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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;MIGuy, post: 25466289, member: 116145&quot;]I worked as a waiter in college and my kids had service jobs when they were teenagers - I&#039;ve been lucky in life (knock on wood) and I tip well to try and share my good luck and maybe make someone smile.&nbsp; One note, a point of misunderstanding that I see a lot, is that tips in restaurants / food service are NOT gifts.&nbsp; They are INCOME according to our tax laws and this is important because gifts (below $18,000 individually per year) are not reportable, not deductible and most importantly to the recipient - not taxable - whereas tips are taxable and considered income.&nbsp; Tips are a weird thing, primarily an American problem, where we have employers and employees who are relying on the generosity of customers for what is often the largest part of their base pay, yet most folks I know don&#039;t think of it that way, they think of it as &quot;extra&quot; or an indication of their level of satisfaction / generosity.&nbsp; I hope we move to a more European system (or better!) where people in those jobs get sufficient base pay to meet their living expenses and tips aren&#039;t relied on, at least so much, as income.&nbsp; It&#039;s not a very good system in my view, but while we&#039;ve got it, I&#039;m going to tip generously and encourage others to do the same, if and when they can.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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