New 2002 IRS 'smallwares' rules
mean big savings for eateries
The IRS recently has announced an important change for restaurants and
taverns. Taxpayers will be able to deduct the cost of "smallwares"
in the year they are received and available for use. The new rules are
effective for tax years ending on or after Dec. 31, 2001.
Restaurants and taverns use many items in the preparation, service and
storage of food and beverages. Pots and pans, dishes and glassware are
common examples of these items, known as smallwares in the restaurant
industry. Generally, an "opening package" of smallwares is
purchased before a restaurant or tavern opens its doors to customers. The
package typically is purchased as one unit from the same vendor.
Replacement items are thereafter purchased on an ongoing basis.
Industry data show that the average cost of an opening package of
smallwares ranges from $10,000 to $50,000, and that smallwares have an
average useful life of slightly over one year.
There has been uncertainty as to whether the cost of smallware
replacements must be capitalized or may be currently deducted. The new
procedure allows a current deduction, clears up uncertainties and is easy
to administer.
Smallwares Defined
For purposes of this new expensing option, smallwares consist of a
surprisingly large group as follows:
- Glassware and paper or plastic cups;
- Flatware and plastic utensils;
- Dinnerware and paper or plastic plates;
- Pots and pans;
- Table top items, including items placed on customer tables, such as
salt and pepper shakers, ash trays, sugar caddies, tablecloths, menu
holders, vases and candleholders;
- Bar supplies, including mixing glasses, cutting boards, liquor
pourers, jiggers, storage bottles, wine and champagne stoppers, bar
caddies, wine coolers, decanters, slow pourers and malt shakers;
- Food preparation utensils and tools, including hand utensils, pastry
and grill brushes, skimmers, knives, kitchen shears, strainers,
colanders, shakers, measuring cups and spoons, thermometers, gloves,
goggles, timers, scales, shaker baskets, salad spinners, lettuce
crispers, sifters, mixing bowls, kitchen towels and kitchen staff
uniforms;
- Storage supplies, including food containers, flatware sorters, dish
containers and spice racks;
- Service items, including pepper mills, cheese graters, bread boards,
pitchers, coffee pots, storage racks, wait staff and self-serve trays,
soup and salad bar trays and containers, bus tubs, tray carts, booster
seats, and wait staff uniforms;
- Small appliances that cost $500 or less, including iced tea
dispensers, can openers, condiment pumps, individual food warmers,
heat lamps, slicers, glass washers, electric knife sharpeners,
blenders, juicers and nonindustrial mixers.
Exception
The new rules that permit this deduction are available for those
taxpayers that already operate one or more restaurants or taverns.
They do not apply to the first purchase of smallwares made by a
taxpayer. Those initial purchases by a taxpayer must be capitalized.
The new IRS procedures are a significant benefit to restaurants and
taverns. Contact your CPA if you have any questions or think these
rules might apply to your business.
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