The United States government has introduced a new law as part of President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” which was passed in July. The “no tax on tips” provision allows workers to earn tips without having to declare them on their tax returns. The U.S. Treasury has released a list of eligible professions that includes not only traditional service‑industry jobs—such as bartenders, wait staff, and food servers—but also digital content creators.
The Treasury defines digital content creators as individuals who produce and publish original entertainment or personality‑driven content on digital platforms, including live streams, short‑form videos, or podcasts. This category encompasses comedians, singers, musicians, and DJs who often perform on streaming platforms like Twitch. The law also applies to other performers, such as dancers, ushers, lobby attendants, bellhops, and entertainers.
There are limitations to the law. The tax deduction is capped at $25,000 per year, which may not benefit popular streamers who earn more than that amount. Additionally, tips cannot be written off if they are received in certain industries, including health, performing arts, and athletics.
The new law is likely to affect how content creators and streamers earn revenue. Tipping—often referred to as “donations”—is a significant source of income for many creators, particularly on Twitch and other streaming platforms. A study found that 19 percent of large influencers receive tips from their audience across all platforms, and the figure is likely higher on streaming services. As a result, creators may focus more on receiving tips to maximize earnings, potentially shifting away from traditional revenue methods like advertising. This could lead to increased requests from creators for viewers to “like, subscribe, and tip” in order to support their work.
Overall, the “no tax on tips” law has significant implications for the content‑creator industry and may prompt changes in how creators earn and report their income.
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