Tip Pooling and Server Payouts on Clover
How to set up automatic tip distribution, cash-out reports, and stay onside with Canadian payroll rules.
Whether you run a tip pool, a percentage split, or pay tips out in cash at end of shift, Clover can handle it — and the right setup saves your manager a daily headache.
Three common models: 1. Individual. Each server keeps their own tips. Clover tracks per-employee totals automatically. 2. Pool. All tips go into a pot, split by hours worked or shift role. Clover Reporting generates the math. 3. Tip-out percentage. Servers contribute a share to bar, bussers, and kitchen. Configurable per role.
Canadian payroll note: Cash tips are taxable income but generally do not go through payroll. Tips paid out via the POS (and ultimately the merchant deposit) may need to flow through payroll depending on your province — check with your bookkeeper. Quebec has specific reporting obligations.
We help every restaurant client configure tip distribution during onboarding.