Why Doordash drivers get surprised by taxes
Doordash classifies every driver as an independent contractor. That means no W-4, no withholding, and a 1099-NEC at year-end that just shows total pay — nothing held back. The IRS still expects you to pay both income tax and self-employment tax (15.3%, covering Social Security and Medicare) on your net profit, in four payments through the year, not just once in April.
Deductions most Dashers miss
- Mileage: the single biggest deduction for delivery drivers. Track miles from the moment you go online to the moment you go offline, not just "loaded" miles to the customer. At 72.5¢/mile in 2026, 10,000 miles is a $7,250 deduction.
- Phone bill: the business-use percentage of your phone plan.
- Hot bags, dash cam, phone mount, chargers.
- Car washes if you keep your car clean for deliveries.
- Roadside assistance / AAA if you use it primarily for driving.
- Health insurance premiums if Doordash is your main income and you're not covered elsewhere — this is a separate, often-missed deduction beyond what this calculator estimates.
Pick either standard mileage (72.5¢/mile) or actual vehicle expenses (gas, repairs, depreciation) — not both. For most Dashers driving a normal commuter car, standard mileage comes out ahead and is far less paperwork.
FAQ
Do I owe taxes if Doordash is just a side gig?
Yes, if you net $400 or more from self-employment in a year, you owe self-employment tax on it, on top of whatever you owe from your main job.
What if I drive for Doordash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub?
Combine all of it. The IRS doesn't care which app paid you — it's all self-employment income, and you can use this calculator with your total earnings across every delivery app.
When are quarterly payments actually due in 2026?
April 15, June 15, September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027 for the last quarter of the year.