What You Need to Know About the “No Tax on Tips” Provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
A New Dawn for Tipped Workers
Earlier this summer, service workers across the nation received welcome news: the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has ushered in a widely anticipated tax relief measure—the “No Tax on Tips” provision.
Signed into law on July 4, 2025, by President Donald Trump, OBBBA rolls back trillions in expiring tax cuts and introduces targeted deductions—including a powerful break aimed specifically at tipped workers.
What’s in It for Tipped Workers?
Under the new law, eligible service workers can deduct up to $25,000 of their cash tip income from federal taxable income—starting with earnings in 2025 (tax returns filed in 2026).
To qualify, a worker must:
- Earn cash tips (note: digital tips like credit card or app-based ones are still taxable)
- Make under $150,000 individually or $300,000 jointly, with deductions phasing out above those thresholds
The IRS and Treasury have released a preliminary list of 68 occupations eligible for this deduction—spanning traditional service roles like waitstaff and bartenders, as well as unexpected ones like podcasters, influencers, wedding planners, electricians, and gaming workers.
What Jury Is Still Out: Real Impact and Criticism
While the law has generous intent, its real-world impact is mixed:
- Modest savings for many: According to the Tax Policy Center, only about 40% of tipped worker households will benefit, with average annual savings around $1,800. A significant share of tipped workers already owe little income tax, reducing the law’s effect.
- Cuts elsewhere may undermine gains: Reported reductions in SNAP and Medicaid benefits totaling over $1 trillion could offset any tax savings for low-income workers.
- Populism over policy? Critics argue that the law preferentially benefits certain workers and may encourage a shift toward unstable, tip-based compensation. It also risks weakening the broader tax base.
- Financial cost concerns: Analysts at Yale’s Budget Lab and the Joint Committee on Taxation estimate a $32–$40 billion cost over 10 years, adding to long-term deficits.
Key Highlights at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Deduction amount | Up to $25,000 in cash tip income (2025–2028) |
| Income limits | Phases out over $150,000 (single), $300,000 (joint) |
| Eligible occupations | Stars, stylists, servers—and even podcasters and electricians |
| Tax types affected | Federal income tax only—tips still count for Social Security and Medicare |
| Potential savings | Roughly $1,800/year for those who benefit |
| Criticism | Unequal benefits, may aid tip-based economy, deficit concerns |
What Comes Next?
Tipped workers need not wait. The deduction applies retroactively to income earned in 2025—so when filing taxes in early 2026, those who qualify can claim it. Over the next few months, the Treasury and IRS are expected to finalize detailed eligibility guidelines and application procedures.
A Mixed Blessing
For many in the hospitality and service sectors, tax relief for service workers through the “No Tax on Tips” law may offer welcome breathing room. Yet, with modest average savings and offsetting benefit cuts, the overall impact may fall short of expectations.
As the policy unfolds, it’s crucial to monitor updates in IRS guidance and evaluate how these changes affect individual finances—and whether additional reforms are needed to support workers in a more holistic way.
