Resources

New Tax Benefits for Tipped Employees Announced

On September 2, 2025, the Treasury Department published a preliminary list of 68 occupations that qualify for the newly introduced "no tax on tips" deduction. This deduction, part of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" enacted on July 4, 2025, pertains to federal income taxes for the tax years 2025 through 2028. 

This deduction allows for up to $25,000 annually in eligible tips per individual. As a "below-the-line" deduction, it can be claimed by those opting for the standard deduction but does not influence the calculation of adjusted gross income (AGI).

Image 1

Below is the Treasury's preliminary list of eligible occupations:

Beverage & Food Service: 

  • Bartenders

  • Wait staff

  • Food servers, non-restaurant

  • Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers

  • Chefs and cooks

  • Food preparation workers

  • Fast Food and Counter Workers

  • Dishwashers

  • Host staff, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop

  • Bakers 

Entertainment and Events: 

  • Gambling dealers

  • Gambling change persons and booth cashiers

  • Gambling cage workers

  • Gambling and sports book writers and runners

  • Dancers

  • Musicians and singers

  • Disc jockeys (except radio)

  • Entertainers and performers

  • Digital content creators

  • Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers

  • Locker room, coatroom, and dressing room attendants 

Hospitality and Guest Services: 

  • Baggage porters and bellhops

  • Concierges

  • Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks

  • Maids and housekeeping cleaners

Image 3

Home Services 

  • Home maintenance and repair workers

  • Home landscaping and groundskeeping workers

  • Home electricians

  • Home plumbers

  • Home heating/air conditioning mechanics and installers

  • Home appliance installers and repairers

  • Home cleaning service workers

  • Locksmiths

  • Roadside assistance workers

Personal Services 

  • Personal care and service workers

  • Private event planners

  • Private event and portrait photographers

  • Private event videographers

  • Event officiants

  • Pet caretakers

  • Tutors

  • Nannies and babysitters

Personal Appearance and Wellness 

  • Skincare specialists

  • Massage therapists

  • Barbers, hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists

  • Shampooers

  • Manicurists and pedicurists

  • Eyebrow threading and waxing technicians

  • Makeup artists

  • Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors

  • Tattoo artists and piercers

  • Tailors

  • Shoe and leather workers and repairers

Image 2

Recreation and Instruction 

  • Golf caddies

  • Self-enrichment teachers

  • Recreational and tour pilots

  • Tour guides and escorts

  • Travel guides

  • Sports and recreation instructors

Transportation and Delivery: 

  • Parking and valet attendants

  • Taxi and rideshare drivers and chauffeurs

  • Shuttle drivers

  • Goods delivery people

  • Personal vehicle and equipment cleaners

  • Private and charter bus drivers

  • Water taxi operators and charter boat workers

  • Rickshaw, pedicab, and carriage drivers

  • Home movers 

The requirements for the OBBB tip exclusion offer temporary tax deductions for eligible tipped workers, available from 2025 through 2028. Taxpayers can leverage these deductions on their returns, subject to income limits. 

Eligibility Requirements: To qualify, workers must meet these criteria: 

  • Be a qualified tipped worker: Must work in a profession that has customarily received tips prior to 2025. Refer to the draft list for specifics.

  • Have qualified tips: Tips must be voluntarily paid by customers, including tips received in cash, via credit cards, or from tip-sharing agreements. Mandatory service charges do not qualify.

  • Properly report tips: Tips must be reported to the IRS on Form W-2 (for employees) or Form 1099 (for independent contractors).

  • File jointly if married: Married couples must file a joint return to claim the deduction.

  • Provide a Social Security Number (SSN): Claimants must include their SSN on their return. 

Deduction Limitations: Deductions are capped and phase out for high-income earners: 

  • Maximum Deduction: Ceiling of $25,000 annually.

  • Income Phase-out: Reduction begins for those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeding limits:

    • Single Filers: Phase-out starts for MAGI over $150,000.

    • Married Filing Jointly: Phase-out begins for MAGI over $300,000. 

Other Considerations:

  • Does not apply to payroll taxes: Tips may reduce taxable income for federal purposes but remain subject to Social Security, Medicare, or self-employment taxes for independent contractors.

  • Temporary provision: The measure is set to expire on December 31, 2028.

  • Not tax-free: While offering a deduction, it's not an exemption. Income from tips must still be reported, and then the deduction is applied.

  • State tax implications: Effect on state taxes varies by state law. 

In conclusion, understanding the specifics of tip deductions is crucial for maximizing tax savings for both employees and employers. By keeping informed on criteria for qualified tips and evaluating how various occupations fit this model, stakeholders can ensure compliance and optimize tax strategies. As tax legislation evolves, staying updated and seeking professional advice is imperative for effectively managing tip income deductions. For further inquiries or assistance, please contact our office.

Share this article...

NEVER MISS A STORY.

Sign up for our newsletters and get our articles delivered right to your inbox.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .

Social Media

Martinez & Shanken, PLLC

1560 W Warner Rd Suite 200
Gilbert, Arizona 85233
Martinez & Shanken PLLC We love to chat!
Feel free to use Ai Chat or Contact Us
Please fill out the form and our team will get back to you shortly The form was sent successfully