Bookkeeping & Tax Planning for Auto Repair Shops

Auto repair shops manage complex parts inventory, labor rates, and warranty work. We deliver proactive accounting and tax strategy built for the automotive service industry.

Auto repair shops juggle parts inventory, labor efficiency, and warranty claims. We help you track every repair order, optimize pricing, and plan taxes proactively.

Quick Fit Check

Annual revenue $1–8 M
3+ years in business with steady customer base
Operates independent shop, franchise, or specialty service center
Manages parts inventory and multiple technicians

Why Auto Repair Shops Choose HavenStone

Parts inventory management with cost tracking and markup optimization
Labor rate and efficiency analysis by technician
Warranty and comeback work cost tracking
Equipment and tool depreciation strategy
Quarterly tax planning for service-based businesses

Core Services

Monthly bookkeeping with repair order profitability
Parts inventory and cost management
Labor efficiency and technician performance tracking
Equipment purchase and depreciation planning
Tax preparation & proactive strategy

Industry-Specific Expertise

We understand the unique challenges of auto repair businesses:

Parts inventory management balancing stock levels with cash flow
Labor rate optimization across different service types
Warranty work tracking to understand true costs
Technician productivity and flat-rate vs. actual time analysis
Equipment and diagnostic tool depreciation strategies
Specialty services (diagnostics, performance, restoration) profitability
Customer retention and repeat business metrics

Common Mistakes We Fix

Poor parts inventory tracking—cash tied up or shortages
Not separating parts markup from labor—unclear margins
Warranty work costs not properly tracked—hidden losses
Missing equipment and tool depreciation opportunities
Inconsistent labor rate application—revenue leaks

FAQ

Can you help with parts inventory management? Yes—we implement systems to track inventory levels, costs, and turns to optimize cash flow and prevent stockouts.

Do you track profitability by service type? Absolutely—we separate maintenance, repairs, diagnostics, and specialty work to show which services drive profit.

What about warranty and comeback work tracking? We track warranty claims and comeback costs separately to understand their impact on profitability.

Can you help optimize labor rates and technician efficiency? Yes—we analyze flat-rate vs. actual time and technician productivity to help you optimize pricing and scheduling.

How do you handle equipment and diagnostic tool depreciation? We plan Section 179 and bonus depreciation timing for lifts, diagnostic equipment, and tools to maximize tax benefits.