Restaurant Tax Preparation Services

More than just filing—built to protect your margins.

If you run a restaurant, tax season probably feels like another rush hour—messy receipts, payroll puzzles, and a constant fear you’re leaving money on the table. And if your current accountant just shows up in April with a stack of forms, you’re probably paying more tax than you should.


That’s where we step in. At Straight Talk CPAs, we live and breathe restaurant tax prep. Cafés, franchises, food groups, late-night diners—you name it. We don’t just file returns; we look for ways to keep more cash in your business so you can keep the lights on, the ovens hot, and the staff happy.


Think about it:

  • Payroll and tip reporting done right can save thousands.
  • Tracking inventory and spoilage correctly means deductions you won’t miss.
  • Planning equipment upgrades the smart way puts money back in your pocket.


This isn’t cookie-cutter accounting. We dig in, ask the tough questions, and spot opportunities that generic preparers miss.

  • 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 Prep Covers:

  • Multi-state and city filings without the headache.
  • Payroll and tip reporting that actually holds up under IRS rules.
  • Smarter handling of inventory, waste, and cost of goods sold.
  • Equipment and renovation deductions timed for max savings.
  • IRS e-filing, deadline reminders, and zero last-minute scrambling.

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 better spent running kitchens, keeping guests happy, and growing your business—not battling tax code fine print. Hand us the messy parts, and we’ll turn them into clean savings.

FAQs

  • How is Straight Talk CPAs different from a typical CPA?

     Most accountants just crunch numbers and hand you a return. We know restaurants inside and out—tips, payroll, seasonal swings, and all. That means we spot savings others overlook and keep you compliant without the guesswork.


  • Can you handle multi-location tax filings?

     Yes, that’s our bread and butter. Whether you’ve got one café or a chain across multiple states, we handle registrations, deadlines, and filings so you don’t spend your nights Googling tax codes.


  • How do you manage payroll and tip reporting?

    We make it straightforward. Wages, benefits, and tips are tracked and classified correctly so you’re not overpaying—or risking penalties. You’ll know exactly what’s happening with your payroll deductions.


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

    First rule: don’t panic. We review notices immediately, explain them in plain English, and handle the back-and-forth. Since our filings are audit-ready, surprises are rare—and if needed, we step in and represent you.


  • Do you work with franchise or chain owners?

     Absolutely. We manage the complexity that comes with royalties, multiple entities, and multi-state compliance. From a single-location café to a 20-store franchise, we’ve got it covered.


Complete Solutions for Restaurant Businesses