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New Tax Deduction for Tipped Occupations Announced

On September 2, 2025, the Treasury Department unveiled a preliminary list of 68 eligible professions for the newly introduced "no tax on tips" deduction. Instituted under the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," passed on July 4, 2025, this deduction offers federal income tax relief for the tax periods spanning 2025 to 2028.

The deduction is capped at a maximum of $25,000 for eligible tips per individual, annually. Structured as a "below-the-line" deduction, it can be claimed alongside the standard deduction, without affecting the calculation of adjusted gross income (AGI).

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Listed below is the draft outlined by the Treasury for qualifying occupations:

Beverage & Food Service:

  • Bartenders
  • Wait staff
  • Non-restaurant food servers
  • Dining room attendants and bartender helpers
  • Chefs and cooks
  • Food preparation workers
  • Fast food and counter workers
  • Dishwashers
  • Host staff in restaurants and lounges
  • Bakers

Entertainment and Events:

  • Gambling dealers
  • Gambling change persons and booth cashiers
  • Gambling cage workers
  • Sports book writers and runners
  • Dancers
  • Musicians and singers
  • Disc jockeys (non-radio)
  • Entertainers and performers
  • Digital content creators
  • Ushers and ticket takers
  • Locker room attendants

Hospitality and Guest Services:

  • Baggage porters and bellhops
  • Concierges
  • Hotel desk clerks
  • Housekeeping cleaners
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Home Services:

  • Home maintenance and repair workers
  • Home landscaping workers
  • Home electricians
  • Home plumbers
  • Heating/air conditioning mechanics
  • Appliance installers and repairers
  • Home cleaning service workers
  • Locksmiths
  • Roadside assistance workers

Personal Services:

  • Personal care workers
  • Private event planners
  • Photographers and videographers for private events
  • Event officiants
  • Pet caretakers
  • Tutors
  • Nannies and babysitters

Personal Appearance and Wellness:

  • Skincare specialists
  • Massage therapists
  • Barbers and cosmetologists
  • Shampooers
  • Manicurists and pedicurists
  • Eyebrow technicians
  • Makeup artists
  • Fitness instructors
  • Tattoo artists and piercers
  • Tailors
  • Shoe and leather workers

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Recreation and Instruction:

  • Golf caddies
  • Self-enrichment teachers
  • Recreational pilots
  • Tour guides
  • Travel guides
  • Sports instructors

Transportation and Delivery:

  • Valet attendants
  • Taxi and rideshare drivers
  • Shuttle drivers
  • Goods delivery people
  • Vehicle cleaners
  • Private bus drivers
  • Water taxi operators
  • Rickshaw drivers
  • Home movers

To qualify for the OBBB tip exclusion deduction, workers must adhere to criteria for tax years between 2025 and 2028. This deduction must be claimed on individual tax returns, subject to income limitations.

Eligibility Requirements: The worker must:

  • Be a qualified tipped worker: Engage in an occupation that regularly received tips before 2025, as per the draft list.
  • Have qualified tips: Tips must be voluntary, including cash or credit transactions, excluding mandatory service charges.
  • Properly report tips: Tips must be declared on IRS Form W-2 or Form 1099.
  • File jointly if married: Married couples must file jointly to claim.
  • Provide an SSN: The deduction claim must include a Social Security Number.

Deduction Limitations: Maximum annual deduction is $25,000 with phase-outs for high earners:

  • Single filers: Phase-out starts at $150,000 MAGI.
  • Married filing jointly: Phase-out begins at $300,000 MAGI.

Additional Considerations:

  • Does not apply to payroll taxes: While federal tax deductible, tips are liable for Social Security and Medicare.
  • Temporary provision: The deduction will expire on December 31, 2028.
  • Not tax-free: This is a deduction, not an exemption; tip income must still be reported.
  • State tax implications: Effects vary based on state tax regulations.

In summary, comprehending the eligibility for tip deductions can significantly enhance tax efficiency for employees and employers alike. Staying informed about the specific definitions of qualifying tips, and how different roles qualify, can streamline compliance and improve tax planning. Tax laws are ever-evolving, necessitating vigilant updates and expert advice to effectively manage tip income and deduction mechanisms. For further inquiries or assistance, please contact our office.

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