Winner Of The 2025 AICTP Certified Tax Coach of the Year

Learning Center
We keep you up to date on the latest tax changes and news in the industry.

Detailed Breakdown of the New Tip Deduction

On September 2, 2025, the U.S. Treasury unveiled a preliminary list of 68 professions eligible for the novel "no tax on tips" deduction. This deduction forms part of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," enacted on July 4, 2025, and is applicable to federal income taxes from the tax years 2025 through 2028. 

Image 1

The deduction offers a maximum of $25,000 in qualifying tips per individual, annually, categorized as a “below-the-line” deduction. This ensures availability to those utilizing the standard deduction without affecting the computation of adjusted gross income (AGI).

Below is the Treasury's draft list of eligible occupations, providing expansive scope across several sectors: 

Beverage & Food Service: 

  • Bartenders

  • Wait staff

  • Food servers, non-restaurant

  • Dining room and cafeteria attendants

  • 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

  • Gambling cage workers

  • Gambling and sports book writers

  • Dancers

  • Musicians and singers

  • Disc jockeys (except 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

  • Maids and housekeeping cleaners

Image 3

Home Services: 

  • Home maintenance and repair workers

  • Home landscaping workers

  • Home electricians

  • Home plumbers

  • Home HVAC mechanics

  • Home appliance repairers

  • Home cleaning service workers

  • Locksmiths

  • Roadside assistance workers

Personal Services: 

  • Personal care workers

  • Private event planners

  • Private event photographers

  • Private event videographers

  • Event officiants

  • Pet caretakers

  • Tutors

  • Nannies and babysitters

Image 2

Personal Appearance and Wellness: 

  • Skincare specialists

  • Massage therapists

  • Barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists

  • Shampooers

  • Manicurists and pedicurists

  • Eyebrow threading technicians

  • Makeup artists

  • Exercise trainers

  • Tattoo artists and piercers

  • Tailors

  • Shoe and leather workers

Recreation and Instruction: 

  • Golf caddies

  • Self-enrichment teachers

  • Recreational pilots

  • Tour guides

  • Sports instructors

Transportation and Delivery: 

  • Parking attendants

  • Taxi and rideshare drivers

  • Shuttle drivers

  • Goods delivery personnel

  • Vehicle cleaners

  • Bus drivers

  • Boat operators

  • Rickshaw drivers

  • Home movers 

Requirements for the OBBB tip exclusion comprise a set of temporary tax deductions for eligible tipped workers, extending from 2025 to 2028. The deduction can be claimed on an individual tax return with certain income limitations. 

Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for the deduction, workers must meet the following criteria: 

  • Qualified tipped worker: Must work in an occupation traditionally receiving tips prior to 2025. A full list of qualifying occupations is provided.

  • Qualified tips: Tips must be voluntary and include cash, credit card tips, or those from tip-sharing arrangements. Mandated service charges are excluded.

  • Proper tip reporting: Tips must be reported to the IRS via Form W-2 or Form 1099.

  • Filing status if married: Couples must file jointly to claim the deduction.

  • Social Security Number (SSN): A valid SSN must be included in the tax return. 

Deduction Limitations: The deduction is capped and phases out for high-earners: 

  • Maximum deduction: An annual cap of $25,000 exists.

  • Income phase-out: Reduction commences at these thresholds:

    • Single filers: Phases out for MAGI over $150,000.

    • Married filing jointly: Reduction begins for MAGI exceeding $300,000. 

Additional Considerations:

  • Excludes payroll taxes: Tips remain subject to Social Security, Medicare, or self-employment taxes.

  • Temporary provision: Deduction is valid through December 31, 2028.

  • Not a tax exemption: Total tip income must be reported and is then reduced by the deduction.

  • State taxes: Impacts vary depending on state tax laws. 

Comprehending which roles qualify for these deductions is crucial for maximizing tax efficiency. Staying updated on changes is essential to navigating tip income and deduction landscapes effectively. For questions and professional assistance, feel free to contact our office.

Incorporating insights and strategies honed over 35 years, Chris Conway at Ember Coaching & Financial Services stands ready to assist purpose-driven entrepreneurs align their business with their goals. Reach out to our offices in Breckenridge, CO, and Destin, FL, for personalized guidance in navigating the intricacies of tax reforms.

Share this article...

Want tax & accounting tips and insights?

Sign up for our newsletter.

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 .
Ember Coaching & Financial Services We want to help you, ask us questions
Feel free to use our Ai Powered Chat Assistant or click the contact button to reach us directly
Please fill out the form and our team will get back to you shortly The form was sent successfully