Tax documents for Uber drivers
Drivers on Uber are typically treated as independent contractors, which means your tax return includes your earnings and your car and business costs. These are the documents tax preparers commonly ask for.
Income documents
- The tax summary available in the Uber driver app or portal
- 1099-K and/or 1099-NEC forms, depending on how income was paid
- Weekly earnings statements and bank deposits to cross-check the totals
- Records of tips and incentive or referral payments
Expenses and receipts
- Mileage log for business miles (an app or a notebook)
- Gas, repairs, maintenance and car washes if using actual expenses
- Vehicle insurance, registration and loan interest
- Tolls and parking fees
- Phone and data plan (business-use share)
- Accessories used for work such as phone mounts and chargers
Other records to gather
- Total miles driven for the year and total business miles
- Date the vehicle was placed in service for business and its purchase price
- Quarterly estimated tax payment confirmations
- Health insurance premium statements if self-paid
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not keeping a mileage log from the start of the year
- Reporting only the 1099 amount without checking it against Uber's earnings records
- Forgetting tolls and parking fees
- Not setting aside money for self-employment tax
Frequently asked questions
Should I use the standard mileage rate or actual expenses?
Either can apply. Your preparer can compare both, which is why keeping both a mileage log and your car expense receipts is useful.
Which miles count as business miles?
That depends on the rules for your situation, so ask your preparer. Keep a complete log and let them decide what qualifies.
Related checklists
This is a general checklist to help you gather paperwork, not tax or legal advice. Rules and thresholds change and depend on your situation, so confirm details with a qualified preparer or the IRS.