As a restaurant owner in the Philippines, understanding the tax obligations you face is crucial to running your business successfully and avoiding penalties. Taxes are a part of every business, but navigating through the various types can be tricky. In this guide, we will break down the essential information on small business taxes and provide helpful tips to make the process easier.
Plus, we’ll share how listing your restaurant with foodpanda can help you grow your customer base, bringing more attention to your business and giving you more time to focus on what you do best.

The Importance of Small Business Tax for Restaurants
Paying taxes is a legal responsibility for all businesses, including restaurants. Taxes are essential to maintain public infrastructure, fund services, and contribute to the country’s economy. The good news is that there are various ways to manage and minimize your tax obligations, which we’ll explore in this blog.
Types of Taxes for Small Restaurants in the Philippines
As a small business owner, understanding the different taxes you may need to pay is vital. Here are the key types of taxes that apply to most restaurants:
> Income Tax: Depending on the structure of your business, you’ll pay income tax based on your profits. Sole proprietors can expect to pay between 5% to 32% based on their taxable income, while corporations face a standard 25% tax rate.
> Percentage Tax: If your restaurant’s gross sales or receipts are below PHP 1,919,500, you may be subject to the 3% percentage tax on gross sales instead of VAT.
> Value-Added Tax (VAT): For restaurants with annual gross sales exceeding PHP 3 million, VAT at a rate of 12% will apply to your transactions.
> Withholding Taxes: These are taxes withheld on salaries or payments to contractors and suppliers. It’s essential to ensure accurate withholding for your staff and any services you purchase.
> Local Business Taxes: Your local government may require additional taxes, such as fees for business permits or property taxes, depending on your restaurant’s location.
How to Save on Tax for Your Restaurant
There are several ways you can minimize your tax liabilities as a small business owner in the Philippines:
> Utilize Tax Deductions: Ensure you’re taking advantage of tax deductions available for businesses. For example, you can deduct operating expenses such as rent, utilities, and equipment costs from your taxable income.
>Depreciation Allowances: You can claim depreciation on assets such as kitchen equipment, furniture, and appliances. This reduces your taxable income, potentially lowering your tax liability.
> Charity and Sustainability Incentives: Businesses involved in charitable activities or sustainability initiatives may qualify for tax exemptions or incentives, further reducing the amount you owe.
Tax Exemptions and Incentives for Restaurants in the Philippines
Restaurants may be eligible for certain tax exemptions or incentives designed to encourage growth. For example, micro businesses with gross sales under PHP 3 million are exempt from income tax. Additionally, the government offers various incentives for businesses that engage in charitable causes or environmental sustainability efforts, providing even more opportunities to save.

Why Listing with foodpanda is a Smart Move for Restaurant Owners
As a restaurant owner, you likely want to increase your customer base while keeping operational costs in check. One of the most effective ways to do this is by listing your business with foodpanda. Here’s how foodpanda can help:
>Expanded Reach: foodpanda is one of the leading food delivery platforms, meaning your restaurant can be exposed to a larger audience, including customers who may not have discovered your business otherwise.
>Increased Orders: With more customers discovering your restaurant through the platform, you can expect more orders and increased revenue without additional marketing costs.
>Customer Insights: Through foodpanda’s restaurant portal, you gain valuable insights into customer behavior, allowing you to make informed decisions about your offerings, pricing, and promotions.
>Convenient Management: Managing your orders, tracking sales, and maintaining your menu is simple with foodpanda’s easy-to-use platform, allowing you to focus more on running your restaurant and less on administrative tasks.
Managing your small business taxes as a restaurant owner in the Philippines may seem overwhelming, but with proper planning and understanding of the available tax incentives, deductions, and exemptions, you can simplify the process. Additionally, partnering with foodpanda can help your restaurant gain more customers, reduce marketing costs, and boost your sales, ultimately making your tax management more manageable.
Consider listing with foodpanda today to take your restaurant’s business to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1/ What are the benefits of small business tax deductions for restaurants in the Philippines?
Tax deductions can lower your taxable income, reducing the amount you owe. This includes deductions for operational costs, depreciation on assets, and charitable contributions.
2/ How can I save on tax for my restaurant in the Philippines?
You can save by utilizing available deductions, claiming depreciation on equipment, and taking advantage of tax exemptions for certain business activities like charity work or sustainability initiatives.
3/ What receipts should I save if I run a restaurant in the Philippines?
Keep receipts for all business-related expenses, including supplies, utilities, equipment, rent, and employee salaries. These will be crucial for filing taxes and claiming deductions.
4/ Can listing my restaurant on foodpanda help me save on taxes?
While listing your restaurant with foodpanda doesn’t directly reduce your tax liability, it can help you increase revenue, which may allow you to invest more in business growth and tax-saving opportunities.
5/ How can I track my restaurant’s financial performance on foodpanda?
The foodpanda restaurant portal provides detailed reports on sales, customer preferences, and performance, helping you make better financial and operational decisions.