Aug 26, 2025

New Federal Tax Break for Tipped Workers

A new federal law may allow millions of tipped workers to keep more of their earnings starting in 2025. Read through to find out who qualifies, how much could be saved and what to watch for.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act allows certain employees to deduct a portion of their reported tip income from federal income tax.

The law provides an above-the-line deduction of up to $25,000 in reported tip income. An above-the-line deduction reduces taxable income before calculating adjusted gross income, and it can be claimed even if the standard deduction is taken.

The tip deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $150,000 ($300,000 for joint filers) and is scheduled to expire after 2028. The deduction applies only to occupations classified by the IRS as "customarily and regularly receiving tips." The IRS will publish that list by Oct. 2, 2025.

To be eligible, employees must report tips of $20 or more in a month to their employer, and those who are self-employed must report them on their own tax return. Qualified tips include voluntary cash, charged tips or app tips from customers as well as tips received through tip sharing.

Estimates suggest that eligible workers could see an increase in average take-home pay of $1,675 per year. Waiters, bartenders and hairdressers are likely to qualify.

However, not all tipped workers will benefit. The Yale Budget Lab, a nonpartisan policy research center, estimates that more than one-third of tipped workers already pay no federal income tax because of low pay. Additionally, many workers — such as cooks, dishwashers and other back-of-house staff — typically do not receive tips and are therefore ineligible.

Important limits

The deduction does not eliminate all taxes on tips. State and local income taxes still apply, as do payroll taxes for Social Security and Medicare. Noncash tips remain taxable and are not covered under the new deduction. Employers must include tips — including cash tips — in paycheck calculations and withhold the required taxes.

Employers and other payers must file information returns with the IRS showing the amount of qualified cash tips and the occupation of the recipient.

The IRS will provide transition relief for tax year 2025 for both taxpayers claiming the deduction and employers or payers meeting the new reporting rules.

The law also expands an existing tax credit for certain businesses, such as restaurants, allowing them to claim credits for payroll taxes paid on tips.

Because the rules are new, there may be confusion over eligibility and reporting. It is advisable to consult a qualified tax professional to understand the requirements.

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