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Pdist
Level 2

Service Charge vs Tips

How do I classify Service Charges (Tax Tracking)?
For example, Tips are classified as "Reported Tips"
Are Service Charges the same or are they considered "Compensation" since they're given by us and not directly from the Customers?
Thank You!
(FYI - Service Charges is a mandatory tip (or gratuity) charged to the Customers, determined solely by the Company.  The Company has complete control over which employee gets what amount.  Service charges, in California, as Sales Taxable)

Solved
Best answer 2 weeks ago

Best Answers
JeraldR
QuickBooks Team

Service Charge vs Tips

Tips and service charges differ in how they work and how to record them, @Pdist. I'll discuss it below.
 

Tips are extra money customers choose to give workers directly. They can be cash, electronic payments, or even gift cards. Service charges are different.
 

They require fees the business adds to bills. Customers can't change these fees or choose who gets them. Because of this difference, we should label service charges as compensation in QuickBooks, not as tips. This helps keep our books correct and follows tax rules.
 

To handle service charges in QuickBooks, create a new payroll item specifically for them. Link this item to regular wage tax tracking. When paying employees, use this new item for service charges. Here's how:
 

  1. Lists > Payroll Item List.
  2. Select New.
  3. Choose Custom Setup, then click Next.
  4. Choose Addition and name the item.
  5. Choose the Expense account for tracking
  6. Set Tax tracking type as Compensation.
  7. Follow the prompts to finish the setup.
     

For more information about the steps, check this guided material: Pay and report tips.
 

To learn more about service charges in QuickBooks, check this resource: Service charge vs. tips: Basics and examples.
 

Additionally, here's an article that guides you on how to create and send your paychecks in QuickBooks Desktop payroll: Create and run your payroll.
 

Let me know if you have any further concerns or questions about payroll in QuickBooks Desktop by posting a response below. We're here to assist you. 

View solution in original post

3 Comments 3
FishingForAnswers
Level 10

Service Charge vs Tips

@Pdist  This seems most similar to the case of Cash Tips v. Credit Card Tips.

 

At the end of the day, even if it is coming from you, the tip still originated from the customer; so, extra income to you, offset by an equivalent tip (payroll expense) to the employee, it all washes out to a net zero effect to the company while still being recognized as gross pay by the employee.

 

So, rather than having a Reported Tips/Reported Tips Out situation as you would with most cash tips, you'd simply have Reported Tips for the appropriate amount for the appropriate employee. Payroll taxes come out, same as with any other gross wage, and they keep the remainder.

 

"The Company has complete control over which employee gets what amount."

 

This is throwing up a bit of a red flag in my mind. How exactly are you determining the distribution?

FishingForAnswers
Level 10

Service Charge vs Tips

@Pdist  On second consideration, I'm rescinding my earlier reply. Can't delete it.

JeraldR
QuickBooks Team

Service Charge vs Tips

Tips and service charges differ in how they work and how to record them, @Pdist. I'll discuss it below.
 

Tips are extra money customers choose to give workers directly. They can be cash, electronic payments, or even gift cards. Service charges are different.
 

They require fees the business adds to bills. Customers can't change these fees or choose who gets them. Because of this difference, we should label service charges as compensation in QuickBooks, not as tips. This helps keep our books correct and follows tax rules.
 

To handle service charges in QuickBooks, create a new payroll item specifically for them. Link this item to regular wage tax tracking. When paying employees, use this new item for service charges. Here's how:
 

  1. Lists > Payroll Item List.
  2. Select New.
  3. Choose Custom Setup, then click Next.
  4. Choose Addition and name the item.
  5. Choose the Expense account for tracking
  6. Set Tax tracking type as Compensation.
  7. Follow the prompts to finish the setup.
     

For more information about the steps, check this guided material: Pay and report tips.
 

To learn more about service charges in QuickBooks, check this resource: Service charge vs. tips: Basics and examples.
 

Additionally, here's an article that guides you on how to create and send your paychecks in QuickBooks Desktop payroll: Create and run your payroll.
 

Let me know if you have any further concerns or questions about payroll in QuickBooks Desktop by posting a response below. We're here to assist you. 

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