Food & Hospitality

Tax help for food truck owners

Food truck owners run an inventory-and-equipment business, so ingredients flow through cost of goods sold while the truck itself is a major deduction.

Prepared by real tax specialists — with Enrolled Agent or CPA review when your return calls for it.

Food truck operators report on Schedule C and pay self-employment tax on net profit.

Ingredients are accounted for as cost of goods sold, and the truck, equipment, and permits drive the rest of the deductions.

Income you’ll report on: 1099-K.

Save money

Deductions for food truck owners

Most people in this line of work leave money on the table. Here's what we make sure to capture:

  • Food and ingredient costs through cost of goods sold
  • Fuel and maintenance for the truck
  • Depreciation of the truck and cooking equipment
  • Commissary kitchen rent
  • Permits, licenses, and health inspections
  • Propane, packaging, and disposable supplies
  • Payment processing fees and wages for staff
Watch out for

What makes your taxes different

  • Ingredients are cost of goods sold rather than ordinary supply expenses
  • The truck and major equipment are generally capitalized and depreciated
  • Card sales are commonly reported to you on a 1099-K
  • Hiring staff brings payroll tax and reporting obligations
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do food truck owners pay self-employment tax?

If you earn as an independent contractor, yes — self-employment tax is 15.3% (Social Security and Medicare) on your net profit, on top of regular income tax. You deduct half of it, and every business deduction lowers what you owe. We handle the calculation on Schedule SE.

What can food truck owners write off?

Common write-offs include food and ingredient costs through cost of goods sold, fuel and maintenance for the truck, depreciation of the truck and cooking equipment, commissary kitchen rent, plus a share of your phone and any home-office use. We go through your year line by line so nothing legitimate gets missed.

Do food truck owners need to pay quarterly estimated taxes?

If you expect to owe $1,000 or more for the year, the IRS generally wants quarterly estimated payments to avoid an underpayment penalty. We calculate them so next April isn't a surprise.

Do I have to report income if I didn't get a 1099?

Yes. Your income is taxable whether or not a client or platform sent a 1099. We report it correctly and offset it with every deduction you qualify for.

Taxes handled · so you can get back to work.

Tell us what you've got and we'll come back within one business day with the plan and the price · from a preparer who knows your line of work.

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