Roanoke restaurants delinquent on meal taxes

Roanoke, Virginia – Roanoke City is owed money by about 50 establishments.

The city is losing money as a result of such establishments’ nonpayment of prepared food and beverage taxes.

According to Roanoke City Treasurer Tasha Burkett, “if we don’t collect them, we might have to raise taxes, which means taxing the good taxpayers, the ones who are doing what they’re supposed to and paying their bills, and they might have to pay more, and that’s not fair to them.”

Since restaurant owners may suffer repercussions if they fail to pay their taxes on time, the city is now working to inform and encourage them to do so.

You may recall the unexpected closure of the Local Roots restaurant this summer. Due to their failure to report their prepared food and beverage taxes, the owner is currently facing embezzlement accusations and other crimes, according to court documents.

For the previous owner of 2Chill and the original location of Inka Grill, the situation is comparable.

“We want to ensure that the funds previously paid by taxpayers are used for their intended purpose. We have no intention of harming anyone. We’re all here to help, and we’re not trying to make people’s circumstances worse,” Burkett added.

Burkett said they will work with business owners to ensure they don’t fall behind on the city’s 5.5% meal tax.

Nonetheless, instances are forwarded to the Commonwealth’s Attorney and charges may be brought if the taxes are still unpaid.

“We want to be able to continue supporting all of our services throughout the city, so we want the businesses to succeed,” Burkett stated.