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New Tip Deduction Eligible Occupations Announced

On September 2, 2025, the Treasury Department unveiled a preliminary list of 68 professions eligible for the innovative "No Tax on Tips" deduction. Enacted as part of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," passed on July 4, 2025, this deduction applies to federal income taxes from the 2025 through 2028 tax years. 

The deduction offers a significant tax relief of up to $25,000 per year for qualified tips. Classified as a “below-the-line” deduction, it benefits those opting for the standard deduction without affecting the computation of adjusted gross income (AGI).

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Here’s an overview of the Treasury’s draft list of eligible occupations:

Beverage & Food Service:

  • Bartenders
  • Wait staff
  • Non-restaurant food servers
  • Dining attendants and bartender helpers
  • Chefs and cooks
  • Food preparation workers
  • Fast food and counter workers
  • Dishwashers
  • Hosts at restaurants, lounges, and coffee shops
  • Bakers 
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Entertainment and Events:

  • Gambling dealers
  • Booth cashiers and gambling changers
  • Gambling cage workers
  • Gambling and sports book specialists
  • Dancers
  • Musicians and singers
  • Disc jockeys (excluding radio)
  • Entertainers and performers
  • Digital content creators
  • Theater ushers, lobby attendants and ticket takers
  • Locker room and coatroom attendants

Hospitality and Guest Services:

  • Baggage Porters and Bellhops
  • Concierges
  • Hotel desk clerks
  • Housekeeping

Home Services:

  • Home maintenance and repair workers
  • Landscapers
  • Home electricians and plumbers
  • HVAC technicians
  • Appliance repair workers
  • House cleaners
  • Locksmiths
  • Roadside assistance
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Personal Services:

  • Personal care workers
  • Event planners and photographers
  • Videographers
  • Event officiants
  • Pet caretakers
  • Tutors and nannies

Personal Appearance and Wellness:

  • Skincare specialists
  • Massage therapists
  • Cosmetologists and barbers
  • Manicurists and pedicurists
  • Makeup artists
  • Fitness instructors
  • Tattoo artists

Recreation and Instruction:

  • Golf caddies
  • Enrichment teachers
  • Pilots
  • Tour guides
  • Sports instructors

Transportation and Delivery:

  • Parking and valet attendants
  • Taxi drivers and chauffeurs
  • Shuttle drivers
  • Delivery personnel
  • Personal vehicle cleaners
  • Bus drivers
  • Boat workers
  • Rickshaw and pedicab drivers
  • Movers 

The criteria for the OBBB tip exclusion span temporary tax incentives for qualifying tipped professionals, applicable between 2025 and 2028. The deduction manifests on individual tax returns and includes income thresholds. 

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Recognized tipped worker: Professionals in tip-centric roles before 2025.
  • Verified tips: Voluntarily gifted by clients, inclusive of cash or card, and tip-sharing, yet excluding service fees.
  • Accurate tip reporting: IRS documentation via Form W-2 or Form 1099 is mandatory.
  • Joint filing mandate for spouses: Couples must file a joint return to benefit.
  • Social Security Number: Required for all deduction claims.

Deduction Caps:

  • Deduction ceiling: Atrributing up to $25,000 annually.
  • Income-based phase-out: Adjustments commence post-MAGI of $150,000 for single filers and $300,000 for married couples.

Additional Notes:

  • Excludes payroll tax: Deductible only from income, not for Social Security or Medicare assessments.
  • Temporary status: Deduction sunsets post-December 31, 2028.
  • Not exempt from tax: Income reporting remains imperative, with deduction yielding net amounts.
  • State tax considerations: State tax impacts depend on specific state codes. 

Understanding eligible occupations for tip deductions is paramount for employees and businesses aiming to optimize their tax strategy. Maintaining awareness of criteria that define eligible tips and understanding occupational qualifications empower taxpayers to adhere to compliance while leveraging tax efficiencies. Staying abreast of tax law changes is crucial, and seeking expert advice ensures strategic management of tip income and deductions.

For further inquiries and personalized assistance, reach out to our office.

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