Tax Preparation Services for Lodging & Accommodation Businesses

Not Just Filed—Prepared to Save

Tax season doesn’t have to mean late nights, occupancy tax headaches, or second‑guessing your numbers. If your current accountant disappears after filing or can’t clearly explain your return, it’s time for a better, smarter approach.


We specialize in tax preparation for lodging and accommodation businesses—boutique hotels, motels, short‑term rentals, B&Bs, property managers, and multi‑property operators who want their returns filed accurately, on time, and optimized for maximum savings.


As an owner or operator, your financial picture involves more than nightly rates and ADR. You may have platform payouts, seasonal income, multiple entities, occupancy and lodging taxes, renovations, or activity across states and cities. Managed with intent, each client scenario can unlock real tax savings—timing equipment purchases before year‑end, filing the right elections, or structuring payroll correctly. Miss those details, miss the dollars.


We don’t do templates. Strategy is built around the business—entity choice, cash flow, and state exposure—so advice fits the facts, not a formula. Every return is tailored to your business, with careful questions and deeper reviews that uncover deductions most preparers miss.

  • Multiple jurisdictions: State returns plus city and county lodging taxes often come with different rules and deadlines, making them tricky to stay on top of.
  • Property and improvements: Depreciation, capitalization vs. repairs, and upgrade timing directly affect taxes and cash flow.
  • Platform and PMS data: Map 1099‑K totals, fees, and payouts cleanly from the platform to the books and the return.
  • Passive vs. nonpassive activity: material participation impacts losses, credits, and planning opportunities.

Why Lodging Businesses Need Specialized Tax Prep

Our Lodging & Accommodation Tax Preparation Services Include:

  • Federal and State Income Tax Returns – Accurate, compliant filings for all states where you operate.
  • Multi‑State and Local Lodging/Occupancy Filings – Guidance on registrations, filing frequencies, and due dates.
  • Depreciation and Renovation Treatment – Schedules for buildings, FF&E, and improvements with tax‑efficient elections.
  • Short‑Term Rental and Platform Reporting – Proper treatment of 1099‑K/1099‑MISC, platform fees, and management charges.
  • Passive vs. Nonpassive Analysis – Material participation reviews and grouping strategies where appropriate.
  • Strategic Deduction Reviews – Identify red flags and secure audit‑ready documentation.
  • IRS E‑Filing & Deadline Tracking – Stress‑free submission and reminders so you never miss a date.
  • Discovery: Understand your properties, entities, platforms, and filing footprint.
  • Document Intake: Secure portal for returns, 1099s, PMS exports, bank/credit statements, and asset details.
  • Preparation: Map income/expense categories, confirm depreciation, and review occupancy/lodging filings.
  • Review: Walk through the draft return, answer questions, and finalize elections.
  • Plan: Map out the year’s opportunities—projections, upgrades, and a clear filing timeline.

Our Approach: Preparation Meets Planning

Case Study: How a Boutique Inn Saved Thousands and Simplified Occupancy Taxes

Two‑site boutique inn expanding into short‑term rentals. Uneven books, confusion over local lodging tax filings, and missed improvement deductions were dragging results.


What We Did:

  • Consolidated and organized multi‑entity income and expenses.
  • Identified overlooked deductions for supplies, linens, utilities allocation, and management fees.
  • Reviewed depreciation schedules and coordinated a cost segregation study.
  • Implemented quarterly check‑ins to prevent year‑end surprises.


The Result: The owner saved thousands in taxes and gained back valuable time—without the stress of last‑minute scrambling.

Why Choose Straight Talk CPAs

  • Industry Expertise – Deep understanding of lodging operations and multi‑property finances.
  • Clear Communication – No jargon, no confusion, just straight answers.
  • Proactive Strategy – We help you plan, not just react.
  • Secure Virtual Tools – Safe, convenient, and designed for busy schedules.

Take the Guesswork Out of Tax Season

Your time is too valuable to spend buried in tax forms. Leave the tax preparation to Straight Talk CPAs and put your energy where it matters most—keeping rooms filled, guests happy, and your business growing.

Book a free consultation today to see how a hands-on, forward-thinking approach can help you cut costs, save time, and ease the stress of tax season—not just this year, but every year that follows.

FAQs

  • How are you different from a typical CPA?

    Most CPAs file returns. We focus only on hotels, rentals, and lodging. That means we catch things like occupancy taxes, platform payouts, and property write-offs that others often skip.

  • Can you deal with state and local lodging taxes?

    Yes. We register, file, and track deadlines in every state or city where you operate. No more chasing forms or worrying about missing a date.

  • What happens if I get a tax notice?

    We handle it. You’ll have audit-ready records, and we speak directly with the IRS or state so you don’t have to stress.

  • How do you keep me from getting hit with a surprise bill?

    We check in during the year, run the numbers, and adjust your estimates. That way, you know what’s coming and avoid last-minute shocks.

  • Do you work with property managers or out-of-country owners?

    Yes. We help managers who handle several owners, and we also file for non-U.S. clients with U.S. rentals. Everything stays clear and compliant.