Cannabis Accounting

Specialized Accounting & Tax Solutions for Licensed Cannabis Businesses

The cannabis industry operates under complex regulatory, tax, and financial constraints that require more than traditional accounting. Colella CPA provides specialized cannabis accounting services designed to help licensed operators remain compliant, maximize profitability, and navigate evolving federal and state regulations. 

We work with dispensaries, cultivators, processors, delivery services, and vertically integrated cannabis businesses across New York and the Tri-State area. 

Why Cannabis Businesses Need Specialized Accounting

Cannabis is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the United States. From IRS Section 280E limitations to state licensing requirements and cash-intensive operations, financial management must be precise and strategic. 

Without proper accounting: 

Our CPA-led approach ensures your business structure, reporting systems, and tax strategy are built correctly from day one. 

Our Cannabis Accounting Services

Here are six key services included in our cannabis accounting service offering:   

280E Tax Planning & Compliance

We help structure your operations to legally optimize cost of goods sold (COGS) while minimizing the impact of IRC Section 280E. Strategic allocation and documentation are critical — and we ensure accuracy at every level.

Bookkeeping & Financial Reporting

Accurate, audit-ready books designed specifically for cannabis operators:
  • Inventory accounting
  • Cost tracking
  • Cash management controls
  • Monthly financial statements
  • KPI monitoring

Entity Structuring & S-Corp Advisory

Proper entity formation can significantly affect tax exposure. We guide cannabis entrepreneurs on optimal structuring while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

Sales Tax & Excise Tax Compliance

New York cannabis tax rules are evolving. We manage:
  • State excise tax calculations
  • Sales tax reporting
  • Multi-location compliance
  • Filing accuracy and deadlines

Cash Flow & Profitability Planning

Cannabis businesses face banking restrictions and high operational costs. We develop practical financial strategies to:
  • Improve liquidity
  • Monitor margins
  • Forecast growth
  • Support investor reporting

Licensing & Regulatory Financial Support

We assist with:
  • Financial documentation for license applications
  • Capital planning for expansion
  • Ongoing compliance reporting

Why Cannabis Businesses Need Specialized Accounting

Cannabis is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the United States. From IRS Section 280E limitations to state licensing requirements and cash-intensive operations, financial management must be precise and strategic. 

Without proper accounting: 

Deductions may be disallowed
280E tax liabilities may increase unnecessarily
Inventory tracking errors can trigger compliance issues
Cash flow instability can limit growth
Licensing renewals can be jeopardized

Our CPA-led approach ensures your business structure, reporting systems, and tax strategy are built correctly from day one. 

Who We Serve

Dispensaries
Cultivators & Growers
Cannabis Processors
Delivery & Distribution Operators
Multi-State Operators (MSOs)
Cannabis Startups Seeking Licensing

Whether you are launching your first dispensary or scaling operations, we provide proactive financial leadership tailored to your business model. 

The Colella CPA Advantage in Cannabis Accounting

We do not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Every cannabis business has a unique cost structure and compliance profile, and we build accounting systems accordingly.