Do I qualify for tip deduction?

Forum|Forum|4 months ago
January 14, 2026
3 replies
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Hello, I’m a piano tuner and get tips occasionally. Do I qualify for tip deduction? If so, what industry and job role would I select? A.I. suggests Recreation and instruction for industry and self-enrichment teacher for role but that just seems like a piano teacher. Thanks

Ask the Experts - OBBBA - Jan 2026

VolvoGirl

Level 15

Do you get a W2 for work or are you filing as self employment on Schedule C? Do you include the tips in your gross income?

mckinly16Author

Level 3

Yes I get a W2 and some of my tips are reported. I also have unreported cash tips that I have entered into turbo tax.

Vanessa A

Level 15

Possibly. A piano tuner would be considered someone who customarily or regularly receives tips. If you are going to people's homes to repair/tune their piano you would likely be considered home services.

In order to deduct the tips the following must apply:

The tips must be reported to the IRS, either on a W-2 or 1099. Claiming the deduction on unreported tips would be considered double dipping and you cannot do that.
Your filing status must NOT be married filing separately
If your MAGI is over $150,000 if single or $300,000 if married filing jointly, then your tip deduction is phased out
You still will pay Medicare and Social Security Taxes on the tips and likely state taxes, so it is not just a leave it off your return deal.
Up to $25,000 in tips may be deducted from your income.

No Tax On Tips: How it works

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RobertB4444

Level 15

The tips on your W2 can be deducted from your taxable income. The unreported tips can be reported as self-employment income and then deducted as tip income but you will still pay social security and medicare taxes on those tips.

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VolvoGirl

Level 15

@RobertB4444 I'm testing this. I entered unreported tip income on schedule C under General (Desktop Home & Business version). Then where do you deduct tip income to get it on sch 1-A?

RobertB4444

Level 15

As of right now in order to get the tip deduction the tip income has to be reported to you on a 1099-K, 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC. It will carry to the 1-A by itself. That could change and there is an update expected this Friday and next Friday.

@VolvoGirl

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