Uber Driver Expenses: What to Track
Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 21 October 2026
Quick answer: Uber driver expenses to track include business miles (or actual car costs: fuel, maintenance, repairs, insurance, depreciation), phone and data, tolls and parking on trips, car washes, and platform fees. Most drivers compare the standard mileage deduction with actual expenses. Either way, the IRS expects a mileage log and receipts.
TL;DR
- Track every business mile, including between trips.
- Keep receipts for tolls, parking, phone, washes.
- Know your real profit per mile.
If you drive for Uber, Lyft or delivery apps, tracking Uber driver expenses is how you keep more of what you earn. Here's what to record and how to see your true profit. This is general information, not tax advice.
Expenses to track
| Expense | Notes |
|---|---|
| Business miles | Trips, and driving to pickups and between rides |
| Fuel / charging | If using actual expenses |
| Maintenance and repairs | Oil, tires, brakes; rideshare miles add up fast |
| Insurance | Business share; rideshare endorsements |
| Depreciation / lease | Actual-expense method |
| Phone and data | Business-use share |
| Tolls and parking | On business trips, deductible separately |
| Car washes, water, chargers | Business supplies |
Mileage vs actual expenses
With the standard mileage rate (72.5 cents January-June 2026, 76 cents from July), you multiply business miles by the rate (IRS mileage rate). With actual expenses, you claim the business share of real costs, which needs every receipt. Many drivers compare both. The IRS gig economy tax center explains the basics.
Records the IRS expects
Date, destination or trip description, purpose and miles, made at the time (mileage log for taxes). Platform summaries may not include miles driven without a passenger, so keep your own log. Automatic GPS trackers are popular with drivers (mileage tracker apps).
Know your profit per mile
Income minus expenses, divided by miles, tells you which shifts are worth it. CarO tracks expenses and income per car, with reports per day and per distance, and keeps service reminders so high-mileage maintenance doesn't slip. See apps for rideshare drivers and the cost of car ownership calculator.
Download CarO free on the App Store or Google Play. Free with ads; optional in-app purchases.
Sources
- IRS: Gig Economy Tax Center: www.irs.gov (accessed 21 October 2026)
- IRS: Standard mileage rates: www.irs.gov (accessed 21 October 2026)
- IRS Publication 463: Travel, Gift, and Car Expenses: www.irs.gov (accessed 21 October 2026)
- AAA: Your Driving Costs 2025 fact sheet: newsroom.aaa.com (accessed 21 October 2026)
Disclaimer: CarO and this website give general car-care information, not professional advice. Maintenance intervals and specifications vary by vehicle, so always follow your owner's manual and a qualified mechanic. Mileage and cost figures are estimates; check local tax rules before using any log for deductions.
FAQ
What expenses can Uber drivers deduct?
Typically business miles (or actual car costs), phone and data for work, tolls and parking on trips, and supplies. Commuting and personal trips don't count.
Should Uber drivers use mileage or actual expenses?
Compare both. High-mileage drivers with efficient cars often benefit from the standard rate; drivers with high actual costs may do better with actual expenses.
Do miles between rides count?
Miles driven while working, such as to pickups and between rides, generally count as business miles. Keep a log.
Is Uber's mileage summary enough?
It may not capture all business miles, such as driving to a pickup. Keep your own log as well.
How do I calculate my profit per mile?
Subtract all car and business expenses from your earnings and divide by total business miles.
Related guides
Track this in CarO
CarO is a free car maintenance tracker app for iPhone and Android that keeps a full service history, reminds you about oil changes and inspections by mileage or date, and logs fuel fill-ups with MPG, odometer readings and car expenses for every vehicle you own. Logs are stored in the cloud and can be exported as CSV.
