Corporate Tax Guide

United States

The United States has a federal corporate income tax rate of 21%; state corporate income tax varies by state, and some states do not impose one. Estimated tax is paid in four equal installments during the year (April 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 for calendar-year corporations), and any remaining balance is due with the federal return on April 15. There is no general VAT in the US; most states levy sales tax instead. Non-residents are subject to a 30% withholding tax on US-source dividends, interest, and royalties, unless reduced by a tax treaty; payments to US residents are generally not subject to withholding.

Published — 2/14/2024 · Time of Update — 9/21/2026

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United States

United States Corporate Tax Brief

PwC World Tax Summary OECD Statistics

Published — 2/14/2024 · Time of Update — 9/21/2026

Corporate Income Tax (CIT)

General CIT Rate:

Federal corporate income tax: 21%. State corporate income tax varies by state, and some states do not impose one.

CIT Return Due Date:

April 15 for calendar-year corporations (15th day of the 4th month after the tax year-end); a 6-month filing extension to October 15 is available. State income tax returns usually follow the federal due date, with a few exceptions.

CIT Payment Due Date:

Tax must be fully paid by the original due date of the return (April 15 for calendar-year corporations); the final estimated instalment is due on the 15th day of the 12th month of the tax year.

CIT Estimated Payment Due Date:

Four equal instalments of estimated tax, due by the 15th day of the 4th, 6th, 9th and 12th months of the tax year (April 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 for calendar-year corporations).

Withholding Tax (WHT)

Resident Withholding Tax (Dividend/Interest/Royalty):

0/0/0

Non-Resident Withholding Tax (Dividend/Interest/Royalty):

30/30/30

Value-Added Tax (VAT)

Learn More Value-Added Tax (VAT)

Capital Gain Tax (CGT)

General Capital Gain Tax Rate:

21% (aligned with the federal CIT rate for corporations)

Effective Tax Rate (ETR)

Composite Effective Average Tax Rate:

22.69

Composite Effective Marginal Tax Rate:

7.03

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Additional info

United States Corporate Income Tax (CIT)

In the United States, the federal corporate income tax (CIT) rate is 21%. State CIT varies by state, and some states do not impose CIT at all. Calendar-year corporations must file their federal returns by April 15 each year, with any remaining balance due at that date. Estimated payments are made quarterly on April 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15, keeping businesses compliant throughout the year.

PwC World Tax Summary

United States Corporate Income Tax (CIT)

United States Personal Income Tax (PIT)

The personal income tax (PIT) rate in the United States can be as high as 37%, depending on income brackets. Taxpayers must file their returns by April 15, and any remaining balance of taxes is also due on this date. Throughout the year, quarterly estimated payments must be made on April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15. This system allows the United States to collect taxes progressively, ensuring citizens contribute according to their income levels.

PwC World Tax Summary

United States Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

In the United States, capital gains taxes are imposed on both corporations and individuals. For corporations, the capital gains tax rate is aligned with the federal CIT rate at 21%. For individuals, the capital gains tax rate is typically 20%, though this can vary depending on the type of assets and the holding period. The United States encourages long-term investments by offering favorable tax treatment for assets held for longer periods, thus benefiting both individuals and businesses that engage in investment activities.

PwC World Tax Summary

Personal holding company tax

US corporations and certain foreign corporations that receive substantial 'passive income' and are 'closely held' may be subject to personal holding company tax. The personal holding company tax is 20% of undistributed personal holding company income and is levied in addition to the regular tax.

PwC World Tax Summary

Property taxes

Many states and local governments impose a variety of property taxes on real property. Most states also impose a tax on business personal property.

PwC World Tax Summary

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