The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have released proposed regulations that define which occupations are eligible for the new “No Tax on Tips” deduction. These regulations clarify which jobs typically received tips before 2025, as well as outline what counts as “qualified tips” and other requirements taxpayers must meet to claim the deduction.
Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent commented on the importance of this measure: “I took my first job as a busboy when I was just nine-years old. I cleared tables at a local cafeteria and set up chairs and umbrellas at a beach nearby. And I depended on tips for a significant portion of my income. To this day, tens of millions of Americans depend on tips to feed their families, pay their rent, and make ends meet, said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. ‘Through forward-thinking policies like “No Tax on Tips”, the President is boosting paychecks for America’s working families. This is critical to our goal of achieving Parallel Prosperity by building an economy where Main Street and Wall Street grow together. All workers deserve an equal chance to pursue the American Dream.’”
The provision, established under OBBBA, permits employees and self-employed individuals to deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tip income per tax return each year. This deduction will be available for eligible taxpayers when they file their 2025 tax returns next year.
Taxpayers can benefit from this deduction whether they itemize deductions or take the standard deduction. However, eligibility phases out for those with incomes above $150,000 (or $300,000 for joint filers).