What I check on every return
- Every credit you qualify for checked, including the Earned Income Credit and Child Tax Credit
- Every app's annual tax summary, not just the 1099s
- Business miles rebuilt from app data if your log has gaps
- Tolls, phone and fees deducted
- Tips deduction applied where it fits
Deductions drivers often miss
- Miles driven to reach riders and orders, not only miles with a passenger or bag
- HCTRA EZ TAG tolls on the Sam Houston Tollway, Westpark and Hardy toll roads
- The business share of your phone and data plan
- Platform service fees shown on your annual summary
- Phone mounts, chargers, insulated bags and car-cleaning supplies
- Parking at airports and downtown while working
Houston and Texas rules that apply to you
- EZ TAG records: your HCTRA account statement lists every toll with a date, which makes a clean record for your return.
- Airport runs: trips to IAH and Hobby add up to long business miles. Keep the app trip history; it's your proof.
- No Texas income tax: your return is federal only, but self-employment tax (15.3% for Social Security and Medicare) applies once your net self-employment income reaches $400.
New for 2026 returns (filed in 2027)
- No tax on tips: rideshare and delivery drivers are on Treasury's list of tipped occupations, so reported tips can be deducted, up to $25,000 a year (2025 through 2028). For self-employed workers the deduction can't exceed your net profit from that work, and it phases out above $150,000 of income ($300,000 married filing jointly).
- Mileage: the IRS rate for 2026 is 72.5 cents per business mile, up from 70 cents. Tolls and parking for work are deductible on top of that.
- 1099 forms: clients and companies now send a 1099-NEC only when they pay you $2,000 or more in 2026 (it was $600). Payment apps send a 1099-K only above $20,000 and 200 payments. All of your income is still taxable, form or no form.
What to bring
- Annual tax summaries from Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart and any other app
- Any 1099-K or 1099-NEC forms
- Mileage log, or your app mileage exports
- EZ TAG statement
- Phone bill and the date you started using your car for work
Common questions
Can I deduct gas and the 72.5-cent mileage rate?
No, you pick one method. The mileage rate already covers gas, oil, insurance and wear. Tolls and parking are deducted on top.
I didn't get a 1099. Do I still have to file?
Yes, if your net earnings were $400 or more. Most drivers now fall under the $20,000 1099-K threshold, but the IRS still expects all of the income on your return. Your app's tax summary shows the totals.
Where I work
I'm based in Houston and work with clients across Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery and Brazoria counties, including Pasadena, Pearland, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Katy, Cypress, Spring, Humble, Baytown and The Woodlands. Meet in person in Houston or do everything online, in English, Spanish or Portuguese. I also work by video with clients in Beaumont & Port Arthur, Duncanville, DeSoto, Cedar Hill & Lancaster.
Get a flat-fee quote before I start
Book a free 15-minute call. I'll tell you what your return needs and what it costs. Fees are never a percentage of your refund.
Book a free callSee typical pricesOfficial sources: IRS: Gig Economy Tax Center ↗ · IRS: 2026 mileage rate ↗ · IRS: tips and overtime deductions ↗
Updated October 2026 for 2026 returns filed in 2027. General information only, not tax advice for your situation. Rules and amounts can change; your situation is confirmed when your return is prepared.
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