Gig Driver Take-Home Calculator (DoorDash, Uber, Lyft, Instacart)
The app shows what you made. It does not show what driving cost you or the taxes you owe as a 1099 contractor. Enter a typical week to see your real hourly pay after car costs at the 2026 IRS rate of 72.5 cents a mile, self-employment tax, federal and state income tax and the new deduction for tips.
Count miles between orders and to pickups, not your commute home.
Leave 0 if driving is your only job.
Examples (single, 50 weeks a year, $60/month other costs)
| Driver | App pay per hour | Taxes per week | Real pay per hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas: $800/week, 35 hrs, 450 miles | $22.86 | $65 | $11.27 |
| California: $1000/week, 40 hrs, 500 miles | $25.00 | $97 | $13.16 |
| Florida: $600/week, 25 hrs, 300 miles | $24.00 | $52 | $12.64 |
| New York: $1200/week, 45 hrs, 400 miles | $26.67 | $180 | $15.89 |
Miles are the biggest hidden cost. At 72.5 cents a mile, 450 miles a week is about $326 of gas, maintenance, insurance and wear on your car, every week.
The car cost: 72.5 cents a mile
For 2026 the IRS standard mileage rate is 72.5 cents per business mile. It is meant to cover the full cost of using your car: gas, oil, tires, repairs, insurance, registration and depreciation. That is why this calculator uses it as your real cost per mile, and it is also the amount most drivers deduct on their taxes. Keep a mileage log; the apps only count miles while you are on an order.
Taxes for 1099 drivers
- Self-employment tax: 15.3% on 92.35% of your profit (12.4% Social Security up to $184,500 and 2.9% Medicare). Half of it is deductible.
- Federal income tax on profit after the standard deduction ($16,100 single), the 20% QBI deduction and the tips deduction.
- No tax on tips: under IRS final rules, rideshare and app-based delivery drivers can deduct qualified tips, up to $25,000 and no more than their net profit (2025 to 2028). Tips still count for self-employment tax.
- State income tax: none in Texas, Florida, Nevada, Washington and a few other states.
- No withholding: nothing is taken out by the apps, so set money aside and pay quarterly estimated tax to avoid a penalty.
How this calculator works
It multiplies your weekly earnings, tips and miles by the weeks you drive. Profit is earnings minus 72.5 cents a mile and your other costs. Self-employment tax, federal tax (2026 brackets, with the QBI and tips deductions) and state tax (from our 50-state tax engine) are worked out on that profit. If you have a W-2 job too, the taxes shown are the extra tax caused by driving. Real hourly pay is what is left divided by all the hours you were logged in. City taxes are not included.
FAQ
How much should I set aside for taxes as a DoorDash or Uber driver?
Many drivers set aside 15% to 25% of their profit. Use the weekly set-aside number above, which is based on your own earnings, miles and state.
Can delivery drivers use no tax on tips?
Yes. IRS final rules list rideshare drivers and app-based delivery workers as tipped occupations. You can deduct qualified tips up to $25,000, but not more than your net profit from driving.
What is the 2026 mileage rate?
72.5 cents per business mile, up 2.5 cents from 2025.
Do I have to pay taxes if I made less than $600?
Yes, if your total self-employment profit is $400 or more you owe self-employment tax, even without a 1099 form.
Rules and rates last checked: October 2026. This is an estimate for general information only, not financial, tax or legal advice. Check IRS.gov or a tax professional before you file.