Is the Tip in US supposed to be given on the total amount or the amount before tax?

Question

For example if the amount before tax is 10 $ and total bill amount is 12 $ including tax and if i want to give 15% tip, should i calculate 15% on 10 $ or 15% on 20 $

Answer 1

Before tax

Answer 2

I usually tip on the pre-tax total (15% of that amount).

Answer 3

15%. It doesn't really matter which one you take 15% of. Tax on $10 is usually only 90 cents, 15% of 90 cents is 14 cents, so it doesn't matter.
If they did well, leave more, if they did poorly, leave less.
But if you are going to tip, leave at least $1.50. Even if you just had a sandwich. Waiters dont want to pick up a 90 cent tip. Can't even get a pack of gum for that.

Answer 4

You usually tip on the before-tax amount.

Answer 5

Before tax. Beautiful!

Answer 6

The total amount. 20% is nice but 15%is acceptable also on any amount.

Answer 7

yea like the others said, if you have to wait 45mins to get your food you dont tip, or if you asked for a specialty order and they bring you a menu one, you dont tip, but if the waiter or waitress is kind and everything is up to par in your standards then you tip them, but its usually 15% before taxes but you could always throw a little somthing onto that.

Answer 8

Here's a TIP (pun intended!)

If you don't get good service, don't tip.

If you get good service, tip 20% of the whole tab...makes it easy because you slide the decimal point and double the amount. Plus you don't look like a cheapskate.

Overtipping is a little extra kindness to someone who was good to you...overtip often.

Answer 9

Before tax is fine. But if you ask a waiter they'll tell you after tax!

Answer 10

You don't HAVE to tip anything, it is an expression of gratitude to tip. If you get good service or had an enjoyable time, then tip, if not then don't tip.