Loopholes > Federal > Qualified Tips Deduction
DEDUCTION HIGH SAVINGS INDIVIDUAL

Qualified Tips Deduction

IRC §224

Allows a deduction of up to $25,000 for qualified cash tips received in the course of an occupation that customarily receives tips, effectively making that tip income tax-free.

Eligibility

Applies to tips reported on tax forms for tax years 2025-2028; subject to AGI phase-outs starting at $150k ($300k joint) and excludes specified service trades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Qualified Tips Deduction?

Applies to tips reported on tax forms for tax years 2025-2028; subject to AGI phase-outs starting at $150k ($300k joint) and excludes specified service trades.

How does the Qualified Tips Deduction work?

Allows a deduction of up to $25,000 for qualified cash tips received in the course of an occupation that customarily receives tips, effectively making that tip income tax-free.

What law authorizes the Qualified Tips Deduction?

The Qualified Tips Deduction is authorized under IRC §224 of the Internal Revenue Code (Title 26, United States Code).

Statutory Text — IRC §224

Source: Internal Revenue Code, Title 26, United States Code

§ 224. Qualified tips(a) In generalThere shall be allowed as a deduction an amount equal to the qualified tips received during the taxable year that are included on statements furnished to the individual pursuant to section 6041(d)(3), 6041A(e)(3), 6050W(f)(2), or 6051(a)(18), or reported by the taxpayer on Form 4137 (or successor). (b) Limitation(1) In generalThe amount allowed as a deduction under this section for any taxable year shall not exceed $25,000. (2) Limitation based on adjusted gross income(A) In generalThe amount allowable as a deduction under subsection (a) (after application of paragraph (1)) shall be reduced (but not below zero) by $100 for each $1,000 by which the taxpayer’s modified adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000 ($300,000 in the case of a joint return). (B) Modified adjusted gross incomeFor purposes of this paragraph, the term “modified adjusted gross income” means the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer for the taxable year increased by any amount excluded from gross income under section 911, 931, or 933. (c) Tips received in course of trade or businessIn the case of qualified tips received by an individual during any taxable year in the course of a trade or business (other than the trade or business of performing services as an employee) of such individual, such qualified tips shall be taken into account under subsection (a) only to the extent that the gross income for the taxpayer from such trade or business for such taxable year (including such qualified tips) exceeds the sum of the deductions (other than the deduction allowed under this section) allocable to the trade or business in which such qualified tips are received by the individual for such taxable year. (d) Qualified tipsFor purposes of this section—(1) In generalThe term “qualified tips” means cash tips received by an individual in an occupation which customarily and regularly received tips on or before December 31, 2024, as provided by the Secretary. (2) ExclusionsSuch term shall not include any amount received by an individual unless—(A) such amount is paid voluntarily without any consequence in the event of nonpayment, is not the subject of negotiation, and is determined by the payor, (B) the trade or business in the course of which the individual receives such amount is not a specified service trade or business (as defined in section 199A(d)(2)), and (C) such other requirements as may be established by the Secretary in regulations or other guidance are satisfied. For purposes of subparagraph (B), in the case of an individual receiving tips in the trade or business of performing services as an employee, such individual shall be treated as receiving tips in the course of a trade or business which is a specified service trade or business if the trade or business of the employer is a specified service trade or business.

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