Which TurboTax Does a Gig Worker (Rideshare or Delivery) Need?
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Driving for a rideshare or delivery app makes you self-employed in the eyes of the tax system, even if it's just a side hustle. The platform reports your earnings on a 1099-NEC or 1099-K, but it doesn't withhold any taxes, so you owe income tax plus self-employment tax on your profit. The upside is that your biggest cost, all that driving, is deductible, and for many drivers the mileage deduction is the single largest line on the return.
Your return runs through Schedule C, where your app earnings go in and your expenses come out. The trick is capturing every business mile and every legitimate cost, because gig income looks small until you forget to deduct your driving and suddenly the tax bill feels huge. Good mileage records are the difference between a fair bill and an inflated one.
TurboTax Premium (Online)
Gig driving is self-employment, so you need an edition that handles Schedule C and self-employment tax, which is Premium. It walks you through the mileage deduction, vehicle expenses, and the smaller costs gig workers tend to forget. You can file from your phone or your computer, and it reconciles any quarterly estimated payments you made.
Alternatives to consider
Mileage versus actual expenses
You can deduct your vehicle costs one of two ways: the standard mileage rate, which multiplies your business miles by a set per-mile amount, or actual expenses, where you deduct the business-use share of gas, repairs, insurance, and depreciation. Most gig drivers come out ahead with the standard mileage rate, and it's simpler to track too. TurboTax can help you compare, but you need accurate mileage records either way.
Don't double-count your miles
Only business miles count, which generally means miles you drive while actively working or between deliveries. Your commute to your first pickup is usually personal. The apps track on-trip miles, but those may not include time spent waiting or driving to a hotspot, so keeping your own log can capture deductible miles the app misses, while staying honest about what actually counts.
Frequently asked questions
I only drive part-time. Do I still need Premium?＋
Yes. Any gig income is self-employment income and runs through Schedule C, which calls for a self-employment-capable edition like Premium, even for a small side hustle.
The app gave me a mileage report. Is that enough?＋
It's a great start, but the app's report may not catch every deductible mile. Keeping your own log as backup protects your deduction, and it can even increase it if you drove uncounted business miles.
Do I owe taxes if I made only a few hundred dollars?＋
Possibly, because self-employment tax can apply even at low income levels. But your mileage and expense deductions shrink your taxable profit, often quite a bit. TurboTax calculates the net result for you.
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