23 Uber driver tax deductions and Lyft driver tax deductions

NAICS code: 485300

Most drivers use rideshare driving as an easy way to earn on their own – be it part-time or full-time. But, there are taxes that have to be filed and this can be less appealing and tedious.

Don’t worry, you can have a smooth drive during the tax season by knowing the write-offs that you have and the amount of money you can save. There are car deductions that can be claimed, like the cost of gas or depreciation. But things like keeping refreshments for riders in your car or subscription to music services, count too.

We have put together a list of the most common write-offs for lyft and uber drivers that you can use to deduct your expenses.

🔌 Car Accessories
Use Schedule C, Box 22, to write it off
Phone chargers or other accessories that are used by passengers in the car can be written off.
🧭Productivity apps
Use Schedule C, Box 27a, to write it off
Apps that are used for work as navigation can be written off.
🍬 Refrehments for passengers
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
Bottled drinks or snacks that are offered to passengers are tax deductible.
🎶 Subscriptions to music service
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
Apps like Spotify, Apple Music or other subscriptions to entertain your passenger.
🧽 Car wash & detailing
Use Schedule C, Box 27a, to write it off
Services to clean your car and make it look presentable are tax deductible.
🛡️ Seat covers & floor mats
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 22
If you use floor mats and seat covers to keep your car clean, write them off.

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📱Phone, laptop, accessories
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
If you buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it’s partially deductible.
📚 Educational books
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
Educational books to increase your knowledge and skills are tax write-offs.
📝 Tool kit for vehicle
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18
Any office supplies you purchase, like pens, binders, printer ink and whiteboards.

If you drive for work ...

You might spend a lot of your time zipping around town to meet clients, finish assignments and do your research among other tasks. Luckily, you can write off car-related expenses like maintenance and gas. Keep these tax write-offs in mind as a growing .

Parking
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
Tolls
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
Car purchase & depreciation
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 13
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Vehicle tool kit
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 22
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Car insurance & registration
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 15
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
Car maintenance
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 9
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.

If you discuss work at a restaurant ...

Networking is a core practice of a successful and it can also be added to your tax write-offs. You likely often meet clients or people in your field at restaurants to chat about work, discuss projects and sign deals. When you do, remember to write off your business meal expenses.

🍔 Business meals
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it’s a write-off!

If you leave town for work ...

Meeting an out-of-town client, attending a conference or networking is all part of the job. There are many reasons for you to travel for work as a busy and they can all be added as tax write-offs. They also count as business trips, so you can write off your travel costs.

Transportation
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 24a
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
Travel lodging
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 24a
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.
Meals while traveling
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 24a
When you’re traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!

If you work from home ...

When you’re not busy working outside, you might spend your time working from your home as a successful and many activities count as tax write-offs. These include business plans, promotional work and coming up with new strategies. In this case, don’t forget to write off your home office expenses!

Home office furniture
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
Property repairs
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 21
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
Power bill
Write it off using: Form 8829
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Property insurance
Write it off using: Form 8829
Whether it’s rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
Water bill
Write it off using: Form 8829
It’d be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.
Wi-Fi bill
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 25
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!