Uber Driver Tax Return
Everything You Are Required to Lodge and Everything You Can Claim
We dig deep to claim every dollar you're entitled to—so nothing’s left behind.
Team NextGen is powered by Chartered Accountants and CPAs with deep expertise
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- WHY RIDESHARE TAX IS DIFFERENT
Why a Tax Return for Uber Drivers Is Not the Same as a Standard Return
When you drive for a rideshare platform, you are not an employee of Uber, Didi, or Ola. You are an independent contractor operating your own business. This distinction changes your tax obligations significantly.
As a Rideshare Driver You Are…
An independent contractor running your own business. You are responsible for managing your own tax, GST registration, quarterly BAS lodgements, and your annual income tax return. No tax is withheld from your rideshare earnings.
Unlike a Standard Employee…
Your employer does not withhold tax from each pay. At year end, the full amount of net rideshare income is added to any other income you earned and taxed at your marginal rate — often creating a surprise tax bill at lodgement.
Rideshare is specifically listed as a taxi travel service under Australian GST law — meaning GST registration is compulsory from your very first fare, regardless of annual turnover. This is different from other gig work where GST only applies above $75,000.
- Deductions
What You Can Claim on Your Uber Driver Tax Return
One of the most important aspects of getting your uber driver tax return right is maximising your deductions. Rideshare drivers can claim a significant range of vehicle and business expenses — but each must be correctly apportioned between business and personal use.
Vehicle Deduction Methods
Your vehicle is your primary business tool and the source of your most significant deductions. Two methods are available:
Best for Active Drivers
Logbook Method
Keep a logbook for at least 12 continuous weeks recording every trip as business or personal. The business-use percentage is applied to all actual vehicle costs for the year — fuel, servicing, tyres, insurance, registration, and loan interest. Typically produces the highest deduction.
Simpler but Capped
Cents Per Kilometre
Claim a fixed rate per business kilometre driven, capped at 5,000 kilometres per year. This method is simpler to administer but often produces a lower deduction for active drivers. We assess which method benefits you most and apply it correctly.
What You Can Claim
- Mobile phone costs, apportioned to business-use percentage
- In-car accessories: phone mounts, chargers, dashboard cameras
- Water bottles, hand sanitiser, hygiene products for passengers
- Vehicle cleaning costs, apportioned to business use
- Tolls and parking incurred during rideshare trips
- Platform fees and service charges deducted by Uber or other platforms
- Accounting and tax agent fees for your BAS and tax return
- Depreciation on your vehicle based on business-use percentage
What You Cannot Claim
- The portion of any expense relating to personal use of the vehicle
- Fines, penalties, and traffic infringement notices
- Costs driving to and from home before and after rideshare shifts
- GIG WORKERS AND CASUALS WITH MULTIPLE INCOME STREAMS
Driving Part-Time Alongside Other Work: Gig Workers and Casuals
Expenses like your phone and vehicle that serve multiple purposes must be apportioned accurately between rideshare, other business activities, and personal use. Getting this wrong is one of the most common errors in returns for gig workers and casuals.
If your only GST-registered activity is rideshare, GST is collected and remitted only on that income stream. Freelance or casual income that does not exceed $75,000 is generally not subject to GST unless you have voluntarily registered.
If your rideshare profit pushes your total taxable income above a threshold, the ATO may require you to make quarterly PAYG instalment payments in advance of your annual tax assessment. We manage this as part of your ongoing compliance.
- HOW IT WORKS
How to Lodge Your Uber Driver Tax Return With Tax NextGen
Step 1
Book a Free Consultation
Select Uber and Rideshare Tax Returns as your service and choose a time that suits you. Let us know whether you also have employment income or other gig earnings so we can prepare accordingly.
Step 2
Speak With a Registered Tax Agent
One of our tax agents will call you at the agreed time. We go through your rideshare income, your vehicle use, your expenses, and any other income streams. We determine the most advantageous vehicle deduction method for your situation and identify every other deduction you are entitled to claim.
Step 3
We Lodge Your BAS and Income Tax Return
We prepare your income tax return and handle any outstanding BAS lodgements at the same time. You review and approve before we submit. Your return is lodged accurately, on time, and in full compliance with ATO requirements.
- WHY TAX NEXTGEN
Why Rideshare Drivers Choose Tax NextGen
We understand rideshare tax inside out
The specific GST rules for rideshare, the vehicle deduction methods, BAS obligations — we handle these for drivers across all platforms every year.
We handle the full picture
BAS lodgements, income tax, vehicle claims, and mixed-income returns all managed by the same qualified team. No need to coordinate multiple service providers.
We choose the best vehicle deduction method for you
Logbook versus cents per kilometre is not a one-size-fits-all decision. We analyse your situation and apply the method that produces the higher deduction.
Registered and qualified
Every return is prepared by a Chartered Accountant or CPA registered with the Tax Practitioners Board. Authorised to lodge on your behalf.
Transparent pricing
You know your fee before we start. No hidden charges, no surprises at lodgement.
- REVIEWS
What Our Clients Say
Our rideshare and gig worker clients come back year after year because they know their obligations are being managed correctly.
- FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need an ABN and GST registration if I only drive part-time for Uber?
Yes. GST registration for rideshare drivers is mandatory from your very first fare, regardless of how many hours you drive or how much you earn. This is because rideshare is classified as taxi travel under Australian GST law, which carries a different threshold than other business activities. You need both an ABN and GST registration before you start driving.
2. How does GST work for Uber drivers?
As a GST-registered rideshare driver, GST is embedded in the fare charged to passengers. Uber typically collects and remits the GST on your behalf, but you are still required to lodge BAS statements and account for that GST in your records. You can also claim GST credits on eligible business expenses such as fuel and vehicle servicing, which reduces your net GST liability.
3. What is the best way to claim car expenses on my uber driver tax return?
4. Do I need to lodge a BAS if I also have a salary job?
Yes. Your GST registration is tied to your rideshare activity, not your employment. Even if you earn a salary from an employer, you are still required to lodge BAS statements for your rideshare business. Your employer handles their own PAYG withholding separately. We manage both obligations in your annual tax return.
5. What happens if I have not been lodging BAS statements?
6. I also do food delivery, freelance work, and some casual shifts. Do you handle mixed income returns?
7. How much tax will I pay on my rideshare income?
Ready to Get Your Uber Driver Tax Return Right This Year
No cost to consult. Transparent fees. BAS and income tax both handled.
