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New Tax Deduction for Tipped Workers Announced

On September 2, 2025, the Treasury Department introduced a draft list featuring 68 professions eligible for a pioneering "no tax on tips" deduction. Part of the comprehensive "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," this provision, enacted on July 4, 2025, aims to ease federal income taxes from 2025 through the 2028 tax year. 

Individuals can claim deductions up to $25,000 in eligible tips annually. This is structured as a "below-the-line" deduction, favorable for those electing the standard deduction, but it does not factor into adjusted gross income (AGI).

Included in the Treasury’s draft are several industries:

Beverage & Food Service: 

  • Bartenders

  • Waitstaff

  • Chefs and cooks

  • Fast Food and Counter Workers

  • Host staff, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop

Entertainment and Events: 

  • Image 1

    Gambling dealers

  • Dancers, musicians, and singers

  • Digital content creators

Hospitality and Guest Services: 

  • Concierges

  • Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks

Home Services: 

  • Home maintenance and repair workers

  • Home appliance installers and repairers

Personal Services: 

  • Image 2

    Personal care and service workers

  • Pet caretakers

  • Tutors

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Qualified Tipped Worker: An employee or contractor eligible for the deduction should belong to an industry with regular tipping before 2025.

  • Qualified Tips: Tips must be voluntary customer payments, either in cash, credit, or tip-sharing arrangements. Mandatory service charges don't qualify.

  • Proper Reporting: All tips must be reported on IRS Form W-2 for employees or Form 1099 for contractors.

  • Joint Filing for Couples: Married individuals must file jointly to utilize the deduction.

  • SSN Requirement: A valid Social Security Number must accompany any deduction claim on tax returns.

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Deduction Limitations: 

  • Image 3

    Maximum Deduction: $25,000 annually.

  • Income Phase-Out: Single filers see a deduction reduction above $150,000 MAGI, while for joint filers, it starts above $300,000 MAGI.

Additional Considerations:

  • Payroll Tax Implications: Although income tax reduction is available, tips remain subject to Social Security, Medicare, or self-employment taxes.

  • Temporary Tax Benefit: This provision will expire on December 31, 2028.

  • State Income Tax Impact: The effects vary based on the state’s income tax laws.

Understanding these qualifications is vital for maximizing benefits and ensuring tax compliance. Staying informed of industry-specific requirements and legislative shifts helps both employees and employers optimize their strategies. For further assistance, feel free to contact our office.

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