Self-employed tax · Uber, Lyft

Uber & Lyft drivers tax calculator (2026)

Estimate 2026 tax on rideshare earnings, including the mileage deduction at 72.5¢ and then 76¢ a mile, the new deduction for tips, and what to pay each quarter.

Checked against official sources on September 24, 2026 · Sources

Gross self-employment income

$

Include tips.

Expenses other than mileage

$

Business miles, Jan–Jun

miles

72.5¢ a mile

Business miles, Jul–Dec

miles

76¢ a mile

Qualified tips (included above)

$

Deductible from income tax, up to $25,000.

W-2 wages from a job

$

Deductions to track

Business miles

Every mile driven with the app on while waiting for, driving to or carrying a passenger counts. Commuting from home to your first ride usually doesn’t. Keep a log (most driver apps export one).

Parking and tolls

Business parking fees and tolls are deductible on top of the standard mileage rate.

Phone and accessories

The business-use share of your phone plan, mounts, chargers and in-car amenities for riders.

Platform fees

Service fees the platform keeps are business expenses if they’re included in the gross amount you report.

Good to know

Standard mileage vs. actual costs

You can deduct car costs by the standard mileage rate or by actual expenses (gas, repairs, insurance, depreciation), not both. Parking and tolls are extra either way. Source

Tips can qualify for the new deduction

Taxi and rideshare drivers are on the IRS list of occupations that customarily receive tips, so qualifying tips may be deductible from income tax (up to $25,000). They are still subject to self-employment tax. Source

Uber & Lyft drivers tax questions

Do I have to pay taxes if Uber or Lyft doesn’t send me a 1099?

Yes. You owe tax on your profit whether or not you receive a form. Forms 1099-K and 1099-NEC only report payments to the IRS; the reporting thresholds don’t change what’s taxable.

Should I use the standard mileage rate or actual expenses?

Figure it both ways the first year. The standard rate is simpler and often larger for fuel-efficient cars driven many miles. To use the standard rate for a car you own, you generally must choose it in the first year you use the car for business.

Sources

All figures on this page were checked against these sources on September 24, 2026. Found something out of date? Tell us.