Published on June 10, 2022, Texas Register, the Texas Comptroller proposed revisions to the recently amended Texas franchise tax regulations surrounding the Texas sales and use tax exemption and the Texas franchise R&D tax credit. These revisions soften the Internal Use Software (IUS) and Combined Group definitions after receiving overwhelming feedback surrounding the Texas franchise tax amendments to the regulations from October 2021. The October 2021 amendments created a complete disallowance of R&D expenditures associated with IUS. They restricted a combined group’s ability to use the R&D credit carryforward if there was a membership change within the controlled group.

On June 10, 2022, with revisions to the previously amended regulations, the Comptroller removed the “restrictive” language surrounding the disqualification of development expenses associated with IUS in Texas and narrowed the definition of what is considered IUS. The IUS exclusion in Texas does not apply to software used in an activity that constitutes qualified research or in a production process that meets the requirements of the 4-Part Test. Texas now defines IUS as it was defined Federally before final internal use software regulations were released in November 2016. Specifically, §1.41-4(c)(6) defines IUS, and taxable entities may now elect to file either of the following versions of paragraph (c)(6):

  • (i) Treasury Regulation, §1.41-4(c)(6) (Internal-use computer software) as contained in 26 CFR part 1 (revised as of April 1, 2003) and IRB 2001-5; or
  • (ii) Proposed Treasury Regulation, §1.41-4(c)(6) (Internal use software for taxable years beginning on or after December 31, 1985) as contained in IRB 2002-4.
  • Regarding the combined group credit carryforward revisions, the Comptroller’s previous stance was to forego the R&D tax credit carryforward in the event of a membership change within the combined group, as the group was viewed as a ‘new taxable entity’ and, therefore, the resulting combined group was not entitled to the credit carryforward. However, this stance is now disregarded, resulting in more favorable terms for the taxpayer. In the newly proposed amendments, if a combined group loses a member, the credit carryforward will be attributed to each member of the combined group that was included on the report of the report year that the carryforward relates. Each member of the combined group that has a carryforward attributed to it (including the member that leaves), may use the carryforward on future franchise tax reports. The combined group with a membership change may only carry forward the R&D credit on future franchise tax reports if the member(s) who were attributed a carryforward remains part of the combined group on the last day of the accounting period on which the report is based.

    These proposed rules were fast-tracked and appeared in the June 10, 2022, issue of the Texas Register. It is anticipated that the Comptroller’s office will adopt the amendments on July 10, 2022.

    Questions about Texas franchise tax regulations and how this news applies to your business? We can help. Contact us today.

    Access the printable version of this KBKG Tax Insight: Changes to Recently Amended Texas Franchise Tax Regulations, here.


    About the Author

    bill taylor
    Bill Taylor – Director
    Texas
    Bill Taylor is a Director for KBKG’s Research & Tax Credit Consulting practice. Based in Dallas, TX, Bill has over 10 years of experience providing federal tax consulting services to companies of all sizes within various industries, including technology, aerospace and defense, manufacturing, oil and gas, gaming, banking, and other professional services. » Full Bio