Tipped Workers Receive Biggest Tax Refunds in Years, But Democrats Voted Against It

President Trump celebrates the success of the 'No Tax on Tips' policy that has delivered thousands in refunds to service workers across Las Vegas.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:51am

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A vibrant, fractured painting depicting the repeated motion of a bartender pouring a drink, conveying the energy and dynamism of the service industry.The 'No Tax on Tips' policy has delivered life-changing tax refunds to millions of service workers, but its future remains uncertain.Las Vegas Today

Tipped workers in the United States, including waiters, bartenders, casino dealers, and more, are receiving the largest tax refunds of their lives thanks to the 'No Tax on Tips' policy signed into law by President Trump. The policy has resulted in an average deduction of over $7,100 for the 6 million filers who claimed it, with many workers reporting refunds ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 or more. However, the policy is set to expire in 2028, making the upcoming midterm elections crucial as every single Democrat in Congress voted against the tax cuts.

Why it matters

The 'No Tax on Tips' policy has had a significant impact on the finances of millions of service workers across the country, providing them with much-needed relief and extra funds. This highlights the stark divide between the two parties, with Republicans supporting tax cuts that benefit working Americans and Democrats opposing them. The upcoming midterm elections will be crucial in determining whether the policy is extended or allowed to expire.

The details

The 'No Tax on Tips' policy was signed into law as part of the broader Working Families Tax Cuts. It has allowed over 53 million Americans to claim at least one of the new tax deductions, with the 'No Tax on Tips' deduction alone being claimed by 6 million filers. President Trump celebrated the policy's success at a roundtable event in Las Vegas, which is home to the largest concentration of tipped workers in the country. Workers at the event reported receiving refunds ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 or more, describing the policy as 'life-changing' and providing them with 'a little more breathing room' for expenses like rent, gas, and food.

  • President Trump held the roundtable event in Las Vegas on Thursday, April 18, 2026.
  • The 'No Tax on Tips' policy is set to expire in 2028.

The players

President Donald J. Trump

The former president who signed the 'No Tax on Tips' policy into law as part of the broader Working Families Tax Cuts.

Scott Bessent

The current Treasury Secretary who attended the roundtable event in Las Vegas.

Stavros Anthony

The Lieutenant Governor of Nevada who attended the roundtable event.

Lisa Cole

A State Assemblywoman in Nevada who attended the roundtable event.

April Becker

A Clark County Commissioner in Nevada who attended the roundtable event.

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What they’re saying

“Las Vegas is the home of the largest concentration of tipped workers anywhere in the country. Thanks to the tax cuts, thousands of Nevada waiters, waitresses, casino dealers, bartenders, bellmen, and barbers received the biggest tax refunds of their entire lives.”

— President Donald J. Trump

What’s next

The 'No Tax on Tips' policy is set to expire in 2028, making the upcoming midterm elections crucial as voters will have a chance to support candidates who want to extend the policy.

The takeaway

This tax season, millions of tipped workers across the country have received substantial tax refunds thanks to the 'No Tax on Tips' policy. However, the policy is set to expire in 2028, and every single Democrat in Congress voted against it, highlighting the stark divide between the two parties on tax policy and its impact on working Americans.