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How Much Do Small Businesses Pay in Taxes? | 2024



By: Jack Nicholaisen author image
Business Initiative

What percentage of small businesses pay taxes?

Small businesses have always been an essential part of the economy, providing employment opportunities and driving innovation.

However, one critical aspect that often gets overlooked is their contribution to the tax system.

Small businesses are not exempt from paying taxes, but what percentage of small businesses actually pay taxes?

According to the IRS, approximately 93% of small businesses file their taxes on time.

This percentage includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations.

It’s essential to note that filing taxes and paying taxes are two different things.

Not all small businesses that file taxes end up paying taxes.

The percentage of small businesses that pay taxes is more challenging to calculate accurately.

One study conducted by the National Small Business Association (NSBA) found that 65% of small businesses pay taxes at a rate of 25% or less.

The remaining 35% pay taxes at a rate of 26% or higher. The NSBA’s study also found that small businesses pay an average effective tax rate of 19.8%.

Which industries do small businesses pay the MOST in taxes?

It’s worth noting that the percentage of small businesses that pay taxes varies depending on the industry.

Some industries have higher average effective tax rates than others.

Here are the three industries where small businesses pay the most in taxes on average:

1. Manufacturing: Manufacturing companies pay an average effective tax rate of 21%

2. Wholesale Trade: Businesses in the wholesale industry pay an average effective tax rate of 19.9%

3. Retail Trade: Small businessses in this industry pay an average effective tax rate of 19.4%

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Which industries do small businesses pay the LEAST in taxes?

On the other hand, here are the three industries where small businesses pay the least in taxes on average:

1. Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting: Small businesses in this category pay an average effective tax rate of 14.9%

2. Accommodation and Food Services: Small businesses in this industry pay an average effective tax rate of 15.2%

3. Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing: Small businesses in this industry pay an average effective tax rate of 16.9%

What are the most common taxes a small business pays?

Small businesses have to pay various types of taxes, and it’s crucial to understand each one of them.

Here is a quick breakdown of the 15 most common taxes small businesses pay:

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1. Income Tax:

A tax on a business’s the profits.

2. Self-Employment Tax:

A tax on self-employed individuals’ income. This is a combination of Social Security and Medicare taxes.

3. Employment Taxes:

Taxes paid by employers for their employees. This includes Social Security, Medicare, and Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA).

4. Sales Tax:

A tax on the sale of goods and services.

5. Excise Tax:

A tax on specific categories of goods and services, such as gasoline and tobacco.

6. Property Tax:

A tax on real estate and personal property.

7. Capital Gains Tax:

A tax on the profit earned from the sale of an asset.

8. Franchise Tax:

A tax paid by corporations or LLCs to operate in a particular state.

9. State Income Tax:

A tax on the profit earned by the business at the state level.

10. City or Local Taxes:

Taxes paid by businesses operating in a specific city or area.

11. Use Tax:

A tax on goods purchased outside of the state and used in the state.

12. Estate Tax:

A tax on the transfer of assets after a person’s death.

13. Gift Tax:

A tax on gifts given to individuals.

14. Import or Tariff Tax:

A tax on goods imported from other countries.

15. Severance Tax:

A tax on the extraction of natural resources, such as oil and gas.

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In Conclusion…

While the exact percentage of small businesses that pay taxes is challenging to determine, it’s clear that the majority of small businesses do file their taxes on time.

The percentage of small businesses that pay taxes varies depending on the industry, with some industries having higher average effective tax rates than others.

Small businesses have to pay various types of taxes, and it’s crucial to understand each one of them to avoid any penalties or fines.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the various types of taxes your small business has to pay?

Don’t worry…

Business Initiative is here to help!

Take advantage of our tax resources, including guides on different types of taxes, business entities, and friendly expert advice.

With our help, you’ll be able to take the initiative and get ahead.

Don’t wait until it’s too late…

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About the Author

jack nicholaisen
Jack Nicholaisen

Jack Nicholaisen is the founder of Businessinitiative.org. After acheiving the rank of Eagle Scout and studying Civil Engineering at Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), he has spent the last 4 years disecting the mess of informaiton online about LLCs in order to help aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners better understand everything there is to know about starting, running, and growing Limited Liability Companies and other business entities.