returns before the November 30, 2024, deadline. If you have questions about the information outlined above or need assistance with another tax or accounting issue, Wilson Lewis can help. For additional information, call 770-476-1004 or click here to contact us.
We look forward to speaking with you soon.