Do you tip on the amount before or after the tax?

Most of us agree that 20 percent is the standard amount to leave on a restaurant check...

So should that be before or after the tax? Steve Dublanica, author of “Keep the Change,” says after the tax is best. That’s because most servers total their sales at the end of the night and include the tax in the amount. The cash-out amount is what determines how much they tip out to busboys, runners and other staff members. If you’re a stickler and prefer to tip pre-tax – that’s okay. Servers understand the tax could be pretty significant on a big bill – but you might want to at least round up a little.

Steve also has some advice if you’re tempted to leave a bad tip. Even if your server really, really screws up, keep in mind that tip money is being distributed to multiple people. It’s not fair to penalize the other employees who did their part. Try telling the manager that you had poor service – but you’re leaving a tip anyway. They’ll get the message.