How to See Miles Driven on DoorDash: Your Definitive Guide
So, you’re a DoorDash driver trying to keep track of your mileage for tax purposes? Excellent! Smart move. As someone who’s been navigating the gig economy for years, I can tell you that meticulous record-keeping is your best friend come tax season. The short answer is, DoorDash doesn’t directly provide a mileage tracker within their app that gives you an exact figure for the total miles you’ve driven. This means you’ll need to be proactive and utilize alternative methods to accurately log your driving activities.
Understanding the Mileage Game for DoorDash Drivers
Dashing offers incredible flexibility, but it also throws some responsibility back on you, the driver. The IRS allows you to deduct expenses related to the business use of your vehicle, and for most Dashers, the standard mileage rate is the most advantageous route. Currently, the standard mileage rate set by the IRS for business use is a significant amount per mile, making precise mileage tracking essential for maximizing your tax deductions.
Why DoorDash Doesn’t Track Mileage
It’s tempting to think DoorDash is deliberately withholding this data, but the reality is a bit more nuanced. The complexity lies in defining “business miles.” Are you tracking from the moment you leave your house? Only when actively delivering? What about trips to pick up supplies? These varying scenarios make automatic in-app tracking challenging to implement accurately for every driver’s unique situation.
Proven Methods for Tracking Your DoorDash Mileage
Since DoorDash doesn’t provide this data, you’ll need to embrace alternative strategies. Here’s my tried-and-true arsenal:
1. Mileage Tracking Apps: Your Tech-Savvy Solution
This is hands-down the easiest and most reliable method. Several apps are specifically designed for tracking business miles. Here are a few popular choices:
- Stride: This is often recommended for gig workers. It integrates with DoorDash and automatically tracks your miles while you’re Dashing. It also helps estimate quarterly taxes!
- Everlance: A comprehensive expense and mileage tracking app that offers automatic tracking, expense categorization, and reporting features.
- MileIQ: Simplistic and user-friendly. MileIQ automatically logs your trips, and you can classify them as business or personal with a simple swipe.
- TripLog: Offers advanced features like automatic start/stop, route optimization, and custom reporting.
Pro Tip: Choose an app with automatic start/stop functionality to avoid forgetting to track your miles. Most of these apps offer free trials, so test a few to see which fits your workflow best.
2. The Manual Mileage Log: The Old-School Approach
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, a manual mileage log can work. You can use a physical notebook or a spreadsheet on your computer. Here’s what you need to record for each trip:
- Date
- Starting Location
- Ending Location
- Purpose of Trip (e.g., “DoorDash Delivery”)
- Starting Odometer Reading
- Ending Odometer Reading
- Total Miles Driven
Pro Tip: Keep your log in your car and make it a habit to record your mileage immediately after each delivery. Consistency is key!
3. Google Maps Timeline: A Backup Option
Google Maps Timeline can be a helpful backup, but it’s not perfect. It tracks your location history, allowing you to see your routes and estimated distances traveled on specific days.
Important Caveat: Google Maps Timeline isn’t designed for precise mileage tracking for tax purposes. It may miss trips or miscalculate distances. However, it can be a helpful tool for reconstructing your mileage if you forget to track it manually or if your mileage app fails.
4. Combine Methods for Accuracy
The most reliable approach is to combine methods. Use a mileage tracking app as your primary tool and keep a manual log as a backup. Periodically compare the data from both sources to ensure accuracy. If you have discrepancies, Google Maps Timeline can help you reconcile them.
Tax Implications: Maximizing Your Deductions
Tracking your mileage isn’t just about satisfying the IRS; it’s about reducing your tax burden. When you file your taxes as an independent contractor, you can deduct your business miles, significantly lowering your taxable income.
Key Considerations:
- Standard Mileage Rate vs. Actual Expenses: You can choose to deduct either the standard mileage rate or your actual vehicle expenses (gas, maintenance, insurance, etc.). For most DoorDash drivers, the standard mileage rate is more advantageous.
- Record Keeping is Crucial: The IRS requires you to keep accurate records of your mileage. A detailed mileage log or mileage tracking app data is essential.
- Consult a Tax Professional: If you’re unsure about which deduction method is best for you or how to properly report your mileage, consult a tax professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific circumstances.
FAQs: Your DoorDash Mileage Questions Answered
1. Can I deduct miles driven to get to my “hotspot” even if I don’t get any deliveries there?
Yes, you can deduct those miles. Any miles driven for business purposes are deductible. This includes driving to a location where you anticipate getting delivery requests, even if you end up empty-handed. Make sure to document the purpose of the trip in your mileage log.
2. What if I forget to track my mileage for a day? Can I estimate?
While estimating is better than nothing, it’s not ideal. The IRS requires accurate records. Use Google Maps Timeline or your phone’s location history to reconstruct your route as accurately as possible. Avoid guessing, and document how you arrived at your estimate.
3. Can I deduct miles driven for personal errands while Dashing?
No, you cannot deduct miles driven for personal errands. Only miles driven directly for business purposes are deductible. If you combine a personal errand with a delivery, you need to accurately separate the business and personal miles.
4. What about miles driven for vehicle maintenance, like oil changes or tire rotations?
You can deduct those miles, but it’s often more advantageous to deduct the actual expenses. However, you CAN deduct the miles driven directly to the mechanic for the specific purpose of your vehicle being used for DoorDash.
5. How do I prove my mileage to the IRS if they audit me?
Your mileage log or mileage tracking app data is your primary evidence. Ensure your records are detailed and consistent. If you have any supporting documentation, such as appointment confirmations, invoices, or Google Maps Timeline data, include those as well.
6. Is it better to use the standard mileage rate or actual expenses for deductions?
For most DoorDash drivers, the standard mileage rate is more beneficial because it’s simpler to calculate and often results in a higher deduction. However, it’s always wise to calculate both options to see which yields the best results.
7. Do I need to keep receipts for gas if I use the standard mileage rate?
No, you don’t need to keep receipts for gas if you use the standard mileage rate. The rate is designed to cover all vehicle operating expenses, including gas.
8. Can I deduct the cost of my phone or phone plan if I use it for DoorDash?
Yes, you can deduct the portion of your phone expenses that are directly related to your DoorDash business. This could include a percentage of your monthly phone bill or the cost of a separate phone used exclusively for Dashing.
9. What if I use my car for both DoorDash and other gig work (like Uber Eats)?
You can deduct the miles driven for each gig separately. Keep separate mileage logs for each platform to ensure accurate record-keeping.
10. Does the DoorDash app track my hours worked?
Yes, the DoorDash app tracks the hours you spend actively Dashing. This information can be helpful for managing your time and earnings, but it’s separate from mileage tracking.
11. Where can I find information on the current standard mileage rate?
The IRS announces the standard mileage rate at the beginning of each year. You can find this information on the IRS website or through a simple Google search.
12. Can I deduct the cost of car washes if I keep my car clean for deliveries?
Generally, you cannot deduct the cost of regular car washes unless you are using the actual expense method. If you’re using the standard mileage rate, the car washes are considered part of the standard operating costs covered by the rate.
Keeping track of your mileage as a DoorDash driver may seem daunting, but with the right tools and strategies, it becomes a manageable and rewarding task. Embrace the technology available, stay organized, and consult with a tax professional when needed. Your wallet will thank you come tax season!
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