Service charges vs. tips

Remember, service charges do not receive the same tax treatment as tips.

Service charges are non-tip wages, and employers must treat them as such for tax withholding and filing requirements. Tips are payments made to employees by customers at the customer’s discretion. Service charges are extra fees a customer must pay to a business. Examples of service charges are fees imposed by restaurants for parties of six or more, cruise ship package fees, and hotel room service charges.

Gilliland & Associates, PC is a full-service CPA firm specializing in tax planning for individuals and businesses in the Northern Virginia area. We are based in Falls Church, VA and also service clients in McLean and Tysons Corner, VA. Gilliland & Associates is known for our superior knowledge and aggressive interpretation and application of tax laws. We help you keep more of your earnings by finding you the lowest possible tax on your business or personal tax return. You can connect with us on Google+, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.