WattFlow
Tax tools

No Tax on Tips for Tattoo Artists (2026)

Tax year 2026 · Last updated · Maintained by the WattFlow team

Yes. Tattoo Artists are on the IRS tipped jobs list (code 609), so you can deduct up to $25,000 of tips from federal income tax for 2026. Client tips qualify whether you’re on payroll or rent a station.

Tips calculator for tattoo artists

Private: runs in your browser
Form 1040, line 11. Include your overtime and tips.
Must be on the IRS tipped jobs list.
Gig work or 1099 tips? DoorDash, Uber, self-employed
Schedule C net profit. You can’t deduct more than this.
More options Tax year, itemizing, special cases
Leave blank if you take the standard deduction.
Optional. 000 means the job doesn’t qualify.
Only if you report extra tips yourself.

Estimate of federal income tax only. Not tax advice.

Example: tattoo artist

What tattoo artists should know

Your IRS code

609 Tattoo artists and piercers. Not your exact job? See the full list of 71 tipped jobs.

Tattoo Artists: FAQ

Do tattoo artists qualify?

Yes. Tattoo artists and piercers are code 609 on the IRS list.

Is a deposit a tip?

No. Only extra amounts the client chooses to give count.

Do piercers qualify too?

Yes, under the same code.

How much can tattoo artists deduct?

Up to $25,000 of qualified tips per tax return, for 2025 through 2028. It shrinks by $100 for each full $1,000 of income over $150,000 ($300,000 joint).

Do I still pay Social Security and Medicare on tips?

Yes. The deduction only lowers federal income tax. Payroll or self-employment tax and state tax don’t change.