Lawmaker says adopting federal ‘no tax on tips’ would help workers

Key Takeaways:

• A debate has resurfaced in Illinois over whether tips should be taxed.
• State Rep. Regan Deering introduced legislation to follow a federal “No Tax on Tips” policy.
• The measure could potentially boost take-home pay for workers reliant on gratuities.
• Advocates say the bill might aid service industry workers struggling with current tax burdens.

A Renewed Debate Over Tipped Income

A growing discussion about how to handle taxed gratuities in Illinois has surfaced once again. At issue is the question of whether employees who rely on tips should face the same tax responsibilities as those earning hourly wages in non-tipped positions.

A Push for Change

State Rep. Regan Deering, R-Decatur, has introduced legislation aimed at aligning Illinois law with the federal “No Tax on Tips” policy. According to the proposal, removing state-level taxes on tips could bring Illinois closer to a federal approach that seeks to reduce financial strain on employees whose earnings depend heavily on customer gratuities.

What’s at Stake for Workers?

For many restaurant servers, bartenders, and other tipped employees, gratuities can represent a large percentage of total earnings. Proponents of the new measure argue that exempting tips from state taxes would help workers spend more of their hard-earned cash, potentially well beyond just meeting basic needs.

Policy Perspectives

Supporters believe that providing tax relief on gratuities helps both workers and local economies. By putting more money in the hands of service industry employees, the legislation could stimulate consumer spending while recognizing that tips are often a supplemental, variable form of income.

Potential Impact

Though exact details of how Illinois will implement the proposed changes remain under deliberation, the spirit of the legislation is to allow workers to keep more of the income they earn through customer gratuities. As the debate continues, legislators and stakeholders hope to reach a consensus on whether eliminating taxes on tips will offer the intended boost to tipped workers in the state.