Virginia Gov. Youngkin calls for end to taxes on tips

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Ahead of the next Virginia legislative session, Gov. Glenn Youngkin is calling for an end to taxes on tips in the state.

According to Gov. Youngkin, this would apply to more than 250,000 people in Virginia who work within the food service industry, personal service industry such as hairstylists, and the hospitality industry, along with others who receive tips through their employment.

Under the proposal, Virginians who earn tips will be able to claim a deduction on their state tax return, assuming the income is included in their federal adjusted gross income.

"This is way to keep more money in their pocket as opposed to giving it to a government. We’re already running surpluses and therefore, no taxes on tips is going to become the manta in Virginia," Youngkin said Monday, appearing on FOX.

Christopher Berrios, a manager at Bob & Edith’s in Alexandria, said he is in favor of the idea to allow service tips to be exempt from Virginia’s state income tax.

"You know how bosses are. They got to take care of the company, so bosses will be the ones who lose a little bit of money but at the same time, we got to think about the servers. The people that work, they work hard, they do a great job,"

Berrios said. "I don’t know if other people will agree with it but me, since I was a server before, I know every little bit…every little money, every penny counts. So, I’m pretty sure every sever will be happy about it."

The proposal echoes President-elect Trump’s call during the campaign to end taxes on tips. Vice President Harris also voiced support for eliminating taxes on tips.

FOX 5 reached out to the Virginia Democratic Party on the proposal, but a request for a comment was not immediately returned Monday.