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Restaurant Accounting Services in Chicago, IL

Welcome to Chicago's premier destination for restaurant accounting services. At Lewis CPA, we blend culinary passion with financial expertise to elevate your restaurant's financial health and success. Let's optimize together!

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4000+ Happy Clients
We service 1,000+ businesses and 3,000+ individual clients, many of them located nationwide.
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38 Years of Experience
Since 1986, we’ve provided comprehensive tax and accounting solutions for individuals and businesses.
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52 States Serving
With our technology stack, we provide remote accounting services for you and your business, regardless the location.

Chicago CPA Firm for Restaurants

At our Chicago CPA Firm for Restaurants, we boast a legacy of 38 years dedicated to supporting the vibrant culinary scene. We understand the unique challenges restaurants face, from managing costs to navigating complex tax regulations. With our wealth of experience and industry-specific expertise, we offer tailored solutions to optimize financial performance and drive sustainable growth.

Whether you're a small bistro or a bustling eatery, we're committed to providing personalized attention and strategic guidance to help you thrive in a competitive market landscape. You can trust our seasoned professionals to handle your restaurant's accounting needs with precision and care, allowing you to focus on what you do best: serving exceptional cuisine and delighting your patrons.

Accounting Challenges for Restaurants

Restaurant accounting presents several unique challenges due to the dynamic nature of the industry:

  1. Fluctuating Revenue: Sales can vary widely due to seasonality and consumer preferences.
  2. Cost Management: Controlling expenses like food, labor, and inventory is crucial for profitability.
  3. Cash Flow: Managing irregular income patterns and high costs requires careful planning.
  4. Tax Compliance: Navigating complex tax regulations while maximizing deductions is essential.
  5. Labor Management: Efficient scheduling and compliance with labor laws are ongoing tasks.
  6. Financial Reporting: Accurate statements and data analysis are key for decision-making.

Specific Taxes that Restaurants in Chicago Have to Deal With

There are several specific taxes that restaurants in Chicago have to deal with:

  1. Sales Tax: Restaurants in Chicago are required to collect and remit sales tax on the sale of food and beverages. The current sales tax rate varies depending on the location and type of food or beverage sold.
  2. Restaurant Tax: Chicago imposes a restaurant tax, also known as the "Amusement Tax," on the sale of prepared food and beverages for on-site consumption. This tax applies to food and beverages sold in restaurants, bars, and other dining establishments.
  3. Liquor Tax: Restaurants serving alcoholic beverages in Chicago are subject to liquor taxes imposed by the city. These taxes may vary depending on the type and volume of alcoholic beverages sold.
  4. Personal Property Lease Transaction Tax: If a restaurant leases equipment, such as cooking appliances or refrigerators, they may be subject to the Personal Property Lease Transaction Tax in Chicago.
  5. Hotel Accommodations Tax: Restaurants offering accommodation services, such as hotels with on-site dining facilities, may be subject to the Hotel Accommodations Tax on room rentals.

Understanding and complying with these taxes is crucial for restaurant owners in Chicago to avoid penalties and ensure proper financial management. Consulting with a certified public accountant at Lewis CPA can help restaurants navigate these tax obligations with ease.

Our Tax Services for the Restaurant Industry

Our Tax Services for the Restaurant Industry

Tax Planning and Compliance

Strategize tax obligations, optimize deductions, and ensure adherence to tax laws, tailored to the dynamic nature of the restaurant business.

Income Tax Preparation for Restaurant Businesses

Precise and comprehensive preparation of income tax returns, maximizing available deductions and credits for restaurant establishments.

IRS Representation for Restaurant Entities

Skilled advocacy and representation in dealings with the IRS, ensuring compliance and resolving tax-related issues effectively for restaurant entities.

Our Restaurant Accounting Services

Our Restaurant Accounting Services

Bookkeeping for Restaurants

Detailed financial recording, tracking expenses and revenue, and maintaining accurate ledgers are important for financial health and making informed decisions.

Payroll Services for Restaurant Businesses

Efficient management of payroll processes, including wage calculations, tax withholdings, and compliance with labor regulations to ensure smooth payroll operations for restaurant establishments.

Our Process

We follow a comprehensive approach to your accounting needs:

Why Choose Our Restaurant CPA Firm?

Elevate Your Chicago Restaurant's Finances with Us

Unlock growth potential. Partner with our CPA firm to elevate your Chicago restaurant's finances today!
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Full Accounting Spectrum

From bookkeeping to tax compliance, we cover all aspects of restaurant financial management.

Proven Success

With a strong track record in serving restaurant clients, we deliver effective solutions.

Tailored Solutions

Understanding each business's uniqueness, we provide personalized support to meet specific goals.

Trusted Partnerships

We’re known for integrity and transparent communication, always prioritizing honesty and confidentiality while fostering lasting relationships.

Discovery

We start with a consultation to grasp your restaurant's objectives.

Data Collection

We gather relevant financial information and documents.

Analysis

We scrutinize financial data to identify trends and opportunities.

Strategy Formation

We devise tailored accounting and financial management strategies.

Execution

We implement the plan, covering bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation.

Oversight

We regularly monitor financial performance and adjust strategies accordingly.

Reporting

We furnish detailed reports and insights to track progress and aid decision-making.

Continuous Improvement

We review and refine the process continually to ensure optimal outcomes.

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Client Testimonials

I have been working with Susan S. Lewis, CPA for over 17 years. Her dedication and expertise has kept me on track for both my personnel and business tax requirements. She comes prepared for all meetings and offers exceptional professional advice on all tax matters. Keep up the exceptional practice.
Jeff Wiktor
5.0
I have been using Sue Lewis for my business and personal taxes for years and have had a great experience. Sue and everyone at her office are great. They are all very knowledgeable and ready to help. From handling payroll to yearly tax reporting they handle everything without much needed from me. They make my life easy!
Mike Avallone
5.0
Susan S Lewis, Ltd. has done our taxes for the last 12+ years. Sue and all of her staff are attentive, prudent, and efficient. The advice and guidance are well informed and gear for your personal and professional needs. If you want a peace of mind that things will be handled with the upmost care, Susan S Lewis, LTD is the business that you can rely on! A VERY satisfied client.
A Sejna
5.0
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Get in Touch with Our Restaurant CPA Firm

Contact us today at Lewis CPA for expert restaurant accounting services tailored to your needs. Let's optimize your financial management together!

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