Industry Guide
Tax guidance for rideshare and delivery drivers.
Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart — 1099 income with real mileage, phone, and platform-fee considerations.
Who this is for
Built for rideshare drivers
For drivers earning 1099-K or 1099-NEC income from rideshare and delivery apps, typically filed on Schedule C.
Common income sources
- Trip earnings and tips
- Bonuses and quest incentives
- Referral bonuses
- Multiple-platform totals
Commonly considered expense categories
- Business mileage (standard or actual)
- Cell phone and data plan (business portion)
- Tolls and parking
- Platform commissions and service fees
- Car washes and supplies (water, phone mounts)
May be deductible if eligible and properly documented. Rules vary — verify with a professional.
Recordkeeping
Recordkeeping checklist
- Annual summaries from each platform
- Mileage tracked in an app or logbook
- Toll and parking receipts
- Vehicle purchase, lease, or loan docs
Watch outs
Common mistakes to avoid
- Only reporting the 1099 net and missing gross-vs-fee reconciliation
- Choosing actual expenses without keeping receipts
- Skipping estimated tax payments
- Deducting 100% of a personal phone
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Industry guides are general educational information for rideshare drivers and do not constitute tax advice. Rules change often and personal circumstances vary — please consult a qualified tax professional.
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