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New Tax Deduction for Tipped Workers: Occupations List Unveiled

On September 2, 2025, the U.S. Treasury Department shared a draft list of 68 jobs eligible for the fresh "No Tax on Tips" deduction. As part of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" enacted on July 4, 2025, this deduction targets federal income taxes spanning the 2025–2028 tax years, providing much-needed relief for those in tipping professions.

This deduction permits a maximum of $25,000 in deductable tips per individual annually. It's designed as a “below-the-line” deduction, aiding taxpayers who elect the standard deduction. Crucially, it does not affect the calculation of adjusted gross income (AGI).

The Treasury's proposed list of qualifying occupations is extensive:

Beverage & Food Service:

  • Bartenders
  • Wait Staff
  • Food Servers, Non-Restaurant
  • Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
  • Chefs and Cooks
  • Food Preparation Workers
  • Fast Food and Counter Workers
  • Dishwashers
  • Host Staff
  • Bakers

Entertainment and Events:

  • Gambling Dealers
  • Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers
  • Gambling Cage Workers
  • Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners
  • Dancers
  • Musicians and Singers
  • Disc Jockeys (except radio)
  • Entertainers and Performers
  • Digital Content Creators
  • Ushers, Lobby Attendants and Ticket Takers

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Hospitality and Guest Services:

  • Baggage Porters and Bellhops
  • Concierges
  • Hotel, Motel and Resort Desk Clerks
  • Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners

Home Services:

  • Home Maintenance and Repair Workers
  • Home Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
  • Home Electricians
  • Home Plumbers
  • Home Heating/Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers
  • Home Appliance Installers and Repairers
  • Home Cleaning Service Workers
  • Locksmiths

Personal Services:

  • Personal Care and Service Workers
  • Private Event Planners
  • Private Event and Portrait Photographers
  • Private Event Videographers
  • Event Officiants
  • Pet Caretakers
  • Tutors
  • Nannies and Babysitters

Personal Appearance and Wellness:

  • Skincare Specialists
  • Massage Therapists
  • Barbers, Hairdressers, and Hairstylists
  • Shampooers
  • Manicurists and Pedicurists
  • Eyebrow Threading and Waxing Technicians
  • Makeup Artists
  • Exercise Trainers and Fitness Instructors

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Recreation and Instruction:

  • Golf Caddies
  • Self-enrichment Teachers
  • Recreational and Tour Pilots
  • Tour Guides and Escorts
  • Travel Guides
  • Sports and Recreation Instructors

Transportation and Delivery:

  • Parking and Valet Attendants
  • Taxi and Rideshare Drivers and Chauffeurs
  • Shuttle Drivers
  • Goods Delivery People
  • Personal Vehicle and Equipment Cleaners
  • Private and Charter Bus Drivers
  • Water Taxi Operators and Charter Boat Workers
  • Rickshaw, Pedicab, and Carriage Drivers

Understanding who qualifies is critical for maximizing this deduction. Workers must be in roles that regularly received tips pre-2025, with tips reported properly and voluntarily paid by customers. Deductions require joint filing for married couples and an SSN.

Deduction Limits: The annual cap is $25,000, phasing out for singles and joint-filers earning over $150,000 and $300,000, respectively.

Important notes include the deduction's exemption from payroll taxes and its temporary nature, expiring after December 31, 2028. While this is not a tax exemption, it offers leverage in federal tax reduction, though subject to state variances.

As the tax landscape changes, keeping abreast of such updates ensures effective navigation of tip income taxation. Feel free to contact us for more information and personalized guidance.

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