⚠ F&B Businesses Miss Key Deductions
Most restaurants leave money on the table through missed leasehold improvement allowances, incorrect treatment of liquor licence costs, and failure to claim all qualifying staff expenses including mandatory provident fund contributions and uniforms.
Common Challenges
Leasehold Improvement Write-Offs
Restaurant fit-outs are major capital expenditure. The treatment between s.16C renovation allowances and plant & machinery allowances significantly impacts current-year tax.
⚠ Risk: Missed allowances → overpayment for years
Tips & Service Charge Reporting
Mandatory tip pool and service charge distributions must be reported on IR56B. Many restaurants handle this incorrectly.
⚠ Risk: Incorrect reporting → employer penalties
Liquor Licence & Permit Costs
Annual liquor licence fees, permit renewal costs, and regulatory compliance expenses require careful deduction classification.
⚠ Risk: Capitalised incorrectly → deduction delayed
Delivery Platform Commissions
Foodpanda, Deliveroo, and other delivery platform commissions are deductible but must be correctly matched to the gross revenue reported.
⚠ Risk: Net reporting → understated revenue and deductions
Who Is This For?
Full-service restaurants
Cantonese, Western, Japanese, and international cuisine restaurants.
Quick service & fast food
Takeaway, fast food, and quick service restaurant operators.
Bars & licensed establishments
Wine bars, cocktail bars, and licensed F&B venues.
Catering & event F&B
Corporate catering, wedding catering, and event food service companies.
What We Do
Restaurant Profits Tax Return
Complete BIR51 preparation with all F&B-specific deductions including food costs, beverage costs, and royalty fees.
Franchise royalty and brand fee treatment included
Fit-Out Allowance Optimisation
Classify restaurant fit-out expenditure to maximise current-year deductions through capital allowances and s.16C write-offs.
Equipment, furniture, and leasehold improvement analysis
Food Cost & Inventory Review
Ensure your cost of goods sold and inventory valuation is IRD-compliant and optimised for tax purposes.
FIFO/weighted average method review
Staff & Tips Compliance
Correct employer reporting for all staff compensation including tips, service charges, meals, and uniforms.
IR56B preparation and employee tax guidance
How It Works
Business Review
1-2 daysReview of your restaurant operations, revenue mix, supplier invoices, and lease agreements.
Deduction Discovery
2-3 daysSystematic identification of all qualifying deductions specific to your F&B operation.
Return Filing
3-5 daysAccurate preparation and filing of profits tax return with supporting schedules.
Tax Planning
OngoingProvisional tax management and forward planning for upcoming year tax position.
Case Studies
Casual dining chain — 3 locations, HK Island
- •Annual revenue HKD 15M across 3 outlets
- •Fit-out allowances backdated 3 years
- •Franchise royalty structure reviewed
- •Staff tip reporting corrected
“We'd been over-paying for three years. The fee paid for itself many times over.”
Japanese restaurant — Tsim Sha Tsui
- •Annual turnover HKD 6.2M
- •Kitchen equipment allowances maximised
- •Food delivery revenue properly structured
- •Chef housing allowance reviewed
“Professional, thorough, and they understand the restaurant business.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deduct the cost of staff meals provided free of charge?
Yes, food provided to staff as part of their employment conditions is generally a deductible business expense. However, the value of meals provided may also need to be reported as a taxable benefit to employees on IR56B, depending on the arrangement and whether the meals are provided at cost.
How are franchise royalties treated for tax in a restaurant?
Franchise royalties paid to a licensor are generally deductible as a business expense under s.16(1) of the IRO, provided they are incurred in the production of assessable profits. If paid to a non-resident, withholding tax considerations may arise under s.20B. Proper documentation of the franchise agreement is essential.
What capital allowances can a restaurant claim on fit-out costs?
Restaurants can claim: (1) Initial and annual allowances on plant & machinery (kitchen equipment, POS systems, refrigerators) — typically 60% initial + 10-30% annual on reducing balance; (2) S.16C renovation allowances at 20% per year over 5 years for structural renovation costs; (3) Commercial building allowances at 4% per year on the building shell if owned.
Are food delivery platform commissions tax-deductible?
Yes. Commissions paid to Foodpanda, Deliveroo, OpenRice, and similar platforms are deductible trade expenses. The correct approach is to report gross delivery revenue as income and deduct the commission as an expense, rather than netting off. This ensures accurate profit calculation and avoids understating turnover.
How does the two-tiered profits tax rate benefit small restaurants?
For a company, the first HKD 2 million of assessable profits is taxed at 8.25% (half the standard 16.5% rate), with the remainder at 16.5%. For unincorporated businesses (sole proprietors/partnerships), it's 7.5% on the first HKD 2M, then 15%. This can save up to HKD 165,000 per year for qualifying restaurants.
Do I need to charge GST or VAT on restaurant bills in Hong Kong?
No. Hong Kong has no GST, VAT, or sales tax. Restaurant bills are not subject to any consumption tax. This is a significant competitive advantage for HK F&B operators compared to neighbouring jurisdictions.
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