Tip Tax Savings Calculator for Wedding Planners

Wedding planners and event coordinators often receive gratuities from grateful couples at the end of weddings and events. Under the OBBBA, those tips are now 100% exempt from federal income tax. If clients voluntarily tip you for a job well done, that income is now federally tax-free.

Average Annual Tips
$5,000–$20,000
Federal Tax Savings Range
$600–$4,400
Exemption Period
2025–2028

Your wedding planner Tip Tax Calculator

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

Your Annual Tax Savings

$1,430
per year in federal income tax on tips
Annual Tip Income
$12,000
Federal Tax Saved
$1,430
Marginal Federal Rate
12.0%
FICA Still Owed on Tips
$918
Annual Base Pay
$28,000
Total Annual Income
$40,000
⚠️ California has a state income tax rate of 9.3%. This calculator shows federal savings only.

Tax Notes for wedding planners

  • Tips from clients at the conclusion of weddings and events qualify for the exemption.
  • Gratitude payments above the contracted amount are typically tips.
  • Wedding planners are often self-employed — claim the deduction on Schedule C.
  • FICA and self-employment taxes still apply to tip income.
  • The key test: was the payment voluntary and above the contracted fee?

Three Calculation Examples for wedding planners

Part-Time Wedding Coordinator

A part-time coordinator handling weekend weddings. Client gratuities average $8/hour — $4,200/year.

Hourly wage: $22Tips/hour: $8Hours/week: 15Weeks/year: 35
Annual tips: $4,200  |  Approx. federal savings at 22%: $924

Full-Time Wedding Planner

A full-time wedding planner. Client thank-you gratuities of $13/hour generate $13,000/year in tip income.

Hourly wage: $28Tips/hour: $13Hours/week: 25Weeks/year: 40
Annual tips: $13,000  |  Approx. federal savings at 22%: $2,860

Senior Wedding Planner — Luxury Events

A senior planner handling luxury weddings. Client tips of $22/hour generate $26,400/year.

Hourly wage: $45Tips/hour: $22Hours/week: 30Weeks/year: 40
Annual tips: $26,400  |  Approx. federal savings at 22%: $5,808

Frequently Asked Questions

Do wedding planner tips and gratuities qualify for the OBBBA exemption?

Yes. Voluntary gratuities given by clients to wedding planners at the conclusion of events qualify as tip income under the OBBBA. These payments are voluntary, from a customer, and for personal services rendered — all meeting the IRS definition of a tip.

How do I distinguish between a tip and additional service fees?

A tip is a voluntary payment above the contracted service fee. If a couple pays your contracted rate and then gives you an additional $500 as a gesture of appreciation, that $500 is a tip and qualifies for the exemption. Additional charges for scope changes or add-ons to your contract are fees, not tips.

I operate as an LLC — does the exemption still apply?

Yes. If your LLC is a single-member LLC (disregarded entity), the tip income passes through to your Schedule C and you claim the OBBBA deduction there. If organized as an S-Corp or C-Corp, the treatment may differ. Consult a tax professional for entity-specific guidance.

What documentation should I keep for event tip income?

Keep records of each event, the date, client name, contracted fee, and any gratuity received. Card payments, checks, and Venmo transfers create natural documentation. For cash tips, document them in a log on the same day received. These records support your OBBBA deduction in case of an audit.

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: CaliforniaNew YorkTexasFloridaVirginia