Texas Tax Code Chapter 171 imposes a single state franchise tax on most businesses operating in Dallas County. Texas does not allow city or county business gross-receipts taxes, so Dallas County has no business-tax classification scheme like California or Illinois.
Under Texas Tax Code Chapter 171, the Texas Comptroller administers a franchise tax (also called margin tax) on corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other taxable entities doing business in Texas, including all of Dallas County. The 2024 no-tax-due threshold is $2.47 million in revenue; entities below file a public information report only. Tax rates run 0.375% (retail/wholesale) to 0.75% (other) of taxable margin. Texas constitutional and statutory rules (Local Gov Code 1.005 and Tax Code preemption) prevent counties and cities from layering local gross-receipts business taxes on top. Dallas County levies only ad valorem property tax (Tax Code Ch. 26) and the 7% HOT (Tax Code 352). Specialty business levies apply only via state-authorized chapters such as motor fuel and tobacco.
Failing to file or pay franchise tax under Tax Code 171.251 triggers 5% late penalty rising to 10%, plus interest and possible forfeiture of right to do business. The Comptroller may revoke registration. Dallas County has no separate business-tax regime.
See how Garland's business tax classification rules stack up against other locations.
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