A new law signed by President Donald Trump in July 2025 is making headlines across the internet, and Twitch streamers are right in the middle of the conversation. Nicknamed the “no tax on tips” bill, it allows creators and service workers to keep more of what fans give them, and streamers are quickly realizing how much this could mean for their wallets.
Twitch donations and virtual gifts now fall under Trump’s “no tax on tips” bill
Traditionally, Twitch audiences used to support streamers through donations, subscriptions, and Twitch’s “bits” system, which were small virtual payments that could add up to real money. The law allows workers who regularly earn tips to deduct up to $25,000 in tip income from their taxes. However, there’s a catch: streamers making over $150,000 annually won’t qualify.
That means smaller creators who rely heavily on fan support stand to gain the most. Instead of losing a chunk of their earnings to the IRS, they’ll be able to pocket more of what viewers send them during streams.
Why this matters most for small and mid-tier streamers
While big names like xQc, Pokimane, or Kai Cenat won’t qualify because their multimillion-dollar deals put them well above the $150K threshold, thousands of mid-tier Twitch streamers could see significant benefits.
For many, $25K represents months of donations and subscriptions. A tax break on this amount could cover everything from streaming equipment upgrades to paying off student loans.
It’s essentially a government-backed boost to keep building their online careers.
This deduction effectively puts more money back into their pockets, which could be reinvested into better equipment, higher production value, or even paying for editors and mods.
For years, creators argued that digital donations were functionally no different than tipping a server or musician. Now, the law agrees.
How long will this benefit last for Twitch creators?
The “no tax on tips” policy is set to expire in 2028 unless Congress chooses to extend it. Until then, Twitch creators will need to track their donations closely and prepare to claim the deduction during tax season.
For smaller streamers trying to turn passion into a profession, this could be one of the most impactful financial breaks they’ve ever had.