Key takeaways
- Rideshare & Delivery Drivers file as 1099 / self-employed, so business expenses are deductible on Schedule C.
- Deductions cut both income tax and the 15.3% self-employment tax.
- The biggest write-offs for rideshare and delivery drivers are listed below, with what each covers.
- You need receipts and a mileage log to claim them.
Tax write-offs for rideshare and delivery drivers
Here are the deductions rideshare and delivery drivers most commonly claim. Each one lowers your net profit, and therefore your tax:
| Deduction | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Mileage | The standard mileage rate (72.5 cents per mile for 2026) covers gas, wear, and depreciation. Track every mile while online or driving to pick-ups. |
| Actual car expenses (alternative) | Instead of mileage, you can deduct the business share of gas, insurance, repairs, and depreciation. Pick one method per vehicle. |
| Phone and data plan | The business-use percentage of the phone and plan you use to run the apps. |
| Phone mounts and chargers | Mounts, chargers, and cables used for driving. |
| Tolls and parking | Tolls and parking fees incurred while working (not covered by the mileage rate). |
| Car cleaning and supplies | Car washes, detailing, and supplies to keep the vehicle rider-ready. |
| Passenger amenities | Water, snacks, gum, and phone chargers offered to riders. |
| Hot bags and delivery gear | Insulated bags, drink carriers, and equipment for delivery work. |
| Platform and service fees | Commissions and service fees the apps take from your earnings. |
| Health insurance and retirement | Self-employed health insurance premiums and SEP-IRA or Solo 401(k) contributions. |
Standard mileage vs actual expenses for gig drivers
You choose one of two methods for your car. The standard mileage rate (72.5 cents per mile for 2026) bundles gas, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation into a single per-mile number and is simplest, and usually larger, for most gig drivers. The actual-expense method deducts the business-use share of every car cost and can win if your vehicle is expensive to run. You must pick a method the first year you use the car for business, so estimate both before deciding.
Which miles count: online, en route, and between trips
Deductible business miles include time spent with a passenger or delivery, driving to pick up a rider or order, and miles while you are online and available for requests. Your commute from home before you go online, and personal errands, do not count. Rideshare apps only report part of your mileage, so keep your own contemporaneous log (a mileage app or NeoReceipt) to capture every deductible mile, which is the single biggest write-off for most drivers.
Turn rideshare and delivery drivers deductions into tax savings
Every dollar you deduct lowers both your income tax and your 15.3 percent self-employment tax, so consistently tracking the write-offs above is what turns the list into real money. You can only deduct what you can prove, so capture receipts and miles as they happen.
See what these deductions save you with our free calculators, then let NeoReceipt make sure you capture every one.