Nearly 30 million Americans have claimed tax deductions on tips and overtime introduced under Donald Trump's economic agenda, according to Scott Bessent. The updated figures were shared ahead of the April 15 tax filing deadline, indicating rising adoption as the filing season nears its close.
Speaking at an event with small business owners in New York's Hudson Valley, Bessent highlighted the scale of participation under the policy.
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Breakdown of claims
As reported by the New York Post, Bessent said 5.7 million taxpayers have filed for the "No Tax on Tips" deduction, while 23 million have claimed the "No Tax on Overtime" benefit.
"That's the biggest one," Bessent said of the overtime provision.
The combined figure marks an increase from earlier estimates of around 24.6 million, suggesting a steady rise in participation.
What the policy offers
The deductions were introduced under the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act", a broader tax package aimed at reducing tax burdens and supporting economic activity.
Under these provisions, eligible workers can exclude certain tipped income and overtime earnings from taxable income. The measure is designed to increase take-home pay and provide relief to workers in service and hourly wage sectors.
Early impact on workers and businesses
At the Hudson Valley event, both employers and workers pointed to visible changes.
Per Hindustan Times, Raj Aman, a bar owner in Yorktown, said hiring conditions have improved. "Three years ago, I couldn't get any servers or bartenders," he said, adding that recruitment has picked up as workers respond to the tax benefits.
Claire Kerrigan, a bartender, also spoke about the impact. "It's really, truly a big help," she said, noting that she now sets aside less money for taxes.
Local official Brendel Logan-Charles described the policy as a "wake-up call" and acknowledged its effect on workers and businesses.
Broader economic push
Republican Congressman Mike Lawler linked the deductions to a wider pro-growth strategy, including incentives for companies to invest and hire.
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Bessent added that businesses are already benefiting from roughly $100 billion in additional deductions, which could support job creation.
While participation appears strong, the full economic impact is expected to become clearer after the current tax cycle concludes.
