Tax Preparation Services for Restaurants

Not Just Filed—Prepared to Save

Tax season doesn’t have to mean late nights, payroll 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 smarter approach.


At Straight Talk CPAs, we specialize in tax preparation for restaurants, cafés, bistros, quick-service chains, full-service dining, and multi-location operators who want their returns filed accurately, on time, and optimized for maximum savings.


As a restaurant owner, your financial picture involves more than sales totals. You manage payroll, inventory, tips, multiple locations, and fluctuating seasonal revenue. With careful planning, every scenario can unlock real tax savings—timely equipment purchases, choosing the right business structure, or claiming the correct labor credits. Miss those details, miss the dollars.


We don’t do one-size-fits-all templates. Strategy is tailored specially for your business—entity choice, cash flow, and location-specific rules—so advice fits the facts, not a formula. Every return is customized, with detailed questions and reviews that uncover deductions most preparers overlook.

  • Multi-location compliance: State and city tax rules vary, making filings tricky without expert guidance.

  • Payroll & tip reporting: Proper classification of employees, tips, and benefits can save thousands.

  • Inventory & cost of goods sold: Accurate tracking ensures deductions are maximized and audit-ready.

  • Equipment and upgrades: Timing purchases and applying depreciation correctly impacts cash flow and taxes.

Why Restaurants Need Specialized Tax Prep

Our Restaurant Tax Preparation Services Include:

  • Federal and State Income Tax Returns – Accurate, compliant filings for all locations.

  • Multi-State and Local Tax Filings – Guidance on registrations, deadlines, and compliance.

  • Payroll & Tip Reporting – Correct allocation for employees, contractors, and gratuities.

  • Inventory and COGS Tracking – Tax-efficient accounting for purchases, spoilage, and waste.

  • Equipment & Renovation Deductions – Optimize savings with properly timed expenses and accurate depreciation schedules.

  • Strategic Deduction Reviews – Audit-ready documentation and red-flag identification.

  • IRS E-Filing & Deadline Tracking – Stress-free submission and reminders so deadlines are never missed.
  • Discovery: Understand locations, revenue streams, payroll, and tax exposure.

  • Document Intake: Secure portal for bank statements, payroll records, POS exports, and receipts.

  • Preparation: Map income/expenses, confirm payroll classifications, and review local filings.

  • Review: Walk through draft return, answer questions, and finalize elections.

  • Plan: Map out next year’s opportunities: equipment, expansions, and filing timelines.

Our Approach: Preparation Meets Planning

Case Study: How a Multi-Location Café Saved Thousands

A regional café chain struggled with inconsistent payroll reporting, overlooked inventory deductions, and multi-city filings.


What We Did:

  • Consolidated financials across all locations.
  • Identified missed deductions for equipment, renovations, and supply purchases.
  • Reviewed payroll classifications and tip reporting accuracy.
  • Set up quarterly check-ins to prevent year-end surprises.

Result: The owner saved thousands in taxes and regained peace of mind—without last-minute scrambling.

Why Choose Straight Talk CPAs

  • Industry Expertise: Deep understanding of restaurant operations and multi-location finances.

  • Clear Communication: No jargon, just straight answers.

  • Proactive Strategy: We help you plan, not just react.

  • Secure Virtual Tools: Convenient, safe, 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 focus on keeping kitchens running, 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 is Straight Talk CPAs different from a typical CPA?

    We focus exclusively on restaurants and multi-location operators. That means tips, payroll, seasonal swings, and inventory are all handled with strategies tailored to your business—so you save more and stay compliant.

  • Can you handle multi-location tax filings?

    Yes! We manage federal, state, and local filings for all your locations, tracking deadlines and rates so you don’t have to worry about overpaying or missing a filing.


  • How do you manage payroll and tip reporting?

    We make payroll and tip reporting simple. Wages, benefits, and tips are classified correctly, following IRS and local rules, helping you optimize deductions and avoid penalties.

  • What happens if I get an IRS or state notice?

    Don’t panic. We review notices right away and guide you through the process. Our audit-ready filings and documentation reduce surprises—and we represent you if clarification is needed.

  • Do you work with franchise or chain owners?

    Absolutely. From single-location cafés to multi-location chains and franchises, we handle complex ownership structures, royalty reporting, and multi-state compliance to keep your filings accurate and tax-efficient.

Complete Solutions for Restaurant Businesses