What taxes will surprise me?

Self-employment tax (15.3%), quarterly estimated taxes, multi-jurisdiction sales tax, local meals or prepared food taxes, state unemployment insurance, federal unemployment tax (FUTA), excise tax on propane in some states, and personal property tax on the truck and equipment in many counties.

How do I file food truck taxes?

File federal income tax (Schedule C if LLC single-member, Form 1120-S if S-corp), quarterly estimated tax payments, state income tax where applicable, state sales tax monthly or quarterly, and federal payroll tax (Form 941) if you have employees. A CPA is cheaper than IRS penalties.

When should I take a salary?

Pay yourself a modest, consistent owner draw or salary from day one — even $500-$1,000/month — to instill discipline. Increase only when the business reliably covers all expenses plus the draw for 6 consecutive months. S-corp owners must pay reasonable W-2 salary per IRS rules.

Should I use a CPA from year one?

Yes. A CPA familiar with food service costs $1,500-$4,000/year for a small operation and saves multiples of that in correctly filed payroll taxes, sales tax, entity choice, depreciation, and audit defense. DIY is realistic only if you already have small-business tax experience.

Flavor Fleets

Self-employment tax (15.3%) — sole proprietors and single-member LLCs pay both halves of Social Security and Medicare on net earnings; $60,000 net profit = ~$9,180 separate from income tax. Quarterly estimated taxes — due April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15. Multi-jurisdiction sales tax — every city you operate in may owe its own filing. Local meals or prepared-food tax — many cities and counties layer 1-4% on top of state sales tax. State unemployment insurance (SUI) — quarterly with employees. FUTA — 6% on first $7,000 of each employee wages. Propane and motor fuel excise tax — some states tax propane separately. Personal property tax — many counties tax the truck and equipment annually as business personal property; assessments arrive once a year. A licensed CPA in your state should review your specific situation.