Darden Restaurants Workers and the New No Tax on Tips Rule What You Should Know

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Darden Restaurants Darden Restaurants primarily partners with Aetna to provide healthcare benefits for its employees. Aetna offers a range of health insurance plans that cater to the diverse needs of Darden's workforce, aiming to promote employee well-being and job satisfaction. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As Darden Restaurants navigates the changing healthcare landscape, the company is preparing for significantly higher costs in 2026. Anticipated increases in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums and the possible expiration of enhanced federal subsidies could lead to substantial out-of-pocket expenses for employees. A forecasted surge in healthcare costs, driven by escalating medical expenses and aggressive rate hikes from major insurers, may compel Darden to reassess its benefits strategy, potentially shifting more costs onto employees during this challenging period. Click here to learn more

'“Darden Restaurants employees may benefit from reviewing how the new tip deduction rules fit into their broader household planning, as thoughtful preparation can make a meaningful difference,” – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'“Darden Restaurants employees can use the new tip deduction rules as a reminder to review their overall income strategy and stay informed as guidance evolves,” – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

1. How the new “No Tax on Tips” law works for eligible employees.

2. Income limits, qualifying occupations, and deduction rules.

3. How Darden Restaurants households may evaluate these provisions for planning purposes.

Some Employees May Retain a Greater Share of Their Wages

Eligible employees may deduct up to $25,000 in qualified, voluntary tips from their federal taxable income under a new federal tax rule that took effect on July 4, 2025. ¹  Darden Restaurants workers in eligible service-related roles may want to stay informed about these changes.

- The deduction applies to tax years 2025 through 2028.

- Income earned as tips is not taxable up to $25,000, however the deduction phass out for joint filers with Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) above $300,000 and single filers above $150,000. ²

What Does “No Tax on Tips” Mean?

A new provision under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act called “No Tax on Tips” permits eligible employees to deduct as much as $25,000 in voluntary tips from federal taxable income, provided that IRS qualifications are met. Voluntary tips do  not  include mandatory service charges.

To qualify, an employee must work in a profession the IRS and Treasury Department define as  “customarily and regularly receiving tips.”  A preliminary list includes roughly 70 job types, including:

• - Food and beverage service

• - Events and entertainment

• - Guest services and hospitality

• - Home repair and maintenance services

• - Personal services

• - Personal well-being and appearance

• - Recreation and education

• - Delivery and transportation

Health care, sports, and performing arts positions are excluded because these roles are not considered to receive tips regularly.

Did No Tip Tax Pass?

Yes. This provision became law on July 4, 2025 as part of broader federal tax reform, which may interest Darden Restaurants employees with members in eligible occupations.

How Does No Tip Tax Work?

Employees in qualifying roles may deduct up to $25,000 in voluntary tips from gross income. Key points:

• - The deduction phases out for single filers at $150,000 MAGI.

• - It begins phasing out for joint filers at $300,000 MAGI.

• - It applies whether the taxpayer uses the standard deduction or itemizes.

• - It is available from 2025 through 2028.

For example, a restaurant server in the  22% tax bracket  who receives  $20,000  in qualified voluntary tips may reduce their federal income tax by up to  $4,400  if IRS requirements are met. This may be meaningful for households that include Darden Restaurants employees.

When Does Tipping Become Tax-Free?

The deduction begins with the 2025 tax year, meaning eligible employees can claim it when filing their 2025 federal return in early 2026. This timing may matter for Darden Restaurants employees managing household tax considerations.

Does This New Law Make Tips Entirely Tax-Free?

Qualified voluntary tips (up to $25,000) may be deducted from federal taxable income if the employee meets the occupation and MAGI rules. However, employees—including those in Darden Restaurants households—may still owe:

• - State income taxes

• - Local income taxes

• - Social Security and Medicare taxes

• - Taxes on tips in excess of $25,000

Is the No Tax on Tips Rule Limited to Cash Tips?

No. Voluntary tips received by cash, credit card, or tip pool may qualify. Required service charges do not. This distinction is important for Darden Restaurants households with individuals in service-based roles.

How to Make a Deduction Claim

Eligible employees can claim the deduction by referring to IRS instructions:

• 1. Report all earnings, including tips, on Form 1040, line 1a.

  2. Complete Schedule 1-A, for deductions such as qualified tips and overtime.

  3. Report total additional deductions on Form 1040, line 13b.

Employees may deduct only the qualified voluntary tips actually received, up to the $25,000 limit. Darden Restaurants employees should remember that eligible tips must still be properly reported for payroll tax purposes.

More Guidance Is Expected

The IRS and Treasury Department will release additional information. Because each household's situation differs, individuals—including those working at Darden Restaurants—may want to speak with a qualified tax professional for personalized questions.

What Is No Tax on Overtime?

Another provision within the 2025 law allows eligible employees to deduct qualifying overtime pay from federal taxable income—up to $12,500 for single filers or $25,000 for joint filers. ¹  The MAGI phase-out thresholds are the same as the tip deduction. This rule also covers 2025 through 2028, which may influence planning for Darden Restaurants households evaluating income timing.

Do You Need Assistance Navigating These New Tax Laws?

The Retirement Group can help Darden Restaurants employees understand how these deductions may influence their retirement planning approach. You can speak with a representative by calling  (800) 900-5867 .

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Sources:

1. Internal Revenue Service. “One, Big, Beautiful Bill Provisions.”  IRS , 2025,  www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-provisions .

2. Fidelity Investments. “No Tax on Tips: A New Deduction Explained.”  Fidelity Learn , 19 Nov. 2025,  www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/no-tax-on-tips .

3. Lautz, Andrew. “How Does ‘No Tax on Tips’ Work in the One Big Beautiful Bill?”  Bipartisan Policy Center , 30 July 2025, bipartisanpolicy.org/explainer/how-does-no-tax-on-tips-work-in-the-one-big-beautiful-bill. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

4. “‘No Tax on Tips’ Explained.”  TaxSlayer Support , TaxSlayer, 2025, support.taxslayer.com/hc/en-us/articles/40291875700749--No-Tax-on-Tips-Explained. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

5. Mahoney, Michael K., and Stephen Kenney. “New IRS Guidance Pinpoints How Individuals May Take Tax Breaks for Tips and Overtime.”  Ogletree Deakins , 21 Nov. 2025, ogletree.com/insights-resources/blog-posts/new-irs-guidance-pinpoints-how-individuals-may-take-tax-breaks-for-tips-and-overtime. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.