SOME TIPPED OVER STORIES

Iris

Peoria

I have been “tipped over” three times; it’s a nice gesture but here’s the problem… Two of the three tippers barely left me a 20% tip. Although is technically over-tipping, it’s not as generous of an act as they may think.

Please keep in mind and spread the word to others that in Illinois servers make, AT MOST, $4.95 an hour from their employer but there is a 40% tip credit… which means that up to 40% of that hourly wage isn’t paid to the server at all, but is assumed by my employer to have made in tips.

For instance, for every $100.00 of food I sell, my employer assumes that I have made at least $10.00 in tips and that money is subtracted from that $4.95 hourly wage. Even if a server is “stiffed,” we still pay income taxes on the money PRESUMABLY given to us. Keep in mind the IRS also assumes that I have made at least 10% in tips for all of my sales and the income and social security taxes also come out of that hourly wage.

Another thing to remember is that credit card tips at some restaurants are not paid in cash to the server, instead it is collected by the company, taxes and social security are deducted from the entire tip, and it’s posted to their paycheck. An “overly generous” credit card tip can actually adversely affect the server because if they are audited by the IRS and the IRS has documents showing you made an average of 25% tips on your credit card sales, they will expect you to pay taxes equivalent to 1/4 of the total food you sold.

In short, I appreciate the kind gesture of being “tipped-over,” but I think all tipped employees would appreciate it very much if the general public were aware of just how little we are actually earning.

Heather

Lake Ozark

I’m a waitress, and also 8 months pregnant. This time of year is a bit slower than the rest. It was my first table of the night, and they made my entire night great. I have never heard of this site before, but it really helps to see servers are appreciated!! Thank you to the family that did this for me!

Taylor

Bloomington

I was working my first shift at Lake Road Inn, and my first table of the night was such a nice family. Then when I got their tip slip I saw the words, “You’ve been tipped over!” It made my first shift off to a great start. Thank you!!

Mandie

East Peoria

Waited on a nice couple yesterday that I have waited on the in the past. They tipped me over, more than 100% of the bill. Sometimes in my vocation appreciation is few and far between; this sort of kindness IS appreciated! Thank you so much for your kindness and God Bless YOU!

Kenady

Jacksonville

This very nice family came in during our rush and left a wonderful note thanking me for my service as well as wishing me a happy holiday season. They also left a $10 tip on a bill that was only $13 feeling very blessed!