IRS needs to stop taxing tips businesses earn

Dear editor,

I sent this message to our U.S. senators and representatives. To me, it seems to be a good way to help the folks who rely on tips to receive a fair amount of their income from these tips.

I am writing to ask you to help pass legislation that will stop the IRS from taxing the tips that I give to people who wait on me in my local coffee shop and not a Starbucks’ or large chain business. My tips are gifts from me to the young ladies who know what coffee I like, have it ready shortly after I walk in and always have time to chat with me about local events.

I do not see why the IRS should get to take part of my tips, which are a gift from me to them, when the IRS has never done anything to earn those tips. I can guarantee that I have no intention of rewarding the IRS for their “service” to me.

I fully agree with President Trump that there should be, “no tax on tips.”

I have a suggestion for getting this policy through the Congress: Pass an amendment to the tax code that treats the first $18,000 of a person’s tips as a non-taxable gift. I can provide up to $18,000 as a gift to any family member or friend without any tax consequence to either of us.

Let’s extend that treatment to tips that people receive for good service to their customers. Thank you for your help in this matter.

– Peter Humm, Mountain Home