DoorDash & Gig Drivers: Don't Leave Your Mileage Money on the Table

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Let's talk about something that could put real money back in your pocket: your mileage.

If you're driving for DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, or any other gig platform, your vehicle is basically your office on wheels. And guess what? The IRS lets you deduct those business miles.

The 2026 Mileage Rate

For 2026, the IRS standard mileage rate is 72.5 cents per mile. That adds up fast.

Here's a quick example: If you drove 10,000 business miles this year, that's a potential deduction of $7,250. That's not pocket change: that's real tax savings.

A car dashboard at dusk with a smartphone open to a mileage tracking app, perfect for DoorDash or gig drivers maximizing tax deductions.

What Miles Count?

Not every mile you drive is deductible. Here's the breakdown:

You CAN deduct:

  • Miles from your first pickup to your last dropoff
  • Driving between orders
  • "Deadhead" miles (driving back empty after a delivery)
  • Trips to grab supplies like phone mounts or delivery bags

You CANNOT deduct:

  • Your commute from home to start your shift
  • The drive home after your last delivery
  • Personal errands or detours

The key is separating business miles from personal miles. Only the business ones count.

Why Tracking Matters

Here's where a lot of gig drivers leave money on the table: they don't track their miles consistently.

At the end of the year, trying to remember how many miles you drove in March? That's tough. And if the IRS ever asks questions, you'll want records to back up your numbers.

Use an app. Keep a simple log. Whatever works for you: just do it consistently.

A notebook, pen, car keys, and coffee cup on a dark table, symbolizing mileage tracking and organization for gig workers' tax records.

You're Not Behind: You're Just Getting Started

Maybe you haven't been tracking. Maybe you've got a few years of taxes you haven't filed yet. That's okay. No judgment here.

The goal isn't to stress you out. It's to help you understand what you're entitled to and get you caught up.

Let's Figure This Out Together

If you're a gig driver trying to make sense of your deductions: or you're behind on taxes and need a plan: let's talk.

Book a free consultation here: https://calendly.com/sonalihutson

We'll look at your situation, answer your questions, and help you move forward. No shame, no stress: just real help.

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