Quick Answer
Uber drivers file taxes using Schedule C (business income/expenses) and Schedule SE (self-employment tax of 15.3%). You'll need Form 1040, your 1099-NEC from Uber, and expense records. Most drivers owe quarterly estimated taxes if earning over $400 annually.
Best Answer
Alex Torres, Gig Economy Tax Educator
Best for drivers who rely on Uber as their primary income source
How to file taxes as an Uber driver
As an Uber driver, you're considered self-employed, which means filing different forms than W-2 employees. Here's exactly what you need to do:
Required tax forms:
Step-by-step filing process
Step 1: Gather your documents
Uber will send you Form 1099-NEC if you earned over $600. This shows your gross earnings, but NOT your expenses or net profit.
Step 2: Complete Schedule C
This is where you report your rideshare business income and expenses:
Step 3: Calculate self-employment tax (Schedule SE)
You'll pay 15.3% self-employment tax on your net profit:
Example: Full-time driver earning $45,000
Let's say you drove full-time and earned $45,000 gross from Uber:
Quarterly estimated tax payments:
Since you don't have taxes withheld like W-2 workers, you must make quarterly payments if you expect to owe $1,000+ in taxes. For this example, you'd pay roughly $1,843 each quarter.
Key factors that affect your taxes
What you should do
1. Start tracking expenses immediately if you haven't already
2. Set aside 25-30% of your net earnings for taxes
3. Make quarterly payments to avoid penalties
4. Use our deduction finder to identify all possible write-offs
Our freelance dashboard can automatically track your income and expenses throughout the year, making tax time much easier.
Key takeaway: Uber drivers file Schedule C for business income/expenses and Schedule SE for the 15.3% self-employment tax. Track every business mile and expense to minimize your tax burden.
Key Takeaway: Uber drivers file Schedule C for business income/expenses and Schedule SE for the 15.3% self-employment tax, with most owing quarterly estimated payments.
Tax obligations by Uber driver type and income level
| Driver Type | Annual Gross | Estimated Net Profit | Self-Employment Tax | Quarterly Payments Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part-time (weekends) | $8,000 | $3,200 | $491 | Maybe |
| Regular side hustle | $15,000 | $9,000 | $1,377 | Yes |
| Full-time driver | $45,000 | $27,000 | $4,131 | Yes |
| High earner | $75,000 | $45,000 | $6,885 | Yes |
More Perspectives
James Okafor, Self-Employment Tax Specialist
Best for people who drive Uber part-time while having a regular W-2 job
Filing taxes with both W-2 and Uber income
If you have a regular job AND drive for Uber, your tax situation is more complex but manageable. You'll file one tax return combining both income sources.
How it works:
Example: $60,000 W-2 + $15,000 Uber
Let's say you earn $60,000 at your day job and $15,000 gross from Uber:
W-2 income: $60,000 (taxes already withheld)
Uber profit: $15,000 - $6,000 expenses = $9,000 net
Total adjusted gross income: $69,000
Tax calculations:
Quarterly payments consideration:
If your W-2 withholding covers at least 90% of your total tax liability, you might not need quarterly payments. But if you owe $1,000+ extra, you should make quarterly payments on the Uber income.
Smart strategies for W-2 + Uber filers
Key takeaway: Side hustlers combine W-2 and Schedule C income on one return, paying self-employment tax only on the Uber profit while potentially adjusting W-4 withholding to cover the extra taxes.
Key Takeaway: Side hustlers combine W-2 and Schedule C income on one return, paying self-employment tax only on the Uber profit.
Alex Torres, Gig Economy Tax Educator
Best for people who just started driving for Uber and are filing rideshare taxes for the first time
Your first year filing Uber taxes
Driving for Uber changes your tax situation significantly. Here's what first-year drivers need to know:
You're now a business owner
Even driving part-time makes you self-employed. This means:
Common first-year mistakes:
1. Not tracking miles: Every business mile is worth 67¢ in 2026. Use a mileage app or log
2. Missing the quarterly deadline: First quarter 2026 taxes are due April 15, 2026
3. Not setting aside money: Save 25-30% of your net earnings for taxes
4. Forgetting about car expenses: Insurance, maintenance, car washes can be deductible
Example: New driver earning $8,000 in 6 months
You started driving in July and earned $8,000 gross by December:
Income: $8,000 from Uber
Expenses: $3,200 (mileage: 4,800 miles × 67¢)
Net profit: $4,800
Self-employment tax: $738 (15.3% × $4,800)
Income tax: ~$576 (12% bracket)
Total tax: ~$1,314
Quarterly payment needed: Since you started mid-year, you'd make estimated payments for the remaining quarters.
What new drivers should do immediately
1. Download a mileage tracking app (Stride, MileIQ, etc.)
2. Open a separate savings account for taxes
3. Keep all car-related receipts from when you started driving
4. Set up quarterly estimated tax payments using Form 1040-ES
Use our quarterly estimator to calculate exactly how much to pay each quarter based on your expected annual earnings.
Key takeaway: New Uber drivers must start tracking miles immediately, set aside 25-30% of net earnings for taxes, and make quarterly payments to avoid penalties and interest.
Key Takeaway: New Uber drivers must start tracking miles immediately, set aside 25-30% of net earnings for taxes, and make quarterly payments.
Sources
- IRS Publication 334 — Tax Guide for Small Business
- IRS Publication 505 — Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax
Reviewed by James Okafor, Self-Employment Tax Specialist on February 28, 2026
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.