Tip Tax Savings Calculator for Landscapers and Lawn Care Workers

Landscapers, lawn care workers, and gardeners often receive tips from satisfied homeowners — especially for seasonal cleanups, holiday decorating, and going above and beyond. Under the OBBBA, those tips are now 100% exempt from federal income tax. Customer gratuities for your outdoor work are now federally tax-free.

Average Annual Tips
$4,000–$14,000
Federal Tax Savings Range
$480–$3,080
Exemption Period
2025–2028

Your landscaper Tip Tax Calculator

Pre-filled with typical values for landscapers. Adjust to match your actual earnings.

Your Annual Tax Savings

$1,152
per year in federal income tax on tips
Annual Tip Income
$9,600
Federal Tax Saved
$1,152
Marginal Federal Rate
12.0%
FICA Still Owed on Tips
$734
Annual Base Pay
$28,800
Total Annual Income
$38,400

Tax Notes for landscapers

  • Tips from homeowners for mowing, trimming, planting, and seasonal cleanups qualify.
  • Self-employed landscapers and those employed by landscaping companies both qualify.
  • Seasonal workers qualify fully on all tips earned during the active season.
  • FICA taxes still apply to all tip income.
  • Holiday tips and cash bonuses from regular clients also qualify.

Three Calculation Examples for landscapers

Lawn Mowing Crew Member

A crew member doing residential lawn mowing routes. Occasional customer tips average $4/hour — $5,320/year.

Hourly wage: $16Tips/hour: $4Hours/week: 35Weeks/year: 38
Annual tips: $5,320  |  Approx. federal savings at 22%: $1,170

Landscaper — Residential Maintenance

A landscaper doing regular residential maintenance. Client tips of $7/hour generate $11,200/year.

Hourly wage: $19Tips/hour: $7Hours/week: 40Weeks/year: 40
Annual tips: $11,200  |  Approx. federal savings at 22%: $2,464

Senior Landscaper — High-End Properties

A skilled landscaper serving upscale residential clients. Generous tips of $12/hour generate $20,160/year.

Hourly wage: $28Tips/hour: $12Hours/week: 40Weeks/year: 42
Annual tips: $20,160  |  Approx. federal savings at 22%: $4,435

Frequently Asked Questions

Do landscaper tips qualify for the OBBBA exemption?

Yes. Voluntary tips given by homeowners to landscapers, lawn care workers, and gardeners for outdoor maintenance and improvement services qualify for the federal income tax exemption under the OBBBA.

Do seasonal cleanups and one-time jobs generate qualifying tips?

Yes. Tips received for seasonal work — spring cleanups, fall leaf removal, snow removal, holiday light installation — all qualify for the OBBBA exemption. One-time job tips and regular maintenance tips qualify equally.

What if my employer collects tips and distributes them at the end of the week?

Tips distributed to you by your employer from customer payments retain their status as tip income and qualify for the OBBBA exemption. Your employer should include these distributions in your W-2 reporting, and you claim the exemption on your tax return.

Do I qualify even though landscaping is often seasonal work?

Yes. There is no requirement that you work year-round to qualify for the OBBBA tip exemption. Seasonal landscapers and lawn care workers qualify fully on all tips earned during their active working season.

Related Tools and Resources

Use the full No Tax on Tips Calculator for any profession. Also check the No Tax on Overtime Calculator if you also work overtime hours, and the OBBBA FAQ for answers on eligibility, filing, and FICA taxes.

State-specific calculators: TexasFloridaCaliforniaGeorgiaNorth Carolina