Freelance•8 min read•
Gig Worker Tax Guide 2025: Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, and More
Complete tax guide for gig economy workers. Learn about quarterly payments, deductions, self-employment tax, mileage, and how to handle your 1099-K and 1099-NEC forms.
JP
JustPayStubs Team
Updated February 10, 2026
🚗 Gig Workers Are Contractors: When you drive for Uber, deliver for DoorDash, or shop for Instacart, you're a 1099 contractor -- not an employee. That changes how taxes work significantly.
The Big Difference: No Tax Withholding
Regular employees get taxes withheld from every paycheck. As a gig worker, nothing is withheld. The platforms pay you 100% of your earnings -- and you're responsible for setting aside your own taxes.
⚠️ Set Aside 25-30% of Every Gig Paycheck: Open a separate savings account and transfer 25-30% of every payout immediately. This is your tax reserve.
Self-Employment Tax: 15.3%
Regular employees split FICA taxes with their employer. As a gig worker, you pay both sides: Social Security 12.4% + Medicare 2.9% = 15.3% SE Tax. Plus regular income tax on top.
Your Tax Forms: 1099-K vs 1099-NEC
| Form | When You Get It | What It Shows |
|---|---|---|
| 1099-K | From payment platforms (Venmo, PayPal) | Gross payment volume |
| 1099-NEC | From gig platforms directly | Nonemployee compensation |
Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments
| Quarter | Payment Due |
|---|---|
| Q1 (Jan-Mar) | April 15 |
| Q2 (Apr-May) | June 16 |
| Q3 (Jun-Aug) | September 15 |
| Q4 (Sep-Dec) | January 15 (next year) |
Top Deductions for Gig Workers
- Mileage -- 70 cents/mile for 2025. Track every business mile!
- Phone and data -- Business-use percentage
- Car accessories -- Mount, dash cam, insulated bags
- Health insurance premiums -- 100% deductible if self-employed
📌 Track Everything: Use a mileage tracking app (MileIQ, Everlance). 10,000 business miles = $7,000 deduction.
Related Topics
gig worker taxesUber taxesDoorDash taxes1099 gig workerself employment tax gig economygig worker deductions
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