> I work in a restaurant/bar
> and was wondering how you determine how to split your tips with your
> coworkers. Should I be tipping my cocktail waitresses or should they
> tip me? How much? I was wondering if anyone works in a similar set up
> as I do and how each position (bartender, barback, hostess, etc)
> splits their tips. Also, do you claim all your tips when it comes to
> taxes
I have worked in different restaurants and the management always had a set
policy,but gerneraly ,bartenders pool their tips if they work behind the same
bar on the ame shift, the wait staff tips the bartendter.The amount can be a
percentage of alcohol sales or a set amount each night, this is generaly
determinded by the management(this is the minimun required).Some places you
are paid directly by the wait staff and some places the management collets and
passes it on to you.You should tip the back and bus help if the managment
requires it or not. As far as taxes- you should sign a slip once a payperiod
on how much you claim(or how much the management determinds you were tipped
less your tip outs)this is shown as special earning on your statement of
earning and your witholding is based on the total of that and your earning.
Not everyone follows the federal guidelines and someplaces the bartender pays
theirself cash,out of the till and no record of anykind is kept. Whatever your
situation keep a daily log book,to shown the date and hours worked,the amount
of sales,your tips(claim what you want),your tip outs.This will save you a lot
of trouble if you ever get audited.If special income(you tips) is shown every
payperoid on your statement of earning you don't need to show anything in the
other income tips area when of if you file.
--
Dennis