Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

‘No Tax on Tips’ passes Senate

AHLA says the bill lets hospitality workers keep more of their income

No Tax on Tips Act

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the “No Tax on Tips” Act, allowing hospitality workers to deduct all reported tips from federal income taxes.

What the Tip Deduction Means for Hospitality Employees

THE U.S. SENATE recently passed the “No Tax on Tips” Act in a 100-0 vote, allowing hospitality workers to deduct 100 percent of their reported tips—whether received in cash, by card, or by check—from federal income taxes. The American Hotel & Lodging Association supported the legislation, saying it will help hospitality workers keep more of their income.

The bill, introduced in January by Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, with bipartisan cosponsors including Sens. Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, establishes a tax deduction of up to $25,000 for tips.


Sen. Rosen presented the bill through a unanimous consent request that passed without objection on May 20 and now heads to the House of Representatives.

“This legislation will affect millions of Americans by removing taxes on tips,” Cruz said. “I urge my colleagues in the House to pass the bill and send it to the president to be signed into law.”

Under current law, employees who receive more than $20 in tips per month must report them to their employer.

The bill states that cash tips received by employees in occupations that typically receive tips, such as hospitality or restaurant work, and tips reported to employers for payroll tax withholding will be eligible for a tax deduction, provided the employee earns less than $160,000 this year, with the threshold adjusted annually for inflation. It also expands a business tax credit for payroll taxes employers pay on tips related to beauty, body and spa services.

Rosanna Maietta, AHLA’s president and CEO, said the association applauds the U.S. Senate for unanimously passing the act.

“This bipartisan legislation will put more money in the pockets of the hundreds of thousands of hotel workers who receive tips, ranging from housekeepers and valets to food service professionals and bellhops,” she said.

Both Republicans and Democrats supported the bill, as tips make up about 23 percent of restaurant workers’ total income. President Donald Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris both backed the bill during their campaigns last year.

However, some say the bill could discourage employers from raising basic wages over time.

More than 250 AHLA members recently met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to discuss hospitality priorities, including implementing “No Tax on Tips” to help hotel employees keep more of their income.


More for you

IHG Ruby Hotels USA launch
Photo credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts

IHG’s Ruby debuts in U.S. market

Summary:

  • IHG launched its 20th global brand, Ruby, in the U.S.
  • The brand offers serves city-centers and urban locations with restrictions.
  • It focuses on major urban markets with new-build, conversion, and adaptive reuse.

IHG HOTELS & RESORTS introduced Ruby Hotels, its 20th global brand, to the U.S. It is designed to fit in city centers and urban locations with entry barriers and space constraints.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trump H1B visa fee India
Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Trump’s $100K H-1B fee sparks panic in India

Summary:

  • Announcement of $100,000 H-1B visa fee triggers panic among Indian professionals.
  • The fee applies only to new petitions.
  • IT companies are reportedly reviewing staffing and travel.

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S announcement of a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa petitions, effective Sept. 21, reportedly triggered panic among Indian H-1B holders. Many rushed to book last-minute flights, resulting in fully booked planes and higher fares.

Keep ReadingShow less
H-2B visa hospitality impact

Study: H-2B visas boost U.S. jobs and wages

Summary:

  • The H-2B visa program protects U.S. jobs and wages, according to AHLA citing a study.
  • It allows hotels and resorts to meet travelers’ needs while supporting the economy.
  • It provides foreign workers for seasonal jobs when domestic workers are unavailable.

THE H-2B VISA program does not harm U.S. jobs or wages but increases pay and supports the labor force, according to an Edgeworth Economics study. Citing that study, the American Hotel & Lodging Association said the program enables hotels and resorts to meet travelers’ needs while supporting the workforce and economy.

Keep ReadingShow less
AI digital assistant redefining guest loyalty in U.S. hospitality industry

Study: AI agents redefine hotel loyalty

Summary:

  • The use of AI agents hotels must rethink customer loyalty, a FAU study finds.
  • The paper proposes strategies as AI becomes the main booking channel.
  • Researchers warn of ethical and privacy issues.

HOTELS MUST RETHINK how they build and maintain loyalty as artificial intelligence systems make travel decisions and bookings for consumers, according to a study by Florida Atlantic University. The rise of artificial intelligence agents will complicate hotel customer loyalty management.

Keep ReadingShow less
HAMA Fall 2025 survey results

Survey: Hotels expect Q4 RevPAR gain

Summary:

  • More than 70 percent expect a RevPAR increase in Q4, according to HAMA survey.
  • Demand is the top concern, cited by 77.8 percent, up from 65 percent in spring.
  • Only 37 percent expect a U.S. recession in 2025, down from 49 percent earlier in the year.

MORE THAN 70 PERCENT of respondents to a Hospitality Asset Managers Association survey expect a 1 to 3 percent RevPAR increase in the fourth quarter. Demand is the top concern, cited by 77.8 percent of respondents, up from 65 percent in the spring survey.

Keep ReadingShow less