When leaving a tip in a restaurant do you include the tax or not include the tax in the tip?

Answer 1

I include the tax, but now that I think about it...I shouldn't have to

Answer 2

Well, technically you don't tip on the tax, but I assume that most people tip on the total bill without realizing they're actually tipping on the tax as well. As a rule of thumb, 15% of the (pre-tax) total should cover your tipping, but you are welcome to tip more. A good reference is: 15% for standard service, 18% for great service, & 20% or more for excellent service. Since I've worked in the service industry, I never tip less than 20% unless the service was horrible.

Oh, and unless your state tax is 7.5% or more, you're being cheap if you just "double the tax." It doesn't work for everyone.

Answer 3

The waitress or waiter is your employee while you are there. Pay them well for a good job done. Tell them if you are not happy with the service or would like them to do something different the next time you come in. The total of each guest check is tallied at the end of their shift and that number is used to report the percentage of tip received to the IRS. If you have a $50.00 check, the establishment reports $5.00 wages in tips even if you stiff the server.
You can leave a little extra to help make up for the jerks who were there before you came so the servers don't have to pay taxes on money they didn't get

Answer 4

I tip based on the level of service not on the price of the meal. I generally eat in places where a single meal costs between 6-20 dollars depending on my mood, or who's with me. If I go to an all day breakfast where I pay 6 dollars and the waitress is really curtious and efficiant I'll leave a 4-5 dollar tip. 4 $ is a 66% tip but it's only 4 dollars. Why does a waitress who serves me a 50 dollar meal deserve more money then one that serves me a 6 dollar meal. I'd rather give the money to the one serving me the cheaper meal, because I know she works just as hard and probably gets less tips.

Answer 5

I do not include the tax. I round up to the nearest whole dollar and average 20% for good service. The days of 10-15% are gone. 20% is now the standard

Answer 6

For petes sake include the tax! Are you really gonna miss the extra dollar or two?

I mean c'mon really!

As for doubling the tax, pray that they dont spit in your food if you ever go back. That is the chepest thing I ever heard. Tax is about 6.5% where Im from. Tipping should start at 15% and go up depending on the service you received.

Servers don't make that much money to begin with. If you get good service, show your appreciation.

Answer 7

Always include the tax. And always pay at least 20% of the bill. These workers live by their tips. And always keep this in mind when you are eating at an off peak hour. I find when I tip very well I am remembered if I come back.

Answer 8

I usually figure in my head about 15% of the entire total, or 20% or more for exceptional service. Even if the service is horrible and the help is surly, I will leave a dollar. I feel for people in food service--been there, done that, many years ago.

Answer 9

yes - i believe so. for good solid service? 20% of total.

leave my table waiting too much, struggling to look around for you, etc.? closer to 15% depending on how lazy or lacking.

if you suck soooo bad that i want to leave less than that or ZERO? i will try to discuss with management first, but have rarely ever ran into such suckiness.

some cultures other than american find tipping rude...like japanese, is that right? interesting thing though...tipping etiquette.

Answer 10

I include the tax. So if the bill says, Please Pay: $50.00, I tip $10. Even if there was $5 in taxes.