North Carolina Tip Laws

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), tips are regulated. Employers who meet certain criteria are permitted to take a partial credit against minimum wage obligations for tipped employees. Tipped employees includes those engaged in jobs in which they regularly and customarily receive tips.

The tip credit was created by Congress in 1966, and adjustments occurred on December 28, 2021, when the 2021 Dual Jobs Final Rule went into effect. A federal court vacated portions of the final rule in October 2024, which effectively reinstated the original dual jobs regulation (29 C.F.R.531.56(e). It recognizes that an employee may work in tipped and non-tipped occupations, and employers are only permitted to take the tip credit against minimum wage obligations for hours worked in the tipped occupation.

The FLSA mandates that a tipped worker must be paid at least $2.13 per hour. The FLSA tip credit can be equal to the different between the direct (or cash) wage paid to the employee and the federal minimum wage. Only tips actually received by an employee count when making the determination of a tipped employee and applying the credit.

The FLSA also permits employees to “pool” or share tips with other eligible employees, although it doesn’t impose a limit on the amount or percentage of the contribution of each employee in a valid tip pool.

State law may differ from the federal FLSA standards. Review what tip laws apply in North Carolina.

When Were the Tip Laws Last Updated in North Carolina?

Tip laws in North Carolina were last updated in 2021.

Does North Carolina Have Tip Laws That Differ from Federal Tip Laws?

North Carolina generally adheres to the federal tip laws. However, an employer must notify a tipped employee in advance of taking a tip credit toward their hourly wage. Additionally, the limit for tip pooling differs from federal law.

Who Holds the Ownership of Tips in North Carolina?

Under federal law, any gratuities paid to employees are their property. Employers are not permitted to require employees to hand in their tips, although they are allowed to count the tip toward the hourly rate.

What are the Rules for Distribution of Credit Card Processing Tips in North Carolina?

Federal law states that all tips paid by credit card must be issued to employees no later than the next regular payday, even if the employer is awaiting reimbursement from the financial provider.

What are the Tip Pooling Rules in North Carolina?

Employers are permitted to establish mandatory tip pools, but they may not reduce employee tips by more than 15%.

Who Can and Can’t Participate in Tip Pools in North Carolina?

Tipped employees may participate. Supervisors, managers, owners, and non-tipped employees may not.

Is there a Difference Between Tips and Service Charges in North Carolina?

Yes, a mandatory service charge is not considered a tip. Therefore, it would belong to the employer.

To be considered a tip instead of a service charge, a customer must give money voluntarily in an amount of their own choosing. The customer must also be able to determine who receives it, and it can’t be set by employer policy.

Can Employers Deduct Credit Card Fees from Tips in North Carolina?

Yes, employers may deduct credit card fees from tips as long as doing so doesn’t take the employee’s hourly wage below the statewide minimum rate.

Do Tips Count Toward the Minimum Wage in North Carolina?

Yes, tips may count toward the minimum wage in North Carolina.

Do Tips Factor Into Regular Rate Calculations for Overtime Pay in North Carolina?

Yes, tips can factor into rate calculations for OT pay. Any eligible employee working over 40 hours in a week should receive overtime pay (1.5 times their normal hourly wage), and the employer is allowed to include the tip credit in that calculation.

Are There Cities and Municipalities in North Carolina That Have Their Own Tip and Service Charge Rules That Differ from Statewide Laws?

No, there are no cities or municipalities with differing laws.

What Are the Record-Keeping Requirements for Employers Regarding Tips in North Carolina?

Employers must keep detailed records of all tips reported by employees, including amounts and dates of service. If tip pooling is in effect, the record should also include the arrangements and the distribution of tips to eligible staff members.

What Options Do Employees Have for Remuneration if Their Tips are Withheld in North Carolina?

An employee may take legal action against an employer who violates state tip laws.

What are the Penalties for Employers for Not Complying with North Carolina Tip Laws?

Violating North Carolina tip laws can subject an employer to civil or criminal penalties and a fine of up to $1,162 per violation. Employees may also be permitted to recover the unpaid wages in damages.

Managing the regulations associated with tips in North Carolina can be a challenge. But with WorkforceHub, your business can ensure accuracy. The numerical clock prompt feature allows the employee to input their received tips at the end of the shift, and that information would be available for reporting and payroll processing. Explore our selection of time clocks to find what works for your business.

Tips and Credits Report (NC OAH)

North Carolina Minimum Wage