The Internal Revenue Service is indefinitely extending its Tip Rate Determination
and Education Program, a voluntary compliance tool that the agency says has
helped nearly double the reporting of tip income.
For a Limited Time receive a
FREE Compensation Market Analysis Report! Find out how much you should be paying to attract and retain the best applicants and employees, with
customized information for your industry, location, and job.
Get Your Report Now!Originally developed by the IRS in 1993 for the food and beverage industry,
the tip program was set to expire in 2005. Now, the program will continue without
a sunset date.
"The tip program has proven to be a winner for employers, employees, and
the IRS," says Mark W. Everson, IRS Commissioner. "It reduces taxpayer
burden and increases compliance. We hope more industries and employees will
take advantage of this creative tool."
Since the program was introduced, voluntary compliance has significantly increased,
according to the IRS. In 1995, tip wages reported were $9.45 billion. For 2003,
the amount exceeded $18 billion. To date over 15,000 employers have entered
into tip agreements, representing nearly 47,000 individual establishments.
The tip program offers employers multiple voluntary agreement options designed
to provide methods for employers and employees to comply with tip reporting
laws. Options include:
- Tip Rate Determination Agreement (TRDA);
- Tip Reporting Alternative Commitment (TRAC);
- EmTRAC - Employer-designed TRAC.
With the indefinite extension of the tip program, the IRS will administer existing
tip agreements without the need for employers to re-sign agreements.
Link