How LLC Owners Save on Taxes in 2026

TX Austin, Texas — Tax Write-Offs & Strategies 2026
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CITY TAX PROFILE · 2026
TX
Austin, Texas
6 city-specific strategies · No local income tax
KEY TAX FACTS
OZ Available · Sales Tax: 8.25%
Local Income Tax
None
No local income tax
Combined Sales Tax
8.25%
Real Estate Transfer Tax
None / State Only
Opportunity Zones
Available
Capital gains deferral available
CITY BUSINESS TAX

Texas Franchise Tax: 0.375% for retail/wholesale, 0.75% for other businesses (applies to taxable entities formed or doing business in Texas with gross receipts over $1,230,000)

Short-Term Rental (Airbnb/VRBO) Rules:

Short-term rentals (STRs) are regulated and require an annual license. New regulations include a 1,000-foot separation rule for multiple STRs and a maximum occupancy of six unrelated adults or ten related individuals.

Key Planning Insight for Austin:

Austin's lack of a state income tax and city income/business tax makes it highly attractive for business owners and investors, emphasizing the importance of optimizing property tax and state franchise tax liabilities.

These are the dominant professions and industries in Austin. Click your profession to see your personalized write-off list.

These strategies are especially powerful or unique for Austin residents and business owners. Click any strategy to learn more.

Running an LLC or business in Austin? Here's what you need to know about local taxes, entity structure, and the write-offs that matter most in this city.

Austin LLC Tax Exposure
Austin LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities at the federal and Texas state level. There is no local income tax in Austin, so LLC profits are only subject to federal and Texas state tax.
S-Corp Election in Austin
Austin business owners earning $60,000+ in net profit should seriously consider electing S-Corp status. By splitting income between salary and distributions, you eliminate self-employment tax (15.3%) on the distribution portion — saving thousands annually.
Top LLC Write-Offs in Austin
Austin LLC owners can deduct: all ordinary business expenses (IRC §162), home office (IRC §280A), vehicle & mileage, Section 179 equipment expensing, retirement contributions (Solo 401k or SEP-IRA), health insurance premiums, and business meals. Note: Austin's city business tax may itself be deductible as a business expense on your federal return.
Austin Real Estate LLC Strategies
Austin real estate investors can use LLCs for asset protection and tax efficiency. Key strategies include cost segregation studies, bonus depreciation, 1031 exchanges, and the Short-Term Rental (STR) loophole. Austin has active Opportunity Zones — LLC investors can defer and reduce capital gains taxes by investing in designated OZ areas.

Austin business owners face both Texas state taxes and Austin-specific local taxes. Understanding both layers is essential for effective tax planning.

Austin Tax Write-Off FAQs

Common questions about Austin business taxes, LLC structure, and local write-offs — answered by Uncle Kam's tax advisors.

WHAT MOST AUSTIN BUSINESS OWNERS DON'T KNOW
  • Austin has active Opportunity Zones — investors can defer and reduce capital gains taxes by investing in designated OZ areas.
  • S-Corp election can save Austin business owners $5,000–$20,000/year in self-employment taxes — most accountants don't proactively recommend it.
  • Most taxpayers leave the QBI deduction unclaimed — it reduces taxable income by up to 23% starting 2026 under the OBBBA.
Who Uses This Strategy

This city guide is commonly used by the following taxpayer profiles. Click to see all strategies for your situation.

Your Biggest Missed Deduction Is Probably Listed Above

Uncle Kam clients save an average of $5,000–$40,000/year. The strategies that make that possible are unlocked on a free strategy call.

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