IRS wants to let you know what a TIP is
Fo' Realz (because some people are trying to make TIPS out of things that aren't.)
Here are the 5 things you need to know:
💸 You can now deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tips
↳ But only if you work in an occupation that “customarily and regularly receives tips”
↳ Also, no deduction if you make too much $$$.
📋 The IRS released a list of ~68 qualifying occupations
↳ Servers, bartenders, barbers, nail techs = yes.
↳ Consultants, lawyers, influencers = no.
↳ The greatest CPA on earth = LOL, also no 😡 (I checked the list).
💼 High earners, beware
↳ Deduction phases out starting at $150k (single) or $300k (married).
↳ So, if you’re a tipped 🍾 bottle girl making $250k... congrats, but no deduction.
🚫 Not all tips count
↳ The TIP must be voluntary, and
↳ Must be paid in cash or cash-equivalent (cash, check, credit card, etc.)
↳ Auto-gratuities = Nope.
↳ Digital assets like crypto? Nope (the ghost of Gensler lives)
🕰️ Effective 2025, but planning starts now
↳ Track your tips. Know your job classification.
↳ Employers will need to tweak reporting & withholding.