DoorDash Tax Deductions 2026: Checklist for Delivery Drivers
The biggest DoorDash tax deduction is mileage: 72.5 cents per mile for January to June 2026 and 76 cents from July 1. Add the business share of your phone, insulated bags, tolls and parking, plus three deductions that need no receipts: half of your self-employment tax, the 20% business income deduction and the tips deduction.
DoorDash tax deductions that lower both taxes
| Deduction | What to keep |
|---|---|
| Mileage (standard rate) | A daily mileage log |
| Phone and data plan, business share | Your bill and an estimate of business use |
| Insulated bags, phone mount, chargers | Receipts |
| Tolls and parking while dashing | Receipts or app records |
These reduce your net profit, so they cut self-employment tax and income tax.
Deductions that lower income tax only
- Half of your self-employment tax: automatic.
- 20% qualified business income deduction: automatic for most drivers.
- Tips deduction: up to $25,000 of qualified tips, up to your net profit.
- Self-employed health insurance: if you pay for your own plan and aren’t eligible for an employer plan.
- Retirement savings: contributions to a SEP-IRA or solo 401(k).
Uber driver tax deductions: what’s different
Rideshare drivers deduct the same mileage and phone costs, plus a few extras: Uber’s service and booking fees if your 1099-K shows gross fares, city and airport fees, car washes, and water or snacks for riders. Your Uber tax summary lists the fees and your online miles.
What delivery drivers can’t deduct
- Gas, repairs and insurance if you use the standard mileage rate (they’re already included).
- Commuting miles from home to where you usually start work.
- Personal use of your phone or car.
- Traffic tickets and parking fines.
See what your deductions are worth
Enter your miles and expenses in the DoorDash tax calculator or the mileage deduction calculator.
What is the biggest tax deduction for DoorDash drivers?
Usually mileage. At 72.5 to 76 cents per mile, 15,000 business miles is worth over $11,000 of deductions.
Can I deduct gas as a DoorDash or Uber driver?
Only if you use actual car expenses instead of the standard mileage rate. You can’t claim both.
Do I need receipts for the mileage deduction?
You need a mileage log with dates, miles and purpose. Receipts aren’t needed for the standard rate itself.