Are you a restaurant owner and need information about taxes on meals? The tax policies do vary from state to state, but they are the same more or less. You will have to avail the services of a reputed accountant for restaurants Orlando for all the details and specifics pertaining to your region. For right now, here is a quick review of what is involved.

What is a meal?

A meal is an eatable or drinkable item that is fully prepared and can be eaten as it is bought. This includes both wrapped and packaged items that are bought from any place which can be categorized as a restaurant. A meal can be consumed at the premises or away from it, but taxes will be charged in both cases.

What can be categorized as a restaurant?

A restaurant is the name used for any eating and drinking place where meals are sold at specific rates. This place can be temporary, permanent, mobile or stationary; taxes will be charged on all of these. There are many establishments that can be regarded as a restaurant such as cafeteria, café, canteen, cocktail bar, salad bar, snack bar, lunch counter, cocktail lounge or product stand.

What is the sales tax on a meal?

Tax on a meal is charged at 6.25% of the total meal price. A meal is regarded as any eatable or drinkable item that is provided by a restaurant. Taxes are applicable for dine in, takeaway and delivery orders. The only exemption is when the meal is a grocery item. However, if this item is sold at a place that can be classified as a restaurant, tax will be charged. Your accountant for restaurants Orlando can guide you more about this.

Who can be regarded as a meals tax vendor and what are his responsibilities?

A meal tax vendor is anyone who sells food items or meals on which taxes can be charged. Considering the example of a bar, the owner is regarded as a meals tax vendor, without any regards to who actually serves the drinks. The responsibilities of a meals tax vendor are as follows.

  • Register with the concerned authorities
  • Collect taxes according to a suitable tax rate on every meal
  • File the return through an appropriate form and pay the full tax amount prior to the deadline
  • Maintain a complete record of all finances

Are there any establishments other than restaurants which must charge meals tax?

If there is any store that cannot be regarded as a restaurant, but sells a food item such that it constitutes a meal, then taxes will be charged. Examples of such establishments include bakery, delicatessen, grocery store, market, super market, vending machine, meal delivery company and so on.

Which items are exempted form taxes?

There are certain items which are exempted from taxes even if they are sold by a restaurant. These include a quart of milk, bread, ice cream and other food items that are sold by a weight or liquid measurement.

If you need more information about our Orlando restaurant accounting and tax services, please contact us at 407-502-2400. Freedomtax Accounting’s staff has been providing honest accounting services and tax services for 15 years. Our Orlando accounting and tax firm has its main offices in Kissimmee, FL. Our services are provided nationwide, but mainly in the Central Florida market to areas like Orlando, South Orlando, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Poinciana, Clermont, Davenport, Hunters Creek, Lake Nona, and Celebration, FL. Our tax accountants and IRS enrolled agents (irs ea) specialize in corporate accounting and bookkeeping, tax services, tax preparation, back taxes help, tax debt relief, tax resolution, tax planning, itin numbers, incorporations, and non profit 501c3 tax exempt status applications.


 

Was this post useful?

Share

Post comment