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Texas sales tax filing
Your service might be taxable in Texas.
Texas taxes many services that owners assume are tax-free: lawn care, landscaping, building cleaning, pool maintenance and commercial repair. We track it, file with the Comptroller, and keep the records.
Who usually owes it
Common taxable services in Texas
Based on Texas Comptroller guidance. Your exact situation can differ, so we confirm the details with you, and with your CPA when it's not clear-cut.
| Work | Generally taxable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn care and landscaping (mowing, trimming, planting, fertilizing) | Yes | Exemption for a person working alone with no employees and $5,000 or less in these receipts over the last four quarters |
| Building cleaning and janitorial (homes and businesses) | Yes | Includes windows, floors, air ducts, trash pickup |
| Pressure washing buildings, sidewalks, lots | Yes | Treated as building or grounds cleaning |
| Pool maintenance (residential and commercial) | Yes | Testing, chemicals, cleaning filters, vacuuming |
| Repair or remodeling of commercial buildings | Yes | On the full charge, labor and materials |
| Repair or remodeling of homes (residential) | Labor generally not | Material handling depends on how the contract is written |
| New home construction | Generally not | Different rules for materials |
Sources: Texas Comptroller publications 94-111 and 94-112. The state rate is 6.25%, plus local tax up to 2% (8.25% in the city of Houston).
How it works
We file. You get a text when it's done.
Free Sales Tax Check
We look at your services and customers and tell you whether you should be collecting, and whether you're behind.
Set up the right way
If you need a permit, we walk you through it. Your invoices get tax on the right lines, and your books track what's collected.
File on time, every time
Monthly, quarterly or yearly, depending on what the Comptroller assigns you. Returns are due the 20th of the month after each period.
Our guarantees
The deal, in plain English
Three promises in writing, so the risk sits with us, not you.
Closed by the 10th, or that month is free
If your books aren't closed by the 10th, you don't pay for that month. Applies while your accounts stay connected and you answer the weekly text within 3 business days.
CPA-ready, or we fix it and the next month is free
If your CPA or tax preparer sends back anything in our year-end package, we fix it within 5 business days and your next month is on us.
No contracts. Your books stay yours.
Month to month. Cancel any time with 30 days' notice, and your QuickBooks file and every report go with you.
Any number of forms, on any plan. 1099-NECs are due to the IRS and your contractors by January 31, so this is the month to get it handled. We onboard 10 new businesses a month so every client gets a bookkeeper who knows them.
Keep reading
Questions
Straight answers
How much does sales tax filing cost?
$75 per return. It's included on the Growth and Scale plans. Every plan gets a free Sales Tax Check when you sign up.
I never collected sales tax. Now what?
Don't panic, and don't ignore it. We'll size what's owed from your books. Then your CPA or a sales tax professional can help you approach the Comptroller, which often goes better than waiting for an audit letter.
Do you need my Comptroller login?
You stay the account owner. We use a limited authorization you sign, so you can see everything we file.
Is this tax advice?
No. We handle the bookkeeping and filing based on Comptroller guidance. For unclear cases or audits, your CPA or a tax attorney gives the advice, and we give them clean records.
Ready to get your evenings back?
Two minutes, eight taps, and you'll know exactly where your books stand, plus which plan fits.