Does anyone know how much tax should get taken out of a waiters paycheck?

Question

it seems like there's an exceptional amount of tax being taken out of my paycheck. i know some of the tax is compensation for the tips i'm receiving, but what about for the nights when i'm hosting and don't receive any tips? should i be getting a separate paycheck for the nights i'm hosting and then another paycheck for when i'm waiting?

Answer 1

You'd get one paycheck for the week, including withholding for whatever tips you reported.

Answer 2

The only difference between a waiter's check and anybody else's is the amount withheld for tips.  If you report your tips to your employer on a daily basis or weekly basis, they have to take out based on the reported tips.  If you don't report your tips, they have to assume you made 8% of your sales as tips and withhold as if you made that much in tips.

Since you work both a tip related and a non tip related job for the same employer, I bet they are taking out some even the days you are hosting.  This is especially likely if your restaurant pools tips for all servers - they probably through you in the pool even when you host.  You should inquire about that with your manager and see what they are doing.

Your best defense is your tip journal.  You DO keep track of tips on a daily basis, right?  If not, it is hard to dispute anything.  If you do, you can correct the overwithholding when you file your taxes.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, that's the big problem when you work two positions at a restaurant.  I worked at Don Pablos for a few years- I served, bartended, hosted, and did some administrative stuff.  I had a different pay rate for each position, and only got tips when I served or tended bar.  I don't know the exact answer to your question, unfortunately, but I do know that if you work for a chain restaurant - you will continue to have this problem if you work those two different positions.  If your manager can work something out for you "under the table" then you could do that.  Or just tell him/her that because of taxes, you can't work both positions.  Most managers don't even realize it, especially if they're not the ones doing the payroll.  Once you show him/her, he/she will probably let you pick one position.  Good luck!