Finance · Free browser tool
Gig / Rideshare Tax Estimator
Estimate Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash take-home after mileage or actual vehicle deductions, SE tax, and income tax—100% private in your browser.
100% Private: Gig and rideshare tax estimates run entirely in your browser—nothing is uploaded.
Gig income & vehicle inputs
Enter annual platform income and vehicle costs. Results update as you type.
Mileage deduction = business miles × IRS rate when standard method is selected. Uses approximate 2026 federal brackets, Schedule SE-style Social Security and Medicare tax (about 15.3% combined) on 92.35% of net profit when the $400 gate applies, a separate simplified Additional Medicare Tax estimate, one-half of Schedule SE tax deductible, and the standard deduction. Do not mix standard mileage and actual expenses for the same vehicle without checking IRS rules.
Estimated results
Total deductions
$14,880
Net Schedule C income
$30,120
Self-employment tax
$4,256
Estimated income tax
$3,599
Non-driving contractor income? Try the Independent Contractor Take-Home Tax Calculator
Have Form 1099-NEC? Try the 1099-NEC Tax Estimator
Platform 1099-K payouts? Try the 1099-K Tax Estimator
Mixed freelance 1099 income? Try the general 1099 Tax Calculator
Pricing from a net income goal? Try the Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the IRS standard mileage deduction work for rideshare drivers?
Under the optional standard mileage method, deductible vehicle expense equals business miles driven × the IRS business rate for that period (for example 70¢ in 2025, 72.5¢ for Jan–Jun 2026, and 76¢ for Jul–Dec 2026). Miles must be business use—app on-trip and generally documented deadhead/commute rules vary, so keep a contemporaneous mileage log. You generally cannot mix standard mileage and actual expenses for the same vehicle in the same year once you start with standard mileage (special first-year rules apply).
Should I use standard mileage or actual vehicle expenses?
Standard mileage is simpler and often stronger for high-mileage drivers. Actual expenses (gas, repairs, insurance, depreciation, lease payments, etc. × business-use percentage) can win if your car costs are high and miles are lower. You typically choose one method per vehicle for the year. This estimator lets you compare both planning scenarios; confirm eligibility and limits with IRS Pub. 463 or a tax pro.
What other gig deductions can I claim besides vehicle costs?
Common Schedule C items include a business portion of phone service, platform or toll fees not already netted from payouts, cleaning supplies, safety gear, parking/tolls (if not included in mileage), and other ordinary and necessary costs. Enter those as other expenses here. Keep receipts and note the business-use percentage for mixed personal items.
Do gig drivers need quarterly estimated taxes and a mileage log?
Usually yes on both in practice. Platform pay rarely withholds income or SE tax, and IRS rules expect a contemporaneous mileage log (date, miles, business purpose)—apps and odometer photos help. This tool shows a planning set-aside equal to total estimated tax ÷ 4 only—it does not calculate official Form 1040-ES worksheets or safe-harbor payments.
Is this official tax advice, and is my data uploaded?
No. This is a privacy-first planning estimate using IRS published mileage rates, approximate 2026 federal brackets, average state rates, and Schedule SE-style tax math with a separate Additional Medicare estimate. Calculations and PDF downloads run entirely in your browser—nothing is uploaded. It does not file returns or replace a CPA or tax software.
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Gig / Rideshare Tax Estimator: Uber, Lyft & DoorDash Mileage Deduction in 2026
Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and other gig platforms usually treat drivers as independent contractors. Gross payouts look like income, but take-home depends on vehicle deductions, other Schedule C expenses, self-employment tax, and federal and state income tax. Planning from the app dashboard alone often understates how much to set aside for April.
This free Gig / Rideshare Tax Estimator applies the IRS optional standard mileage method—business miles × the published rate for 2024–2026 (including the 2026 mid-year jump to 76¢)—or lets you enter actual vehicle costs instead. Add phone, platform fees, and other expenses, then reuse the shared engine: Schedule SE-style Social Security and Medicare tax (about 15.3% combined on 92.35% of net profit when the $400 gate applies), a separate simplified Additional Medicare Tax estimate, plus approximate 2026 federal brackets and state averages to sketch net Schedule C income and estimated take-home.
Keep a mileage log: date, business miles, and purpose. Compare standard mileage vs actual expenses before you lock in a method for the year. Because gig pay rarely has withholding, the quarterly figure is a planning set-aside equal to total estimated tax ÷ 4—not an official Form 1040-ES or safe-harbor calculation. Pair this tool with the Independent Contractor Take-Home calculator, 1099-NEC / 1099-K estimators, and the Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator when you price or reconcile forms.
Everything runs in your browser with optional PDF download—no uploads and no account. It is an educational planning tool for US gig and rideshare workers, not a substitute for professional tax advice or official IRS filing software.