New Tip Deduction: List of Qualified Occupations Revealed

On September 2, 2025, the U.S. Treasury Department unveiled a draft catalog of 68 job roles eligible under the innovative "no tax on tips" deduction. This provision is a pivotal element of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act"—legislation enacted on July 4, 2025, applying to federal income taxes for the fiscal years 2025 through 2028. 

This deduction permits a maximum of $25,000 in qualifying tips per individual annually. As a “below-the-line” deduction, it benefits those taking the standard deduction but doesn't alter adjusted gross income (AGI).

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A detailed breakdown of the professions outlined by Treasury is as follows:

Beverage & Food Service:

  • Bartenders

  • Wait staff

  • Food servers, non-restaurant

  • Dining room and cafeteria attendants, bartender helpers

  • Chefs and cooks

  • Food preparation workers

  • Fast Food and Counter Workers

  • Dishwashers

  • Host staff, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop

  • 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

  • Locker room, coatroom and dressing room attendants 

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

  • Roadside assistance workers

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, hairstylists and cosmetologists

  • Shampooers

  • Manicurists and pedicurists

  • Eyebrow threading and waxing technicians

  • Makeup artists

  • Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors

  • Tattoo artists and piercers

  • Tailors

  • Shoe and leather workers and repairers

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

  • Home movers 

The criteria for eligibility under the OBBB tip exclusion include temporary tax deductions available to qualified tipped workers from 2025 through 2028, reflecting a significant opportunity for streamlined tax arrangements for various service-industry professionals.

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Eligibility Requirements: To claim this deduction, individuals must:

  • Be a qualified tipped worker: Must be employed or work as an independent contractor in a role where tipping is routine prior to 2025, as indicated in the Treasury's qualifying occupation list.
  • Have qualified tips: These should be customer-paid bonuses—either received via cash, card, or through a pooling system. Compulsory service charges are excluded.
  • Properly report tips: This involves submission to the IRS on Form W-2 for employees or Form 1099 for contractors.
  • File jointly if married: Married couples must opt for a joint tax return to leverage the deduction.
  • Provide a Social Security Number (SSN): The individual filing the claim must list their SSN on their tax documents. 

Deduction Limitations: There are cap and phase-out constraints which include:

  • Maximum deduction: Limited to $25,000 annually.
  • Income phase-out: Reduction in benefits for those surpassing a certain modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). Specifically:
    • Single filers: Deduction reduction starts when MAGI exceeds $150,000.
    • Married filing jointly: Begins reduction for MAGI over $300,000. 

Further Considerations:

  • Does not affect payroll taxes: While the deduction decreases taxable income for federal tax purposes, it remains liable for Social Security, Medicare, or self-employment contributions for contractors.
  • Temporary nature: This provision lapses post-December 31, 2028. 
  • Not a full immunity: As a deduction, all tip income remains declarable, though the deductible amount is subtracted.
  • State tax dynamics: Compliance with state-specific taxation norms is critical, as implications vary by jurisdiction. 

In summary, staying abreast of the evolving tax landscape is crucial for both employees and businesses to maximize fiscal benefits and ensure compliance. Understanding eligibility and maneuvering within the legislative parameters requires diligence and possibly professional guidance to optimize strategies effectively. For further inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out to our office.

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