Payroll Taxes Guide for U.S. Restaurants

Correct management and understanding of payroll taxes become essential for a restaurant owner in the United States to maintain the dual objectives of financial stability and legal compliance. Payroll taxes are deducted from both an employer and an employee. These taxes are then pooled together to support various government initiatives and programs and offer social services.

An Overview of Payroll Taxes and Their Objectives

Payroll taxes perform several functions:

• Financing the Social Security retirement and disability benefits,
• Providing Medicare health coverage for seniors and certain disabled individuals,
• Paying unemployment benefits to eligible individuals,
• Funding various federal, state, and local programs.

By withholding and remitting these taxes properly, restaurant owners support these essential programs.

Federal Payroll Taxes

Social Security

• Tax Rate: 12.4% (6.2% paid by employer, 6.2% by employee).
• Applies to the first $160,200 of wages in 2023.

Medicare

• Tax Rate: 2.9% (1.45% paid by employer, 1.45% by employee).
• Additional 0.9% on wages above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (joint filers).

Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)

• Rate: 6% on the first $7,000 per employee annually.
• The effective rate is often reduced to 0.6% with credits.

Handling Tipped Employees

Employees who receive tips (more than $30/month) bring additional payroll tax complications.

Employer Responsibilities:

• Collect and report tip income.
• Withhold income taxes and Social Security/Medicare taxes.
• File IRS Form 8027 (if employing over 10 staff).

Streamlining Payroll Tax Compliance

Tips for Compliance:

• Accurate recordkeeping: Track wages, tips, and taxes withheld.
• Invest in payroll software: Look for options like ADP or Gusto.
• Outsource to professionals: Consider payroll services with restaurant-specific expertise, like QMK Consulting.

Tax Deposits and Filing Requirements

Employers must follow federal, state, and local schedules for deposits and filings.

• Federal Form 941: Quarterly Federal Tax Return.
• Form 940: Annual FUTA Return.
• State Taxes: Include State Unemployment Insurance (SUTA).

Pro Tip: Use EFTPS for electronic deposits and set calendar reminders for deadlines.

Avoiding Penalties and Staying Compliant

Noncompliance can lead to:

• Late deposit penalties (2%–15%).
• Failure to file/pay penalties (up to 25%).
• IRS audits or interest charges.

Why Choose QMK Consulting?

Teaming up with QMK Consulting means more than just hiring accountants—you get a reliable partner. Our founder and CEO, Mohamed Karmous, has worked in accounting and financial management for over ten years and knows the ins and outs of the restaurant business.

We’re based in New York, but we help restaurant owners throughout the United States. From small cafes to expanding chains, we ensure your payroll taxes are taken care of with accuracy and attention to detail.

Book Your Free Consultation Today

Stop payroll taxes from cutting into your time and earnings. Book a consultation call with Mohamed Karmous now and learn how QMK Consulting can change the way your restaurant handles its finances.

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FAQ

What are payroll taxes?

Payroll taxes are those that are taken from employees' salaries and are contributed by the employer as well to fund programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment insurance.

What Will I Be Charged If I Delay Making a Deposit for the Payroll Tax?

The fines range from 2% to 15%, depending on the duration of the delay.

How do you do the right taxes for tipped employees?

Sum the given amount and wages to figure out taxable income and deduct eligible Social Security and Medicare taxes from the result.

Do I have to fill out Form 8027 for my restaurant?

If your restaurant has over 10 employees on an average business day, you must hand in Form 8027 to report the income of the tips as well as the tips allocated.

How can I make payroll tax compliance easy?

Utilizing payroll software like Gusto or getting help from specialists such as QMK Consulting can speed up the processes of calculation, filing, and deposits.

Book your free consultation