Tip Tax Savings Calculator for Window Cleaners

Window cleaning professionals serve residential and commercial clients who appreciate spotless results — and tipping is common, especially in residential markets. Under the OBBBA, those tips are now 100% exempt from federal income tax. Window cleaning customer gratuities are now federally tax-free.

Average Annual Tips
$5,000–$14,000
Federal Tax Savings Range
$600–$3,080
Exemption Period
2025–2028

Your window cleaner Tip Tax Calculator

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

Your Annual Tax Savings

$1,325
per year in federal income tax on tips
Annual Tip Income
$11,040
Federal Tax Saved
$1,325
Marginal Federal Rate
12.0%
FICA Still Owed on Tips
$845
Annual Base Pay
$40,480
Total Annual Income
$51,520
⚠️ California has a state income tax rate of 9.3%. This calculator shows federal savings only.

Tax Notes for window cleaners

  • Tips from residential and commercial window cleaning clients qualify.
  • Self-employed window cleaners claim the exemption on Schedule C.
  • Equipment, vehicle, and supply costs are deductible alongside the tip exemption.
  • FICA and self-employment taxes still apply to all tip income.
  • Holiday tips and annual bonus payments from regular clients also qualify.

Three Calculation Examples for window cleaners

Window Cleaner — Residential Rounds

A window cleaner doing regular residential rounds. Client tips average $5/hour — $7,700/year in tip income.

Hourly wage: $20Tips/hour: $5Hours/week: 35Weeks/year: 44
Annual tips: $7,700  |  Approx. federal savings at 22%: $1,694

Independent Window Cleaner

An independent window cleaner with a loyal residential client base. Tips of $7/hour generate $12,880/year.

Hourly wage: $24Tips/hour: $7Hours/week: 40Weeks/year: 46
Annual tips: $12,880  |  Approx. federal savings at 22%: $2,834

Window Cleaning Business Owner

An owner-operator of a small window cleaning business. Client tips of $10/hour generate $18,400/year.

Hourly wage: $35Tips/hour: $10Hours/week: 40Weeks/year: 46
Annual tips: $18,400  |  Approx. federal savings at 22%: $4,048

Frequently Asked Questions

Do window cleaner tips qualify for the OBBBA exemption?

Yes. Voluntary tips given by customers to window cleaning professionals qualify for the federal income tax exemption under the OBBBA. Window cleaning is an in-home and on-site personal service where customer gratuities meet the IRS definition of tip income.

Do commercial window cleaning tips count as well?

Yes. Tips received from commercial clients — office buildings, restaurants, retail stores — also qualify for the OBBBA exemption just like residential tips. The type of client property does not affect tip income eligibility.

I work as part of a two-person crew — if we split tips, does each share qualify?

Yes. When a customer tips a window cleaning crew and the team splits the tip, each worker's share qualifies individually for the OBBBA exemption. Tips distributed among workers who performed the service retain their tip income status.

Are tips from recurring monthly or annual service contracts eligible?

Yes. Regular clients on monthly or annual cleaning contracts who tip at each visit or give holiday bonuses are providing qualifying tip income. The regularity of the service arrangement does not convert tips into regular wages.

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: CaliforniaTexasFloridaWashingtonColorado