As tax season approaches, the IRS has released guidance for workers who can claim the federal deduction for tips and overtime pay enacted via President Donald Trump’s “big beautiful bill.”
The guidance released last week covers how to report these deductions on tax returns. But workers could still face questions at tax time, experts say.
The tip provision allows certain workers to deduct up to $25,000 in “qualified tips” from 2025 through 2028. The tax break phases out once modified adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000, or $300,000 for married couples filing jointly.
Meanwhile, Trump’s tax break for eligible overtime pay offers a deduction of up to $12,500 for single filers or $25,000 for joint filers, with the same income phaseouts. This provision is also temporary, in effect from 2025 through 2028.
Workers can deduct tips or overtime pay if those earnings are reported via so-called information returns, such as Forms W-2 or 1099, according to the legislation.
