It is not unusual for large U.S. corporations to pay no U.S. income taxes despite making billions of dollars in profits. In fact, one study of corporate securities filings found 55 of America's largest companies paid no income taxes in 2020 despite generating hefty profits, while netting $3.5 billion in aggregate tax rebates. Nearly half of those companies paid no U.S. income taxes for three successive years.1
Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. "
55 Corporations Paid $0 in Federal Taxes on 2020 Profits."
Among those not paying income taxes for at least three years were profitable
blue chips Nike, Inc. (
NKE), FedEx Corp. (
FDX), and Salesforce, Inc. (
CRM).1
How do profitable corporations get away with paying no U.S. income tax? Their most lucrative (and perfectly legal)
tax avoidance strategies include
accelerated depreciation, the
offshoring of profits, generous deductions for appreciated employee stock options, and tax credits.