Tax Years 2025–2028
No Tax on Tips
This is also a temporary federal income tax deduction rather than making all tip income completely tax-free.
Important
Tip income still needs to be properly reported and documented. The deduction reduces taxable income within limits — it does not remove the reporting obligation.
Key details
- Maximum deduction
- Eligible taxpayers may deduct up to $25,000 of qualified tips.
- Who it covers
- It applies to qualifying tipped occupations.
- What counts as a qualified tip
- Qualified tips generally must be voluntary, and may include cash, charged tips, and qualifying tip-sharing arrangements.
- Service charges are different
- Mandatory service charges are not treated the same as voluntary tips.
- Income phase-out
- The deduction begins phasing out above $150,000 MAGI, or $300,000 for married filing jointly.
- Filing status
- Married taxpayers generally must file jointly to claim the deduction.
- Reporting still required
- Tip income still needs to be properly reported and documented.
What to save or bring to your appointment
- Your W-2 from each employer
- Your own tip records or daily tip log
- Any employer reporting of charged tips and tip-sharing arrangements
- Records that separate voluntary tips from mandatory service charges
Download the document checklist (PDF) →
Official IRS information
This page is general educational information and is not tax advice for your particular situation. These rules carry additional eligibility and reporting requirements. See the official IRS information linked above, or contact Borinken Tax to talk through your circumstances.
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Every situation is different. Borinken Tax can review your circumstances and explain what actually applies to you — in English or Spanish.