Use this free gig economy tax calculator to estimate your tax liability as an Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or Instacart driver. Enter your gross earnings, business expenses, and miles driven to see your net profit, estimated tax due, and quarterly payment requirements.
Gig workers are responsible for paying self-employment tax AND income tax on their net earnings — no employer splits the bill. The good news: the mileage deduction alone can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars per year. This calculator shows you both sides.
gig economy tax calculatorUber driver taxesDoorDash tax calculatorTurboTax Self-Employed
Estimate taxes for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash & more
We may earn a commission if you click above. Calculator is free to use.
| Feature | TurboTax Self-Employed | H&R Block |
|---|---|---|
| Gig-specific guidance | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Mileage auto-tracking | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Quarterly estimated taxes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Affiliate bounty | $25–$50 ⭐ | Fixed bounty |
| Max refund guarantee | ✓ | ✓ |
Yes — gig workers pay both the employer AND employee portions of self-employment tax (15.3%), while traditional employees only pay half (their employer covers the other half). A W-2 employee earning $50,000 pays ~$3,825 in Social Security and Medicare taxes. A gig worker earning $50,000 pays ~$7,650 for the same benefit. This is why gig workers need to set aside significantly more for taxes.
The IRS standard mileage rate for 2026 is $0.70 per business mile. If you drove 12,000 miles for gig work, your mileage deduction is $8,400 — that's $8,400 subtracted from your gross income before calculating taxes. At a 22% effective tax rate, the mileage deduction alone saves you ~$1,848 in federal income tax, plus reduces SE tax. Use our gig tax calculator to see your exact number.
Standard mileage is almost always better for rideshare/delivery drivers unless you drive a very fuel-inefficient vehicle or have unusually high maintenance costs. Standard mileage rate already factors in depreciation, insurance, registration, and fuel. Track every business mile with the Uber or Lyft driver app (or Stride for tax filing) to maximize your deduction.
Deductible gig expenses include: mileage (standard or actual), phone/data plans, vehicle maintenance and repairs, tolls, parking, snacks for passengers (rideshare), insulated bags (delivery), safety supplies, and any equipment specifically for gig work. Keep receipts and track mileage from day one — the IRS requires documentation for all deductions.
Quarterly estimated tax deadlines: April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year. If you also have a W-2 job, you can increase your W-2 withholding to cover gig taxes instead of making quarterly payments — often simpler. Use our gig tax calculator to estimate your quarterly payment amount.
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Tax rates and mileage deductions may vary. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.