DoorDash classifies its drivers as independent contractors. That means DoorDash doesn't withhold taxes from your earnings, doesn't pay the employer half of Social Security and Medicare, and doesn't provide any tax documents beyond a 1099-NEC (if you earned $600+) or 1099-K (if you processed $20,000+ through their payment system). You are running a small business, and you file taxes like one.

Understanding your 1099 from DoorDash

DoorDash issues a 1099-NEC for earnings over $600 in most states. Some states have lower thresholds. Your 1099 shows your gross earnings (before DoorDash's fees), and it goes to the IRS as well as to you. If the number on your 1099 doesn't match what you actually deposited, it's because DoorDash may report gross before removing some adjustments. Report what the 1099 shows on your Schedule C and deduct the differences as expenses if applicable.

Your biggest deduction: mileage

The 2025 IRS standard mileage rate is 70 cents per mile. For a full-time DoorDash driver logging 25,000 miles/year, that's a $17,500 deduction, roughly $2,625 in tax savings.

What miles count:

Miles from accepting an order to completing delivery ✓
Miles between orders while on an active dash ✓
Miles to and from a known high-order area when you're actively dashing ✓
Miles commuting from home to your first delivery of the day ✗
Personal errands during a shift ✗

Download your DoorDash earnings CSV from the app (Earnings → Tax Summary → Download CSV). Import it into GigBooks with one click to populate your mileage log with all on-delivery miles.

Additional deductions most drivers miss

Phone bill: The business-use percentage of your monthly phone bill. For active dashers, 70–85% business use is typical and defensible.
Insulated bags, coolers, and carriers: Deductible as supplies. Keep the receipt.
Phone mount and charger: 100% deductible if used exclusively for navigation and the app.
Vehicle maintenance: If you use the standard mileage rate, you cannot separately deduct oil changes, tires, or repairs. These are already factored into the 70¢ rate. If you use actual vehicle expenses, keep all maintenance receipts.
Tolls and parking fees: Deductible in addition to the standard mileage rate (unlike most vehicle expenses). Keep receipts or EZPass statements.
Dash-specific equipment: Red card wallet, thermal bags, car freshener (yes, if you carry passengers, car fresheners are deductible as a business expense to maintain your workspace).
Tips deduction (NEW 2025): If customers tip you, up to $25,000 of those tips may now be deductible from your taxable income through 2028.

Quarterly payments: the DoorDash driver's calendar

If you're a full-time Dasher or earn significant side income from DoorDash, you likely need to make quarterly estimated payments:

Q1 (Jan–Mar): Due April 15
Q2 (Apr–May): Due June 16
Q3 (Jun–Aug): Due September 15
Q4 (Sep–Dec): Due January 15

A safe starting estimate: set aside 25–30% of every DoorDash payment you receive. For a driver earning $50,000/year with typical expenses, actual tax due is usually in the $8,000–$12,000 range.

Year-end checklist

Download your DoorDash annual tax summary and 1099
Compile your full mileage log (GigBooks GPS or manual)
Gather phone bill statements for the year
Collect receipts for supplies, equipment, and tolls
Calculate home office deduction if applicable
Run your Schedule C through GigBooks Year-End Prep ($49)