Understanding the Difference between Franchise Tax and Sales Tax

What’s the difference between franchise tax and sales tax?
You are expected to collect sales tax for all taxable revenue and pay state income or franchise tax in the distant state. If your business is an online business, you are generally required to collect sales tax and pay franchise or income tax on revenues from sales that occur in the state that you are headquartered.

Depending on their location and type of business, businesses may be required to pay either a franchise tax or a sales tax. Despite the similarities between the two taxes, there are important distinctions. This article will examine the distinctions between franchise tax and sales tax and provide the answers to some associated queries.

Sales tax versus franchise tax

Franchise tax is a fee certain states impose on companies for the right to conduct business there. It is based on the company’s net worth, which is equivalent to the market value of its capital stock, rather than its revenue. The annual calculation of franchise tax is often based on the assets of the company. Corporations, limited liability entities, and partnerships are normally responsible for paying this tax.

Contrarily, sales tax is a fee that companies charge clients when they buy goods or services. This tax is paid to the state government and is based on a portion of the transaction price. Businesses are responsible for collecting and remitting sales tax to the relevant state agency. Sales tax is determined at the moment of sale.

Are Franchise Fees Capitalizable?

Businesses must pay franchise fees in order to operate as a franchise. These fees can be capitalized as an asset on the balance sheet and are normally paid ahead. But during the course of the franchise agreement, the company must amortize the franchise fees.

Franchise fees are paid annually.

When a company signs a franchise agreement, franchise costs are often paid up front. However, some franchisors could demand recurring payments, including royalties that are made once a year or on a regular schedule.

What are the different categories for franchise fees in QuickBooks? You can set up a new account under QuickBooks’ “Other Current Asset” category to categorize franchise payments. The franchise fees can then be capitalized and amortized over the term of the franchise agreement. Is QuickBooks a Corporate Tax Filer?

The well-known accounting program QuickBooks can assist businesses in managing their accounts, but it does not perform corporate tax filing. Nevertheless, QuickBooks has the ability to produce reports that can be used to create tax returns, and it also has the ability to work with other tax preparation programs like TurboTax or H&R Block.

In conclusion, depending on their location and type of business, businesses may be required to pay franchise tax and sales tax. While sales tax is based on the transaction price of goods or services and is collected and paid to the state government by the business, franchise tax is based on the net worth or the value of the business’s capital stock and is normally paid annually. QuickBooks can assist firms manage their finances and can be capitalized as an asset on the balance sheet, but it does not file corporate taxes.

FAQ
How do I record a corporate tax return in QuickBooks online?

You can follow these procedures to register a corporation tax return in QuickBooks Online: 1. Depending on the kind of tax return you want to file, click Taxes from the left menu, then either Payroll Tax or Sales Tax.

2. Select the tax period you wish to file a return for by clicking on the File Return button.

3. Fill out the form with the necessary data, including the total sales, the taxable sales, and the tax payable. 4. Verify the accuracy of the information by reviewing it. 5. To submit the tax return, click the Submit button.

It’s crucial to remember that you may want to speak with a tax expert or accountant for advice and help if you’re unsure how to enter your company tax return in QuickBooks Online.