Discover Which Jobs Qualify for the New Tip Deduction

On September 2, 2025, the Treasury Department released a preliminary list of 68 job roles now eligible for the innovative "no tax on tips" deduction introduced under the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" enacted on July 4, 2025. This provision impacts federal income taxes for the fiscal years 2025 through 2028. 

The deduction permits up to $25,000 annually in qualified tip earnings per individual, structured as a “below-the-line” deduction. This means it is accessible to those opting for the standard deduction but doesn't affect the calculation of adjusted gross income (AGI).

Below is the Treasury’s enumerated draft of qualifying professions:

Beverage & Food Service

  • Bartenders

  • Wait staff

  • Non-restaurant food servers

  • Dining room attendants and bartender helpers

  • Chefs and cooks

  • Food preparation workers

  • Fast food workers

  • Dishwashers

  • Restaurant hosts

  • Bakers 

Entertainment and Events

  • Gambling dealers

  • Gambling booth cashiers

  • Gambling cage workers

  • Sports book writers and runners

  • Dancers

  • Musicians and singers

  • Disc jockeys (not radio)

  • Entertainers and performers

  • Digital content creatorsImage 1

  • Ushers and lobby attendants

  • Coatroom and dressing room attendants 

Hospitality and Guest Services

  • Baggage porters

  • Concierges

  • Hotel desk clerks

  • Housekeeping cleaners

Image 2Home Services 

  • Home maintenance workers

  • Landscaping workers

  • Electricians

  • Plumbers

  • HVAC mechanics

  • Appliance repairers

  • Cleaning service workers

  • Locksmiths

  • Roadside assistance workers

Image 3Personal Services 

  • Personal care workers

  • Event planners

  • Photographers and videographers

  • Event officiants

  • Pet caretakers

  • Tutors

  • Nannies and babysitters

Personal Appearance and Wellness 

  • Skincare specialists

  • Massage therapists

  • Hairdressers

  • Shampooers

  • Manicurists

  • Waxing technicians

  • Makeup artists

  • Fitness instructors

  • Tattoo artists

  • Tailors

  • Shoe repairers

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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 drivers

  • Shuttle bus drivers

  • Delivery personnel

  • Vehicle cleaners

  • Charter bus drivers

  • Water taxi operators

  • Rickshaw drivers

  • Home movers 

The stipulations for the OBBB tip exclusion encompass a limited-time tax deduction available for eligible tipped workers from 2025 through 2028. This deduction applies to individual tax returns, subject to earnings restrictions.

Eligibility Requirements: To benefit from the deduction, an individual must adhere to the following: 

  • Be a qualified tipped worker: Must be engaged in a tipping occupation traditionally receiving tips prior to 2025, per the draft occupation list.

  • Receive qualifying tips: Tips need to be client-provided voluntarily, including cash, credit tips, or shared tips, excluding service charges.

  • Report tips correctly: Tips should be reported on Form W-2 or Form 1099 based on employment type.

  • File jointly if married: Married individuals must file jointly to claim the deduction.

  • Include Social Security Number (SSN): SSN is mandated on tax returns for claiming the deduction. 

Deduction Limitations: This deduction features maximum limits and decreases for higher income brackets: 

  • Maximum deduction: Set at $25,000 annually.

  • Income phase-out: The deduction reduces for income over specified thresholds:

    • Single filers: Phase-out starts with a MAGI above $150,000.

    • Married filing jointly: Phase-out initiates with a MAGI above $300,000. 

Additional Considerations:

  • No impact on payroll taxes: While tips reduce income for federal tax purposes, they remain subject to Social Security, Medicare, or self-employment taxes.

  • Temporary provision: This tip deduction is temporary, ceasing on December 31, 2028.

  • Not tax-free: It serves as a deduction, thus tips must still be declared as income before applying the deduction.

  • State tax effects: State income tax impact varies based on local laws. 

In summary, being knowledgeable about which jobs are eligible for tip deductions is crucial for maximizing tax perks. Understanding the rules governing qualified tips and their association with various professions helps ensure compliance and efficient tax planning. As tax regulations evolve, staying abreast of legislative updates and professional advice is indispensable for effectively managing tip income and deductions.

Contact our office for inquiries or assistance regarding these changes.

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