Claim Your IRS Refund for Tipped Wages

$0 upfront. Paid when you are. No risk.

TipCred connects eligible businesses with licensed tax attorneys to file and recover IRS FICA Tip Credit refunds under Code §45B.

✅ $0 to the Business Owner

There’s no upfront cost to apply or file. Fees are only paid if and when your IRS refund is issued. TipCred’s legal partner — The Kane Law Group — handles all filings, forms, and IRS communications.

✅ 100% IRS-Compliant Process

This isn’t a grant or stimulus — it’s a real refund for overpaid payroll taxes. The process is backed by tax code §45B, documented by your 941 forms, and submitted via official IRS Form 8846.

✅ No Changes to Wages or Payroll Needed

You don’t need to change how you pay employees or restructure your POS. If you already use platforms like Square, Clover, Toast, or Lightspeed that track tips — you’re likely set.

✅ Audit-Ready Documentation

Every client receives a fully prepared refund file, including Form 8846, payroll reports, 941s, tax return attachments, and signed legal representation forms.

✅ Fast Funding Option (Optional)

Need your refund sooner? You may be eligible to receive your full refund in as little as 30 days, thanks to Kane Law’s partner funding program. (Otherwise, IRS disbursement can take 4–12 months.)

Check My Eligibility

A Proven IRS Refund Program — Still Overlooked by Thousands of Businesses

With more than 12 million workers in the U.S. hospitality and service industry relying on tips as income, most business owners don’t realize they’re eligible for a substantial tax refund.

IRS Code §45B, also known as the FICA Tip Credit, was created to help employers recover payroll taxes they’ve already paid on employee-reported tips.

“If you paid your share of Social Security and Medicare on tipped wages — the IRS may owe you a refund.”

See If I Qualify — It’s Free

📊 Fast Facts

Businesses using Square, Toast, Clover, Lightspeed, or other POS systems with tipping enabled are strong candidates.

✅ Over $1 billion in refunds claimed annually under this program

✅ Applies to businesses with W-2 employees who earn tips

✅ Covers up to 3 years of prior tax filings — including current year

✅ Refunds often range from $20,000 to $250,000+ depending on size

✅ Zero changes required to your wages, payroll, or tipping system

Check My Eligiblity

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🔍 Most Overlooked Qualifying Industries

🍽️ Restaurants & Cafés

Front-of-house staff like servers, hosts, and bussers typically receive tips processed through POS systems. If you file Form 941, you're likely eligible.

☕ Coffee Shops & Food Trucks

Tipping is now the norm via Square and Toast. Even one W-2 employee with reported tips can qualify you for a refund.

🍸 Bars, Breweries, & Lounges

Bartenders and barbacks earn tips all day — but most bar owners don’t realize they’re overpaying in FICA on those dollars.

🏨 Hotels, Casinos & Resorts

Large staff, tip pooling, and integrated POS systems make these venues prime candidates for multi-year tax recovery.

🎟️ Concession Stands & Event Vendors

From stadiums to festivals, food and drink stands often process tips through handheld systems like Clover. These are rarely claimed — but fully eligible.

🍷 Wineries & Tasting Rooms

Tasting guides and pourers frequently earn tips via POS — and if they’re on payroll, those tips count toward your refund eligibility.

FAQ

Have questions? We've got answers to help you understand the FICA Tip Credit program and how TipCred can help.

How does the FICA Tip Credit work?

The IRS allows businesses to claim back a portion of payroll taxes (FICA) paid on employee-reported tips. This is called the FICA Tip Credit under IRS Code §45B.

What are the costs involved?

There are no upfront costs. TipCred and our legal partners only get paid if your refund is successfully processed — typically from a portion of the refund.

Is this service handled by licensed tax attorneys?

Yes. All filings are handled by licensed attorneys through our legal referral partner, Kane Law Group. TipCred itself provides marketing and intake services.

How do I submit my application?

Simply fill out the online qualification form and sign the pre-filled documents (Form 8821 + Service Agreement). It only takes a few minutes.

What documents do I need to get started?

You’ll need:
• IRS Form 941s (last 3 years)
• Business tax returns (1120/1120S)
• Signed 8821 and Kane Law Agreement (we provide)

How long does it take to get my refund?

Refunds can take 4–12 months through the IRS, but some clients qualify for 30-day fast-track funding if approved.

Can I still apply if I don’t have all my 941s?

✅ Yes. You can still begin the process even if you're missing one or more 941s. Our legal filing partner, The Kane Law Group, can often help retrieve your past filings directly from the IRS with your permission.

👉 Just upload whatever tax documents you currently have — we’ll guide you through the rest.

📌 Tip: The more documents you provide upfront, the faster your refund can be processed. But missing paperwork shouldn’t stop you from starting your claim.

Who qualifies for the FICA Tip Credit?

If you have tipped W-2 employees, pay FICA taxes, and report tips using a system like Square, Toast, or Clover — you're likely eligible.

Why does using Square, Toast, Clover, or similar POS systems help eligibility?

These systems automatically record and report employee tips, which ensures accurate FICA tax payment and documentation. Since the IRS Tip Credit is based on reported tips and payroll taxes, digital POS systems make it much easier to prove eligibility and support your refund claim.

Do cash tips count toward the FICA Tip Credit?

Only if they’re reported and taxed. The IRS requires that cash tips be claimed by employees and included in payroll for FICA taxes to be eligible. Unreported cash tips (under the table) do not qualify for the credit.

Is this a loan or something I’ll have to pay back?

No. The FICA Tip Credit is a federal tax refund, not a loan. You’re reclaiming FICA taxes you already paid on employee tips — it’s your money.

Will this change how my employees are paid or how tips are handled?

Nope. You don’t have to change how you process tips or pay wages. The credit is calculated using existing payroll records and IRS filings — your operations stay the same.

Do I have to amend my tax returns myself?

Not at all. All tax filings are handled by The Kane Law Group, including Form 8846 and any necessary amendments. TipCred only helps connect and qualify your business securely.

Why haven’t I heard of this before?

Most business owners and even some CPAs overlook this credit. It’s hidden in the tax code and typically claimed by national chains or companies with specialized advisors. TipCred is making it accessible for small and mid-size businesses.

Does Your Business Qualify for the FICA Tip Credit Refund?