Does DoorDash send a 1099?

DoorDash issues a 1099-NEC via Stripe Express to Dashers who earn $600 or more in a calendar year. You must report all earnings even if you don't receive a 1099.

What is the 2025 IRS mileage rate for delivery drivers?

The 2025 standard mileage rate is $0.70 per business mile. This covers gas, depreciation, and maintenance in one simple rate.

Can I deduct my car payment?

Not directly. Under the actual expense method, you deduct the business-use percentage of depreciation, not your car payment. Under standard mileage, depreciation is built into the rate.

Do I owe self-employment tax on DoorDash earnings?

Yes. As an independent contractor you owe self-employment tax of 15.3% on net profit up to $168,600, plus income tax. Set aside 25–30% of your net Dasher income.

Schedule C · Self-Employed

Tax Write-Offs for DoorDash Drivers

DoorDash Dashers are classified as independent contractors, not employees — which means DoorDash does not withhold taxes. You file Schedule C, report your Dasher income, and deduct every legitimate business cost to reduce what you owe.

Avg. annual savings$2,100

Track My DoorDash Driver Write-Offs — $14/mo

Top 5 Tax Write-Offs for DoorDash Drivers

Vehicle Mileage

100% deductible

Mileage from the time you accept an order to the time you complete delivery is deductible at the 2025 IRS rate of $0.70/mile. This is your single largest deduction — a Dasher who drives 8,000 business miles deducts $5,600.

Schedule C, Line 9

Phone (Business Use %)

100% deductible

Your smartphone is essential for the Dasher app, GPS, and hotspot during deliveries. Track the percentage of time your phone is used for Dashing vs. personal use and deduct that share of your monthly bill.

Schedule C, Line 25

Insulated Delivery Bags

100% deductible

Hot bags, pizza carriers, and insulated totes purchased to keep orders at the correct temperature are 100% deductible supplies.

Schedule C, Line 22

Car Maintenance & Repairs

100% deductible

If you use the actual expense method instead of standard mileage, oil changes, tire rotations, and repairs are deductible at your business-use percentage. Note: you cannot mix methods mid-year.

Schedule C, Line 9

Parking Fees & Tolls

100% deductible

Parking meters and tolls paid during deliveries are deductible in addition to the standard mileage rate (unlike gas, which is already included in the rate).

Schedule C, Line 9

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Only counting miles from pickup to dropoff — also track miles driven to the first pickup of your Dash session and between deliveries when the app is active.
Using the standard mileage rate one year and switching to actual expenses the next — once you use actual expenses for a vehicle, you generally cannot switch back.
Forgetting to make quarterly estimated tax payments — DoorDash does not withhold taxes and under-withholding penalties apply.
Deducting car washes as a standalone expense when using the standard mileage rate (it's already included).

Recordkeeping Tips

Use the DoorDash earnings tab to verify total income and reconcile it with any 1099-NEC you receive (issued when you earn $600 or more).
Run a mileage tracking app like Stride or MileIQ in the background every time you Dash — manual logs are error-prone.
Photograph receipts for every bag or supply purchase immediately and store them in a dedicated tax folder.
Keep a record of your Dash start and end times to support your mileage log in the event of an audit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a qualified CPA or tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.