21 Tax Write-Offs for Delivery Drivers
Reviewed bya tax professionalThis content has been reviewed by an Enrolled Agent (EA) with the IRS — the highest credential awarded by the agency. Enrolled Agents are empowered to represent all taxpayers before the IRS, on all types of tax-related matters. Accountants who earn this certification have passed a comprehensive three-part exam on individual and business tax returns. To maintain EA status, they must stay up to date in the field by completing 72 hours of continuing education every three years. We know it can be grueling, but as a delivery driver, your drop-offs make people smile every day. But what about something to make you smile?
How about if we told you that you could save money on your taxes simply by writing off your business expenses? From fuel to uniforms to delivery bags, anything you pay for while making your deliveries can help lower your tax bill. And we’ve made it even easier, by sorting all the best write-offs for delivery drivers in one place.
Now it’s easier than ever to pick up those savings, whether you're driving for Postmates, Walmart Spark, Grubhub, DoorDash, GoPuff, Uber Eats, or even delivering groceries for Instacart.
Insulated bags or backpacks used to keep food warm while delivering are fully deductible.
Your delivery bike, accessories, and any repairs are all considered write-offs.
This includes uniforms or any branded items you must wear while working.
If you're required to have a car inspection before delivering, you can write it off.
Software you use for invoicing, tracking expenses, creating timesheets, and so on is deductible.
If you drive for work ...
As a delivery driver, your biggest tax savings will come from writing off part of your car expenses — things like gas, maintenance, and insurance.
Keep in mind: As someone who drives a lot for work, you could end up saving more money by reporting the miles you drive for work instead of actual car expenses.
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.
If you discuss work at a restaurant ...
One of the best ways to up your game as a delivery driver is to learn from others in the business.
If you meet with someone in your industry to chat about best practices over a meal, you can write the cost off as a business expense.
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off! Keep in mind business meals are only 50% deductible.
If you leave town for work ...
Go ahead and include travel expenses in your write-offs if you head out of town for work-related purposes such as an industry conference or seminar.
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.
When you're traveling for work, your meals are a write-off, even takeout. Like all business meals, they're 50% deductible, whether you eat on the road or close to home.
If you work from home ...
While most of your work likely happens on the road, you might also work from home occasionally — especially if you're building up your own delivery service outside of the apps. In this case, you can claim some of your home office expenses.
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
A repair only to your home office is deductible in full. A repair to the whole home is an indirect expense, so you deduct it in proportion to your home office percentage on Form 8829.
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!
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