DoorDash Mileage Log: Tracking and Reporting Mileage for Taxes

DoorDash mileage log: What information should I track

To get a business mileage deduction, you need to keep a pretty extensive mileage log of all your drives. The IRS doesn't require you to submit it with your tax return, but you'll need it to calculate deduction accurately and for potential audits.

You should also track drives as they happen because the IRS doesn't allow you to recreate records after the fact. Here are the details you need to note for each drive:

• Total mileage
• Date
• Location addresses
• Business purpose (picking up/dropping off orders)

The one caveat is that every drive you claim has to be related to driving for DoorDash or another gig/rideshare service. Personal errands, even if they happen between deliveries, don't count.

You also shouldn't include your first and last drive of the day (from home to first pick-up/from last drop-off to home).

How do I keep track of DoorDash mileage?

Using an app like MileIQ will save you the admin work of having to compile records from different gig work apps or other mileage records you may have.

Though some people choose to use a note on their phone, a spreadsheet, or even a paper log, these methods require constant updates, which gets hard to do when you're busy screening requests and dealing with pick-ups. Otherwise you'll forget to update them and miss out on deduction savings.

Does DoorDash track my mileage?

Yes, DoorDash does show your total mileage driven in a given week in the Weekly Summary. But it's best practice to keep your own records, in case you're ever audited by the IRS and have trouble accessing your Dasher account.

You'll also want a mileage log for any business miles you drive through other gig apps (like UberEats), so it's easier to keep one consolidated record instead of going through all the different apps when it's time to file taxes.

One more advantage to keeping your own records is consistency in formatting, which makes them easier to read (for you, your accountant, and the government).

If you use a mileage tracker like MileIQ, all your drives will be tracked no matter which rideshare or gig app you're using. Then you would just tap to create a report of ALL your business drives at once, plus details like dates, addresses, and total mileage.

How do taxes work for DoorDash?

DoorDash doesn't withhold taxes from a paycheck for drivers, so you'll need to pay them yourself along with Medicare/Social Security contributions (these are called the self-employment tax for contractors).

If you work a full-time job, you can ask your employer to increase your withholding and that may cover the tax you owe on DoorDash earnings.

If that's not an option (and you expect to owe at least $1,000), you'll need to calculate and pay estimated tax every quarter.

The first year is the most challenging to predict, but once you know how much you earn, you can use the previous year's income to figure out your tax payments.

Can I get a mileage reimbursement from DoorDash?

No, reimbursement for mileage is not provided because you're considered self-employed.

But you can recoup some of these costs by claiming business mileage deductions.

Where and how do I pay my taxes as a self-employed?

Thankfully paying estimated taxes is simpler these days! Simply create an account on the IRS website and follow the prompts to make a payment with your bank account or card. If you prefer, you can also pay by phone or mail.

State governments usually also have an online payment option, if you're required to pay state income tax.