Product
Automated Filings
File 51 jurisdictions' of annual reports in less than 15 minutes a year
Registered Agent Service
Automated and fully digitized Registered Agent service
Formations
Form new entities in minutes
Foreign Registrations
Register in new states digitally
What is Discern?
Learn about everything Discern can do, no human required.
Who is Discern for?
Financial Services
Keep complex entity structures in compliance with low effort
Healthcare
Formation and filing automation with healthcare-specific entity support
Funds Management
Manage dozens of entities in minutes a year
Startups
Form and automate your filings with a modern Registered Agent
See how Vestwell uses Discern
Vestwell cut time spent on entity management to virtually 0.
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Featured
When to Foreign Register in a New State
Learn about whether or not you should register to do business in new states.
Read More
Franchise tax filing information by state
Read More
IA Ventures took time spent on entity management to zero
Read More
Topics
Resources
All Resources
Compliance Guidance
About Discern
Franchise Tax
Customer Stories
How Vestwell keeps endless state registrations in compliance
"With Discern I know the status of all my state registrations in real time, and handle filings in two clicks."
How Moxie manages hundreds of entities with Discern
"We needed to form dozens of entities per month and manage them across 30+ states. There wasn’t a streamlined way to accomplish it before we started using Discern"
Franchise tax filing information by state
Discover everything you need to know about state franchise (or annual) taxes, from Alabama’s Business Privilege Tax to Texas’s margin-based tax.
IA Ventures took time spent on entity management to zero
"With Discern, I now spend no time whatsoever on entity management, and the customer service is even better: I get quick, detailed, and helpful responses."
When to Foreign Register in a New State
Learn about whether or not you should register to do business in new states.
What You Don't Know About The Corporate Transparency Act
The Corporate Transparency Act has several aspects that can be tricky if you don't know about them.
What happens if I don’t foreign register my business?
Failing to foreign register when you should can result in serious penalties, including personal liability for officers.
What is Discern?
Discern is a compliance operating system. Learn about why we started Discern in the first place.
How to form an LLC in Wyoming
Learn how to form an LLC in Wyoming with our step-by-step guide. Discover Wyoming's tax benefits, privacy protections, and formation process.
How to form an LLC in Montana
Learn how to form an LLC in Montana. Step-by-step guide covers filing requirements, registered agents, and ongoing compliance.
West Virginia LLC formation costs
West Virginia LLC formation costs explained: required fees, optional services, and ongoing expenses. Learn about veteran benefits and budget-friendly formation options.
Mississippi LLC formation costs
Mississippi LLC formation costs explained: low filing fees, required expenses, optional services, and ongoing compliance costs. Complete cost breakdown and planning guide.
What are the filing fees for Maine LLCs?
Maine LLC filing fees and formation costs explained. Learn about mail-only filing requirements, processing times, expedited options, and annual report fees.
Pennsylvania LLC formation requirements
Master Pennsylvania LLC formation requirements, registered office rules, and annual compliance. Complete guide to filing and ongoing obligations.
What are the filing fees for Oregon LLCs?
Complete guide to Oregon LLC filing fees, processing times, and ongoing costs
LLC formation costs in Florida
Complete Florida LLC formation cost breakdown: filing fees, registered agent costs, annual reports, and hidden expenses
How to form an LLC in Rhode Island
Complete guide to Rhode Island LLC formation. Learn requirements, costs, filing process, and ongoing compliance. Start your RI LLC today.
How to form an LLC in New York
Follow this complete New York LLC formation roadmap—requirements, fees, timelines, and compliance tips—to launch and maintain your entity with confidence.
How to Foreign Register in New States
Read about the four basic steps to register to do business in new states.
How much does LLC formation cost in New York?
Learn every mandatory, optional, and ongoing fee to form an LLC in New York—from filing and publication to registered agent costs—in one clear breakdown.
When to Foreign Register in a New State
Learn about whether or not you should register to do business in new states.
What happens if I don’t foreign register my business?
Failing to foreign register when you should can result in serious penalties, including personal liability for officers.
How to change your Registered Agent
Learn how to easily switch Registered Agents.
What is a foreign registration?
Learn what a foreign registration is, and what happens if you don’t foreign register.
My old Registered Agent just sent me a bill. Do I owe them money?
Registered Agents sometimes send erroneous invoices. Learn how to get rid of your Registered Agent.
What is Discern?
Discern is a compliance operating system. Learn about why we started Discern in the first place.
What does Discern do?
Learn about everything you can do with Discern.
Franchise tax filing information by state
Discover everything you need to know about state franchise (or annual) taxes, from Alabama’s Business Privilege Tax to Texas’s margin-based tax.
Georgia Franchise Tax Filing Information
Georgia has a Net Worth Tax that functions like other states' Franchise Taxes. Read all about it.
California Franchise Tax Filing Information
Read everything you need to know about California's variety of franchise taxes for Corporations and LLCs.
Alabama Franchise Tax Information
Alabama has a Business Privilege Tax Return that closely resembles other states' Franchise Taxes. Read more about it here.
Arkansas Franchise Tax Information
Franchise Taxes in Arkansas are easy to miss. Here's what you need to know.
What is Rhode Island’s franchise tax?
Complete guide to Rhode Island franchise tax requirements, filing deadlines, and minimum payments. Automate compliance with Discern.
What is the Massachusetts franchise tax?
Understand Massachusetts franchise tax rules, deadlines, and penalties, plus tips to automate compliance.
Which states don’t have a franchise tax in 2025?
Explore every U.S. state with no franchise tax, compare total tax burdens, and find the best formation options for 2025—updated, data-driven insights.
What is Vermont’s franchise tax?
Who must file, how much to pay, and when? Get the full rundown on Vermont franchise tax rates, forms, deadlines, and compliance strategies.
What is Oregon’s franchise tax?
Learn who must file Oregon franchise (excise) tax, penalties, and automated compliance tips in one clear guide.
What is North Dakota’s franchise tax?
Master North Dakota franchise tax: definitions, why it doesn't exist, and additional compliance requirements for your business.
What is Maine's franchise tax?
Step-by-step guide to Maine franchise tax: who files, and automated compliance tips to avoid costly fines.
What is Alaska’s franchise tax?
Understand Alaska's franchise tax rules and additional state compliance requirements. Get pro tips and automate compliance with ease.
Understanding the Iowa franchise tax
Explore what the Iowa Franchise Tax is, its exclusive focus on financial institutions, and how its rate reductions through 2027 enhance Iowa's business allure.
What is the Virginia franchise tax?
Unravel the complexities of Virginia Franchise Tax for banks and trust companies, including tax rates, exemptions, and filing steps. Compliance made easy!
What is Washington’s franchise tax?
Master Washington’s franchise tax (B&O): who files, penalties, and automation tactics for hassle-free compliance.
What is West Virginia’s franchise tax?
Understand who must file the West Virginia franchise tax, as well as additional state taxes. Get expert compliance tips.
What is Pennsylvania’s franchise tax?
Understand Pennsylvania franchise tax obligations, why it doesn't exist anymore, and how to automate your compliance.
What is Montana’s franchise tax?
Learn why Montana imposes no franchise tax, who still files corporate license taxes, key deadlines, rates, and how to stay compliant with automated tools.
What is the Minnesota franchise tax?
Understand who must file, rates, deadlines, and how to calculate and file Minnesota franchise tax to stay compliant and avoid costly penalties.
What is the Michigan franchise tax?
Learn who must file the Michigan franchise tax, exemptions, and penalties, plus tips to stay compliant.
What is Maryland's franchise tax?
Understand Maryland franchise tax filing requirements, rates, forms, and deadlines. Avoid penalties with clear, step-by-step compliance guidance.
What is the Kentucky franchise tax?
Learn Kentucky franchise (LLET) tax rules, who files, rates, forms, due dates, penalties, and how to automate compliance.
What is the Kansas franchise tax?
Learn about Kansas' franchise tax, its elimination, and compliance automation tips in this concise guide.
What is the Indiana franchise tax?
Learn who must file the Indiana franchise tax, required forms, fees, deadlines, exemptions, and penalties.
What is the Idaho franchise tax?
Learn what the Idaho franchise tax is, who must file, deadlines, exemptions, and penalties.
What is the Hawaii franchise tax?
Understand Hawaii franchise tax: who must file, rates, deadlines, forms, and penalties. Use this clear guide to stay compliant and avoid fines.
What is the Connecticut franchise tax?
Connecticut has no traditional franchise tax but requires a Corporation Business Tax (CBT). Electronic filing, apportionment rules explained.
What is the New Hampshire franchise tax
Discover how New Hampshire's Business Enterprise Tax (BET) & Business Profits Tax (BPT) replace traditional franchise taxes.
What is the Ohio franchise tax
Uncover the historical Ohio Franchise Tax, retired in 2014. Learn its workings, replacements, and lingering legacy issues.
What is the Utah franchise tax
Understand the Utah franchise tax for 2024. Explore how it impacts corporations, filing deadlines, and exemptions for LLCs and S corporations.
What is the New Jersey franchise tax?
Master NJ Franchise Tax compliance with our expert guide. Avoid penalties, understand deadlines, and follow our filing checklist for hassle-free tax management.
What is the New Mexico franchise tax?
Discover everything about the New Mexico franchise tax: who must pay, filing requirements, compliance tips, and why it's more substantial than it seems.
What is the Arizona franchise tax?
Discover how Arizona's lack of franchise tax affects your business.
Understanding your Colorado franchise tax obligations
Discover the distinctions between Colorado's franchise tax and business taxes. Learn about corporate tax structures, pass-through entities, and compliance.
Understanding the South Dakota franchise tax
Navigate South Dakota's franchise tax system effectively. Discover legal obligations, exemptions, and best practices for financial institutions.
Understanding the Nevada franchise tax
Nevada doesn't have a franchise tax but you may need to file other reports.
What is the Missouri franchise tax?
Learn about Missouri franchise tax compliance requirements for businesses to avoid penalties and dissolution.
Understanding the Oklahoma franchise tax
Learn how the 2023 Oklahoma franchise tax repeal impacts businesses, compliance tips, and strategic opportunities for multi-state operations.
What is Florida's franchise tax?
Learn about Florida's corporate income tax, commonly mistaken as franchise tax.
Washington, DC franchise tax explained
Learn how to navigate Washington, DC's franchise tax.
Where do you find Gross Assets for Delaware Franchise Tax?
Gross Assets and Asset Dates on Delaware Franchise Taxes can be a tricky topic. Learn more.
Quarterly Franchise Tax Payments in Delaware
Learn about Delaware's quarterly estimated Franchise Tax payments
Mississippi Franchise Tax Information
Learn about Mississippi's Franchise Tax.
What is a Franchise Tax?
Franchise Taxes vary widely by state; read about what a Franchise Tax is, and how Discern helps make sure they get filed.
Tennessee Franchise Tax Filing Information
Tennessee has a Franchise Tax that applies to most companies that do business in the state. Read about it here.
North Carolina Franchise Tax Information
North Carolina has a Franchise Tax for entities taxed as Corporations. Read about it here.
Nebraska Franchise Tax Filing Information
Nebraska has an Occupation Tax for Corporations that is similar to other states' franchise taxes. Read about it here.
Louisiana Franchise Tax Filing Information
Louisiana has a Franchise Tax for entities taxed as Corporations. Read all about it here.
New York Franchise Tax Information
New York state has a franchise tax. Read about when it's due, how to calculate it, and how to file it.
South Carolina Franchise Taxes
South Carolina has an Annual License Tax that closely resembles a Franchise Tax. Here's what you need to know.
Wisconsin Franchise Tax Information
Wisconsin has a Franchise Tax, but it is virtually identical to Corporate Income Tax and replaces it for some companies. Here are the basics.
Wyoming Franchise Tax Information
Wyoming has an Annual Report License Tax that closely resembles a Franchise Tax. Learn everything you need to know.
Illinois Franchise Tax Information
Illinois Franchise Taxes are complicated; here's everything you need to know.
Texas Franchise Tax Information
Learn who must file franchise taxes in Texas, as well as when they are due and what you can expect when filing.
What is Delaware’s franchise tax?
What is franchise tax in Delaware, how do you calculate it, and what happens if you don’t pay?
How Vestwell keeps endless state registrations in compliance
"With Discern I know the status of all my state registrations in real time, and handle filings in two clicks."
How Moxie manages hundreds of entities with Discern
"We needed to form dozens of entities per month and manage them across 30+ states. There wasn’t a streamlined way to accomplish it before we started using Discern"
IA Ventures took time spent on entity management to zero
"With Discern, I now spend no time whatsoever on entity management, and the customer service is even better: I get quick, detailed, and helpful responses."
How Ollie eliminated late fees and automated their state filings
"Discern took the guesswork out of entity compliance, and saved us so much time and money."
How Bionic Health registered in 15+ states in no time
"Discern has been helpful in dealing with difficult states. The work needs to be right, and I get thoughtful answers from the team."
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