Senate Unanimously Passes Bill
In a rare show of unity, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the No Tax on Tips Act, aiming to exempt tip income from federal taxes. The bill, introduced by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and co-sponsored by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), targets financial relief for millions of service industry workers whose livelihoods depend heavily on customer tips.
How the Bill Works
The legislation would amend the tax code so that while tips must still be reported, they will no longer be subject to federal income taxes. The exemption applies strictly to tips—not wages or bonuses—potentially boosting take-home pay for workers in hospitality, food service, and related sectors.
Reactions and Impacts
Worker advocacy groups have widely praised the bill, highlighting the potential for hundreds to thousands of dollars in annual savings for low-income earners. Some tax experts, however, expressed concern about enforcement and its effect on Social Security contributions, though lawmakers say these issues can be addressed.
What’s Next
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives, where it will be debated in the coming weeks. If passed, it could mark a major win for service workers nationwide and set a precedent for targeted tax relief.