How this usually works
A good tax accountant for restaurants and cafes starts with a quick health check: business structure, venue list, POS setup (e.g. Square, Lightspeed/Kounta, Revel, Abacus), bank and merchant feeds, delivery platforms (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Menulog), payroll/STP and your BAS/tax lodgement status.
From there, the work typically runs in three layers:
- Immediate triage: fix coding on daily takings and payouts, reconcile platform fees, correct GST on surcharges and alcohol, lodge overdue BAS if any.
- Process design: standardise POS categories, automate daily sales journals, align supplier terms and COGS, set up stock and wastage rules, tighten payroll and super timing.
- Ongoing review: month‑end checks, BAS prep and review, KPI dashboard (sales mix, labour %, COGS %, gross margin by venue), tax planning before 30 June.
The result is faster BAS and tax lodgements, fewer surprises, and clearer venue margins to manage rostering, pricing and wastage decisions.
Australian context to keep in view
- GST applies to most restaurant/cafe sales. BAS cycles (monthly or quarterly) must match your revenue rhythm; reconcile POS Z‑reads, merchant settlements and platform payouts each period.
- STP Phase 2 reporting, super guarantee increases and award interpretation affect payroll costs and tax—coordinate payroll and BAS so classifications flow through correctly.
- Staff meals and entertainment can raise FBT questions; document policies and keep clear records.
- Kitchen equipment, fit‑outs and small tools may be deductible or depreciable; instant asset write‑off and depreciation rules change—check current thresholds before purchase.
- You can verify a tax practitioner or BAS agent on the Tax Practitioners Board public register before engaging.
What to compare before you commit
Scope
Confirm the proposal covers the real work behind “tax accountant for restaurants and cafes”: POS to ledger mapping, daily takings journals, delivery platform reconciliations, BAS, income tax, and year‑end stocktake support.
Software fit
Look for confidence with Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks plus hospitality POS like Square, Lightspeed/Kounta, Revel or Abacus—and an ability to explain the workflow, not just name software.
Turnaround and communication
Ask about month‑end timing, BAS review process, who answers day‑to‑day questions and how urgent issues are handled during service and on weekends.
Commercial fit
Compare fixed‑fee vs monthly packages, reporting depth (COGS %, labour %, gross margin), and whether you want compliance only or advice on menu pricing, venue comparisons and cash flow.
Best next steps
Write down the outcome you want: clear BAS and GST, tighter COGS, better labour reporting, faster month‑end, EOFY tax planning or a full cleanup.
Gather your key files: latest BAS, POS reports, delivery statements, bank/merchant statements, payroll/STP, and your stocktake date. Then shortlist providers who can show hospitality examples and explain their onboarding steps.
Use these pages if you also need support beyond tax: restaurant bookkeeping, hospitality payroll, or broader accounting services for multi‑venue operations.
Frequently asked questions
Do restaurants and cafes charge GST in Australia?
Yes—most food and drink sold by restaurants and cafes is taxable at 10% GST, including dine‑in and takeaway. “Basic food” can be GST‑free at grocery stores, but food prepared and sold for immediate consumption at a venue is generally taxable. Check your POS tax settings and BAS coding regularly.
How are tips and surcharges treated for tax?
Voluntary tips given directly to staff are typically employee income (not subject to GST). Tips or service charges collected and distributed by the venue may be treated differently—record them clearly. Card and public holiday/weekend surcharges are business income and subject to GST. Good records avoid BAS and payroll errors.
What deductions can a restaurant or cafe claim?
Common deductions include COGS (food and beverage purchases), wages and super, rent and utilities, merchant and delivery platform fees, cleaning, protective/branded uniforms, small tools and kitchen equipment, software/POS subscriptions and marketing. Depreciation and instant asset write‑off may apply—confirm current rules before buying major items.
What should I have ready before engaging an accountant?
Recent BAS and tax returns, POS Z‑reads or end‑of‑day reports, delivery platform statements (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Menulog), bank and merchant statements, payroll/STP files, latest stocktake and fixed asset list. Provide access to Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks and your POS integrations to speed up onboarding.