21 Tax Write-Offs for Delivery Drivers

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Reviewed by
a tax professional

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.

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Hot bags & courier backpacks
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Insulated bags or backpacks used to keep food warm while delivering are fully deductible.

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Bike & accessories
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Your delivery bike, accessories, and any repairs are all considered write-offs.

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Uniform & branded items
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

This includes uniforms or any branded items you must wear while working.

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Car inspection
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 9

If you're required to have a car inspection before delivering, you can write it off.

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Productivity software
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Software you use for invoicing, tracking expenses, creating timesheets, and so on is deductible.

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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.

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Parking
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!

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Tolls
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!

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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.

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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.

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Car insurance & registration
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.

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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 ...

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.

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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 ...

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.

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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.

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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.

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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 ...

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.

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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.

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Property repairs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.

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Power bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.

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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.

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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.

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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!