State-by-State PTE Election Guide: What Business Owners Need to Know
Nov 19, 2025

If you run an S Corp, partnership, or multi-member LLC, you’ve probably bumped into the $10,000 SALT deduction cap. It’s annoying. It limits how much state tax you can deduct on your federal return. The PTE tax election is how many business owners get around that cap. It lets your business pay state taxes at the entity level instead of pushing those taxes onto your personal return. When the entity pays the tax, you can often deduct the full amount. That means a lower federal tax bill.
This guide walks through how the PTE election works across the country. Each state sets its own rules, deadlines, forms, and tax rates. You’ll get a simple breakdown of what to expect, what varies, and how to plan. Even if your state feels confusing, this guide keeps things clear so you can understand your options before making a move.
Let’s get into it.
States That Offer a PTE Election

Below is a clear, repeatable structure showing what business owners typically find for each state. You can adapt this framework when reviewing your state's rules.
Alabama
Available: Yes
Eligible entities: Partnerships, S Corps
Election deadline: With original return
How to elect: Annual form submitted with return
Tax rate: Follows corporate rate
Credit to owners: Yes
Arizona
Available: Yes
Eligible entities: Partnerships, S Corps
Election deadline: With timely filed return
How to elect: Annual check-box election
Tax rate: Flat PTE rate
Credit to owners: Yes
Arkansas
Available: Yes
Eligible entities: Pass-through entities only
Election deadline: Annual
How to elect: State election form
Tax rate: Based on individual rates
Credit to owners: Yes
California
Available: Yes
Eligible entities: S Corps, partnerships
Election deadline: Before year-end payment required
How to elect: Estimated payment triggers election
Tax rate: Set flat rate
Credit to owners: Yes
Colorado
Available: Yes
Eligible entities: Pass-through entities
Election deadline: With return
How to elect: Annual election
Tax rate: Flat state income tax
Credit to owners: Yes
Connecticut
Available: Yes (mandatory)
Eligible entities: All pass-throughs
Election deadline: Automatic
How to elect: No opt-in required
Tax rate: State-set rate
Credit to owners: Yes
Georgia
Available: Yes
Eligible entities: S Corps, partnerships
Election deadline: With timely filed return
How to elect: Annual election
Tax rate: Flat PTE rate
Credit to owners: Yes
Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
These states offer a PTE election with similar structures:
Eligible entities: Mostly S Corps and partnerships
Deadline: Usually with the return or by a fixed state deadline
How to elect: Annual form or online election
Tax rate: Either a flat PTE rate or tied to the individual rate
Credits: Most states grant owners a credit equal to their share of the PTE tax
Special notes: Some require owner consent, and a few lock you in for multiple years
Since each state manages its own rules, your planning will depend on your deadlines, entity type, and whether your state uses a flat rate or a bracketed rate.
States Without a PTE Election

A few states do not offer a PTE election. This list can change, so always double-check before assuming your state is out of play.
These states generally do not offer PTE elections:
Hawaii
Nevada
New Hampshire
Pennsylvania (partial allowance depending on entity rules)
Tennessee
Texas (handled differently due to franchise tax)
Washington
Wyoming
Alaska
Florida (no individual income tax structure)
South Dakota
North Dakota (partial allowances vary by year)
In most of these states, the reason is simple. Either they don’t tax personal income, or they use a tax structure that doesn’t support PTE-level optional taxation.
Summary Table
Important notes
This is a practical, high-level reference, not a legal source. This is a compiled table from state DOR pages and current industry summaries, but statutes, forms, deadlines, rates, and credit refundability change. Make sure to verify before filing and find a CPA to talk to.
Common items you should verify for your state before acting
Exact election form name and where to file.
Whether an estimated payment is required and its due date.
Whether the owner's credit is refundable and if there are carryforward rules.
Whether owner consent or unanimous approval is required.
Any limits or exclusions for certain owner types (corporate owners, tiered entities, trusts).
Download Summary Table
👉 Download PTE_State_by_State_Guide.xlsx
Key Differences You’ll Notice Across States

Even though many states offer a PTE election, the details vary enough that you need to understand the main differences. Here are the areas where states diverge the most.
1. Owner Consent Rules
Some states let the entity make the election without asking every owner. Others require unanimous or majority consent. This matters if you have many partners or investors.
2. Deadline Variations
Deadlines fall into a few buckets:
With the original return
On or before a specific day each year
Before making the first estimated payment
Missing the deadline usually means waiting until next year.
3. How You Make the Election
States use different methods. This includes:
A check box on the return
A specific election form
An online portal
A required prepayment
4. Tax Rate Differences
Some states use:
A flat PTE rate
The individual income tax brackets
The corporate tax rate
This affects whether the election helps or hurts your tax bill.
5. Multi-Year vs. Annual Elections
Most states require an annual election. A few lock you in for more than one year once you choose it. That’s something to check before committing.
6. Treatment of Nonresident Owners
Some states let you include nonresident owners. Others don’t. Some allow them but require extra withholding.
How to Use This Guide for Tax Planning

If you’re thinking about electing PTE tax, here are the parts of your state’s rules that matter most:
1. The Tax Rate
If your state uses a flat rate higher than what you currently pay, the election may not help. The value of the election comes from the federal deduction, so you need to compare both sides.
2. Your Ownership Structure
If you have a mix of residents and nonresidents, your state’s owner credit rules matter. Some owners may not benefit as much.
3. Filing and Payment Deadlines
Some states require electing or prepaying before the end of the taxable year. If you miss it, you can’t fix it later. Lock in your deadlines early.
4. Federal Savings Potential
The main benefit comes from bypassing the $10,000 SALT cap. To see whether the election helps, calculate:
State tax due
Federal deduction gained
Credit applied back to owners
A CPA or tax software can help you test the numbers.
5. S Corp vs. Partnership Considerations
Each entity type interacts with state rules differently. Things like guaranteed payments, distributive shares, and owner residency can change the math.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your PTE Election in 2025

Navigating state PTE elections can feel overwhelming, but understanding the rules for your state and your business type is the key to maximizing tax savings. With this guide, you now know which states allow PTE elections, how the election works, and the practical steps to file correctly.
Use the 50-state table and downloadable Excel file to quickly check deadlines, rates, and credit rules. Whether you’re planning for this tax year or preparing for next, these resources give you a clear roadmap to make informed decisions, reduce tax liability, and stay compliant—without the guesswork.
If you want a simple walkthrough of the basics, check out the full guide on "What Is the PTE Tax Election and How Does It Work?". It gives you the foundation you need before planning your next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PTE tax election?
It lets your business pay state income taxes at the entity level. This often restores the federal tax deduction lost due to the $10,000 SALT cap.
Does every state offer a PTE election?
No. Many do, but a handful do not. Some states with no income tax skip it entirely.
Does the election lower my federal tax bill?
Usually yes. The entity deducts the full state tax, which can reduce taxable income.
Can an S Corp make the election?
In most states, yes. A few states exclude S Corps or limit them.
Can a single-member LLC make the election?
Generally no because it’s not treated as a pass-through entity for state purposes.
Do nonresident owners benefit?
It depends on the state. Some give credits. Others restrict eligibility.
How often do you elect PTE status?
Most states require an annual election. A few lock you in for more than one year.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
You usually lose the election for that year and must wait until the next filing cycle.
Can I revoke a PTE election?
Some states allow revocations. Others do not. Many require a formal request.
Is the PTE election always tax savings?
Not always. It depends on your state rate, your federal bracket, and how the credit flows through to owners.