Taxes are a reality, but paying more than necessary doesn’t have to be. With year-round tax planning and proactive strategies, our restaurant tax services help you keep as much of your hard-earned money as legally possible while ensuring compliance with all federal and state requirements.
I have been a client of VAST for over...
Having a dedicated team of professionals that know the...
When we started working with Vast we were a...
We restaurateurs need a window to see where we...
Vast helps me think beyond the day-to-day numbers. They...
Not only did they help clean up all our...
A general accountant applies the same strategies to every client. Restaurant tax planning requires specific knowledge of tip credit rules, food and beverage deductions, equipment depreciation, and the difference between COGS and operating expenses. We build a tax plan around how your restaurant actually operates — not a template.
Surprise tax bills happen when no one is projecting your liability throughout the year. We model your estimated tax obligation quarterly and adjust as your revenue changes — so you know exactly what is coming well before the April deadline and can manage your cash flow accordingly.
Most restaurant owners overpay because their accountant is not familiar with restaurant-specific credits like the FICA Tip Credit, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, or R&D credits for menu development. We identify every credit and deduction your restaurant qualifies for — and apply them proactively, not as an afterthought.
Tanya works hands-on with restaurant owners to turn financials into clear, actionable insight. With experience as both a restaurant operator and accountant, she’s reviewed thousands of P&Ls and helps owners catch problems early—before they become costly.
At Vast, we save restaurant owners an average of $20,000 a year by finding deductions and tax credits others miss. Our restaurant tax services cover everything from tracking food costs to handling payroll taxes and claiming equipment write-offs — ensuring more of your hard-earned money stays with you, and less goes to the IRS.
At Vast, we believe tax planning shouldn’t just happen in April. Our restaurant tax services work with you throughout the year to ensure you’re making estimated payments, setting aside the right amounts, and adjusting for any changes in your business. By planning ahead, you’ll avoid surprises and be ready when tax season arrives.
From the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to equipment depreciation, restaurants have access to a wide range of tax benefits. Our restaurant tax services ensure you’re taking advantage of every opportunity to reduce your tax liability while staying fully compliant.
Your time is better spent running your restaurant than worrying about taxes. Our restaurant tax services manage everything from federal and state tax preparation to quarterly filings and personal returns. With us, you can trust that your taxes are handled accurately, on time, and with your best interests in mind.
I have been a client of VAST for over a year and couldn’t imagine a better team to work with. They are intentional, thorough, and have set us up for more success than I ever thought possible. On top of their professionalism, they are truly amazing people. If I could give more than 10/10, I would. I highly recommend the VAST team to anyone looking for a partner they can trust and grow with.
Having a dedicated team of professionals that know the dynamics of our business has been key to our growth and financial health.
When we started working with Vast we were a typical, struggling small business. With their help, guidance, and support, we are now a thriving 8 -figure business that is continuing to grow!
We restaurateurs need a window to see where we are all the time. Let the team at Vast show you the numbers so you can do what you do best!
Vast helps me think beyond the day-to-day numbers. They have helped me realize the vision I have for the future of my business is not only attainable but that they are the best partners to have on my team while I make the vision a reality.
Not only did they help clean up all our finances, but they completely aligned with our vision for growth while giving us all the compassion, support, and tools to help get us there.
The FICA Tip Credit (Section 45B) allows restaurant employers to claim a federal tax credit for the employer portion of FICA taxes paid on employee tips above the federal minimum wage. If your restaurant has tipped employees, servers, bartenders, bussers you almost certainly qualify. The credit is calculated on tips reported by employees and can be worth tens of thousands of dollars annually for a busy restaurant. It is one of the most valuable and most overlooked tax benefits available to restaurant owners.
Food and beverage costs, labour expenses, equipment purchases and depreciation, lease payments, utilities, marketing, uniforms, professional services, and smallwares are all commonly deductible. Beyond standard deductions, restaurants have access to industry-specific credits including the FICA Tip Credit, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit for hiring from certain eligible groups, and in some cases R&D credits for new menu development. We make sure every applicable deduction and credit is captured not just the ones on a generic checklist.
We prepare and file both together, and that coordination matters. Your restaurant’s entity structure, how you pay yourself, and how profit flows to your personal return all affect your total tax liability. When business and personal are handled separately, those connections get missed. We manage both as a single integrated engagement, so your overall tax position is optimised rather than filed in disconnected pieces.
At Vast CFO, we like surprises but only for birthdays. Our proactive tax team makes sure that you always know exactly how much you owe, and there are never any surprises at tax time. Get in touch today to see how we can help.
