Independent contractors managing self-employed taxes should stay proactive about independent contractor deductions and year-round recordkeeping.
Why It Matters for Self-Employed Taxes
DoorDash rewards couriers who plan their week around predictable surges. Without a schedule, you risk idling through slow zones and burning fuel with no pay.
Key Earnings & Expense Buckets
- Track meal carrier replacements and cart maintenance as 100 percent deductible supplies.
- Deduct parking meters and tolls incurred while waiting for stacked orders downtown.
- Capture mileage even when you reposition between hotspots or return home after unassigning a low paying order.
Weekly Workflow
- Audit the heatmap twice per day to mark recurring surges on your personal calendar.
- Batch schedule blocks Sunday night, prioritizing regions with $2 plus peak pay and low completion penalties.
- Log acceptance rates and completion metrics so deactivation risks never sneak up on you.
Tools & Next Steps
- Para or Moves for analyzing cross platform pay before accepting stacked offers.
- A shared Google Calendar with color coded shifts and reminders for break and meal windows.
- Fuel tracking via GasBuddy or Upside to keep your per delivery profit above target.
DoorDash rewards the couriers who treat each week like a campaign. Plan it, track it, and the profits follow.
How do I track mileage for gig work in 2025?
Use IRS-approved mileage logs or apps like Everlance to document date, distance, and purpose for every self-employed trip.
Can I deduct equipment or vehicle lease payments?
Yes, deduct the portion tied to independent contractor work; keep receipts and lease statements for 1099 tax audits.
When should I pay quarterly estimated taxes?
Send payments by April, June, September, and January to cover self-employed taxes and avoid IRS penalties.
What records should independent contractors keep?
Maintain income statements, mileage reports, receipts, and bank deposits to support deductions and 1099 filings.
How can I reduce surprise tax bills as a freelancer?
Estimate your independent contractor deductions monthly, set aside 25-30% of income, and automate transfers to a tax savings account.