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The U.S. Senate has ed the "No Tax on Tips Act," a cornerstone of President Donald Trump's economic agenda, with rare bipartisan unity. In a unanimous 100-0 vote on Tuesday, lawmakers approved the bill, which could significantly change the financial outlook for millions of American workers in tip-reliant industries.
The legislation would allow employees and independent contractors in tipped professions-such as waitstaff, bartenders, hotel workers, and delivery drivers-to deduct 100% of their reported tips from their federal income taxes. That includes tips received in cash, through card payments, or by check.
Who qualifies under the new bill?
The measure is designed to benefit workers in occupations where tipping is standard, and it includes some specific eligibility criteria. The tax break applies to those earning less than $160,000 in 2025 and is slated to remain in effect through the end of 2028.
While restaurant and hospitality employees are a central focus, the bill also opens the door to tip-based workers in other industries. Notably, employers in beauty and personal care-such as hair salons, nail techs, and spas-will be able to claim a payroll tax credit for tips paid to their workers. This credit already exists for food and beverage employers and is now expanded. The Treasury Secretary will finalize the list of qualifying occupations, which may broaden the reach of the bill.
Reactions from lawmakers and what's next
The bill, first introduced in January by Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), gained widespread bipartisan . Co-sponsors included Democratic Senators Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto, both from Nevada, a state where tipping plays a major role in the economy.
Senator Cruz, celebrating the bill's age, said, "President Trump made a promise to the American people that he would eliminate taxes on tips. In Congress, I formed a bipartisan, bicameral coalition to get that done... This legislation will have a lasting impact on millions of Americans by protecting the hard-earned dollars of blue-collar workers, the very people who are living paycheck-to-paycheck."
On the Democratic side, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer framed the bill as part of a broader fight for working-class relief: "Working Americans - from servers, to bartenders, delivery drivers, and everything in between - work hard for every dollar they earn and are the ones who deserve tax relief, not the ultra-rich."
Although the Senate has ed the bill, it must still clear the House of Representatives before heading to President Trump's desk for final approval. Given its bipartisan momentum in the Senate, it is widely expected to gain in the House.
If signed into law, the "No Tax on Tips Act" would mark one of the most sweeping federal tax relief efforts for hourly and service industry workers in recent years. It may also lead to ripple effects in hiring, payroll systems, and the broader economy-especially in service-heavy sectors.