Solar and Wind Energy Device Franchise Tax Deduction

Last updated: August 28, 2018

Program Overview

Implementing Sector:State
Category:Financial Incentive
State:Texas
Incentive Type:Corporate Tax Deduction
Web Site:http://www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us/re/incentives-taxcode-statutes.php
Administrator:Comptroller of Public Accounts
Start Date:01/26/1982
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Solar Thermal Electric, Solar Thermal Process Heat, Solar Photovoltaics, Wind (All)

Authorities

Name:Texas Tax Code § 171.107
Date Enacted:1981 (subsequently amended)
Effective Date:1982

Summary

Texas allows a corporation to deduct the cost of a solar energy device from the franchise tax in one of two ways:

  • The total cost of the system may be deducted from the company's taxable capital or,
  • 10% of the system's cost may be deducted from the company's income.  

Both taxable capital and a company's income are taxed under the franchise tax, which is Texas's equivalent to a corporate tax. 

For the purposes of this deduction, a solar energy device means "a system or series of mechanisms designed primarily to provide heating or cooling or to produce electrical or mechanical power by collecting and transferring solar-generated energy. The term includes a mechanical or chemical device that has the ability to store solar-generated energy for use in heating or cooling or in the production of power." Under this definition wind energy is also included as an eligible technology.

Texas also offers a franchise tax exemption for manufacturers, seller, or installers of solar energy systems which also includes wind energy as an eligible technology.

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