ROI Calculator: Showing Restaurants the Real Value of Restaurant Tax Credit s
Learn how to use the in-claim FICA estimate calculator to show restaurant owners exactly how much they can recover. Master the art of presenting numbers that close claims, with real examples of average recoveries ($40K+) and net amounts after fees.
Why Numbers Close Claims
Restaurant owners are numbers people. They understand profit margins, costs, and ROI. When you show them concrete dollar amounts they can recover (based on IRS Form 8846 calculations), it becomes real - not just a concept.
The Power of Visual Numbers
- "$40,000 recovered" (typical amount, varies by business) is more powerful than "significant tax savings"
- Showing net amount ($28,000) builds trust through transparency
- Real-time calculations make it tangible
- Numbers create urgency and excitement
Using the In-Claim Calculator
Access the calculator from any claim detail page:
- Navigate to the claim (
/claims/:slug) - Click "Calculate Estimate" or go to the estimate page
- Enter the restaurant's information:
- Years in business
- Number of tipped employees
- Estimated tip wages (if known)
- Click "Calculate" to see the estimated recovery
- Show the client the breakdown: gross credit, fees, and net amount
Presenting the Numbers
Sample Presentation
Estimated FICA Credit Recovery
$40,000
Total Fees (30%)
-$12,000
(15% rep + 10% ISO + 5% CPA)
Your Net Recovery
$28,000
Money in your pocket
Talking Points for Different Scenarios
Small Restaurant (5-10 employees)
Typical Recovery: $15,000 - $30,000
"Even smaller restaurants recover significant amounts. This could cover new equipment, renovations, or provide a cash cushion."
Medium Restaurant (10-20 employees)
Typical Recovery: $30,000 - $50,000
"This is the sweet spot. You're looking at recovering enough to make a real impact on your business - maybe expand, hire more staff, or pay down debt."
Large Restaurant (20+ employees)
Typical Recovery: $50,000+
"With your size, you're looking at a substantial recovery. This could fund major improvements or provide significant working capital."
Creating Urgency with Numbers
Time Value Messages
- "Every month you wait is another month you're not recovering this money."
- "The sooner we start, the sooner you get paid."
- "This is money you've already earned - you just need to claim it."
Handling "What If" Questions
"What if the amount is less?"
"The estimate is conservative. Even if it's 20% less, you're still recovering $22,400. That's significant money you wouldn't have otherwise."
"What if I don't qualify?"
"If you have tipped employees and have been in business 2+ years, you qualify. The only question is how much you'll recover. Let's find out together."
"What if it takes too long?"
"The process takes 4-8 weeks after documents are submitted. For $28,000, that's worth the wait. Plus, there's no upfront cost - you only pay when you get paid."
Closing with Numbers
Power Closing Statements
- "Based on these numbers, does this make sense for your business?"
- "$28,000 is a lot of money. What would you do with that?"
- "The only way to know for sure is to get started. Ready to begin?"
- "This is money you've already earned. Let's go get it."
Practice Makes Perfect
The more you use the calculator, the more comfortable you'll become presenting numbers:
- Practice with different scenarios (small, medium, large restaurants)
- Memorize key talking points for common recovery amounts
- Role-play presenting numbers with colleagues
- Track which presentations close claims and refine your approach
Sources & References
- • IRS Form 8846 Instructions - Credit for Employer Social Security and Medicare Taxes Paid on Certain Employee Tips
- • IRS Form 8846 - Credit for Employer Social Security and Medicare Taxes Paid on Certain Employee Tips
- • 26 U.S.C. § 45B - Credit for portion of employer social security taxes paid with respect to employee cash tips
- • IRS: Tips - Reporting and Withholding