Accounting for Gift Cards: A Simple Guide for Restaurant Owners

Running a restaurant is tough—tracking gift card liabilities shouldn’t be. In this practical blog post, we break down how restaurant owners can accurately account for gift card sales and redemptions without getting lost in complex accounting jargon. Whether you’re issuing digital or physical cards, the guide explains how to treat unredeemed balances, avoid common bookkeeping mistakes, and stay compliant with tax regulations. 

You’ll also learn the differences between recognizing revenue at the point of sale versus redemption, how to manage breakage (unused card value), and why clear tracking is crucial for financial reporting. The blog is written in plain language, making it ideal for restaurateurs without an accounting background. 

If you're a restaurant owner, manager, or bookkeeper looking for a simple, reliable way to handle gift card accounting, this guide will save you time and headaches. It's not just about staying compliant—it’s about having accurate numbers you can trust.

Read now: Accounting for Gift Cards – A Simple Guide for Restaurant Owners