By Gary G. Wallace, CPA, Managing Partner
PTET Election: What Pass Through Entities Need to Know
Virginia previously enacted Pass through Entity Tax legislation. However, certain partnerships were not eligible if the partnership had entities as members. In an effort to alleviate additional Federal tax burdens for Virginia business owners, legislation was enacted by the 2023 Virginia General Assembly (H.B. 1456 and S.B. 1476) to broaden eligibility of the new elective pass-through entity tax (“PTET”). The legislation is now signed allowing additional pass-through entities to utilize the PTET. The Virginia Department of Taxation issued new guidance on March 29, 2023, to help taxpayers reconcile their 2022 PTET returns. Following is a summary of key PTET requirements and considerations.
“Eligible Owner” requirement
The new law replaces the original qualifying pass-through entity (PTE) requirement with an “eligible owner” requirement allowing any PTE to make the election but the tax may only be paid on behalf of eligible owners. The eligible owner is a direct owner of the PTE as follows:
1) Is a natural person or
2) An estate or trust subject to the Virginia fiduciary income tax who can claim a PTE tax credit.
PTET change effective date
- This tax law change is retroactive back to 2021.
- The effective date is July 1, 2023, but can be relied upon now for filing purposes, according to the Virginia Department of Taxation.
Filing information and deadline
- All PTEs choosing to make the PTET election (including those not meeting the qualifying PTE requirement under prior law as described above) should pay the 2022 tax by the original filing deadline.
- The original filing deadline for calendar year filers is April 17, 2023.
- The return should be completed based upon changes to the PTET computation made by this legislation.
- PTEs wishing to make the election should file Form 502-PTET or the PTE extension to make a payment of at least 90%.
- non-eligible owners, including corporations and other PTEs, should not be included on the Form 502PTET
- PTEs may extend the time for filing the return and making the election but not the time for payment of the PTET.
Other considerations
No action is required for qualifying PTEs that already filed their taxable year 2022 PTET return because their computation is unchanged. The taxable year 2021 PTET implementation is delayed until at least October 15, 2023, so those seeking to make that election should follow Virginia Tax Bulletin 22-6 until additional guidance is issued.
The Keiter team will continue to monitor additional PTET guidance and provide timely updates so you can plan proactively. Contact your Opportunity Advisor if you have any questions specific to your partnership tax situation.
Additional Resources
About the Author
Gary G. Wallace, CPA, Managing Partner
Gary provides tax and business advisory services to business and individual clients. He has advised clients in various aspects of restructurings, including tax aspects of debt workouts and foreclosures, forgiveness of indebtedness, bankruptcy restructurings and liquidations, establishing liquidating trusts and partner-partnership transactions. Gary also has significant knowledge and experience in individual taxation, business taxation, and advising clients on all aspects of tax matters. He is the Managing Partner of the Firm.
More Insights from Gary G. WallaceThe information contained within this article is provided for informational purposes only and is current as of the date published. Online readers are advised not to act upon this information without seeking the service of a professional accountant, as this article is not a substitute for obtaining accounting, tax, or financial advice from a professional accountant.
