10 Tax Write-Offs for Delivery Driver (DoorDash)s in 2026

Mileage (Standard Rate)

Schedule C Line 9 · $3,000 — $15,000/yr

The IRS standard mileage rate for 2026 is $0.70/mile. Includes miles driven to restaurants, to customers, and between deliveries. Usually the largest deduction.

Phone & Data Plan

Schedule C Line 25 · $600 — $1,500/yr

Business percentage of your cell phone and data plan. Your phone is essential for receiving orders, navigation, and customer communication.

Insulated Delivery Bags

Schedule C Line 22 · $20 — $100/yr

Hot bags, insulated backpacks, catering bags, and drink carriers used to transport food orders safely.

Car Maintenance & Repairs

Schedule C Line 21 · $500 — $3,000/yr

Oil changes, tire replacement, brake service, and repairs. Only deductible if using the actual expense method instead of standard mileage rate.

Tolls & Parking

Schedule C Line 9 · $100 — $1,500/yr

Tolls paid during delivery routes and parking fees while picking up orders. Deductible even when using the standard mileage rate.

Phone Mount & Car Accessories

Schedule C Line 22 · $20 — $150/yr

Dashboard phone mount, car charger, USB cables, and other accessories that help you work efficiently while delivering.

Car Wash

Schedule C Line 9 · $100 — $600/yr

Regular car washes to maintain a clean vehicle for food delivery. Deductible under the actual expense method.

Vehicle Insurance (Business Portion)

Schedule C Line 15 · $400 — $1,500/yr

Business-use percentage of auto insurance. Commercial delivery insurance or rideshare endorsements may be fully deductible.

Safety Gear & Supplies

Schedule C Line 22 · $20 — $200/yr

Flashlight, reflective vest, hand sanitizer, masks, and other safety supplies used during deliveries.

Roadside Assistance

Schedule C Line 9 · $50 — $200/yr

AAA or similar roadside assistance. Business percentage based on delivery miles vs. personal miles.

Home Office Deduction

30 (Form 8829)

If you use a dedicated space in your home regularly and exclusively for business, you can deduct it. Simplified method: $5 per square foot, up to 300 sq ft ($1,500 max). Regular method: proportionate share of rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, and repairs.

Self-Employment Tax Deduction

Form 1040, Line 15

You can deduct the employer-equivalent portion of self-employment tax (7.65% of net earnings) as an above-the-line deduction on your Form 1040.

Health Insurance Premiums

Form 1040, Line 17

Self-employed individuals can deduct 100% of health, dental, and vision insurance premiums for themselves, their spouse, and dependents.

Retirement Contributions

Form 1040, Line 16

Contributions to a SEP-IRA (up to 25% of net earnings), Solo 401(k), or SIMPLE IRA are deductible and reduce both income tax and self-employment tax.

Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction

Form 1040, Line 13

Most self-employed individuals can deduct up to 20% of qualified business income under Section 199A, subject to income limits and business type.

What is the best way for DoorDash drivers to track mileage?

Use a mileage tracking app that automatically records trips via GPS. The IRS requires contemporaneous records with the date, miles driven, destination, and business purpose. Start tracking from the moment you turn on the delivery app.

Can DoorDash drivers deduct car payments?

If using the standard mileage rate, car payments are not separately deductible — the mileage rate covers vehicle costs. If using the actual expense method, you can deduct the business-use percentage of lease payments, or depreciate a purchased vehicle.

Do delivery drivers pay self-employment tax?

Yes. As an independent contractor, you pay both the employee and employer portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes (15.3% on net earnings). However, you can deduct the employer-equivalent portion (7.65%) on your Form 1040.

Should delivery drivers use standard mileage or actual expenses?

Most delivery drivers benefit from the standard mileage rate ($0.70/mile in 2026) because of high mileage. Calculate both methods and choose the larger deduction, but note you must use the standard rate in the first year to preserve the option for future years.