- with readers working within the Business & Consumer Services industries
- within Family and Matrimonial and Insurance topic(s)
In Bulgaria, tips left for waiters, bartenders, drivers, and other service workers often raise questions regarding their tax and social security treatment. The National Revenue Agency (NRA) has clarified that tips are not considered a separate type of income. Instead, they are treated as part of an employee's wages and are subject to both taxation and social security contributions.
How Tips Are Classified
For employees working in restaurants, cafes, and similar establishments, tips are directly connected to the work they perform. Although customers provide the payment rather than employers, tips are treated as additional compensation for labor. The method of payment, whether cash, card, or through a digital platform, does not change how tips are taxed or treated for social security purposes.
Key points for employees and employers in Bulgaria:
Income Classification
Tips are considered employment income and must be included in an
employee's gross wages.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers are required to include all tips in employees'
monthly gross wages and handle the withholding and payment of
income tax and social security contributions. This means employees
do not bear direct responsibility for these payments.
Social Security Contributions
Tips are included when calculating social security contributions,
which cover pension and health insurance as well as contributions
to other state social security funds.
Payment Method Neutrality
Regardless of how tips are received, cash, card, or digital
platform, the tax and social security treatment remains the
same.
Documentation Requirements
Maintaining transparency and proper documentation of tips helps
both parties avoid potential penalties from the NRA.
Compliance Benefits
Proper treatment of tips in Bulgaria provides security and benefits for both employees and employers. Employees gain social security benefits that accurately reflect their total income, including pension rights and health insurance coverage. Meanwhile, employers fulfill their legal obligations to tax and social security authorities, reducing the risk of penalties and ensuring compliance with Bulgarian labor and tax law.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
