Gig Worker & 1099 Tax Services
Drive. Deliver. Freelance. Earn. We Help You Understand the Tax Side.
Did you earn money through Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart, Grubhub, Amazon Flex, Spark, TaskRabbit or another app? Are you a freelancer, independent contractor or self-employed worker? Your tax situation may be different from that of a traditional W-2 employee.
Who We Help
We work with individuals who earn income through:
And many other types of self-employed and gig workers.
Your 1099 Is Not the Whole Story
One of the most important things for gig workers to understand is that your tax return may involve more than simply entering the amount shown on a 1099. Gig income is generally taxable even if you don't receive a tax form. That's why keeping good records throughout the year matters.
You may have income reported on:
- Form 1099-K
- Form 1099-NEC
- Form 1099-MISC
- Other income statements
- Platform statements
- Cash or other payments
Common Gig Worker Tax Expenses
Depending on your specific business activity and tax situation, you may have potentially deductible business expenses. Examples may include:
Vehicle & Mileage
If you use your vehicle for business, vehicle expenses can be an important part of your tax return. Depending on the method used and applicable rules, you may use the standard mileage method or actual vehicle expenses.
For 2026, the IRS business standard mileage rate is 72.5 cents per mile for January 1 through June 30 and 76 cents per mile beginning July 1 through December 31, 2026.
Keep a detailed mileage log.
Phone & Communication
If you use your phone for your business, the business-use portion may potentially be deductible, subject to applicable rules.
Keep records showing your business use.
Parking & Tolls
Business-related parking and toll expenses may be deductible depending on your circumstances and the vehicle-expense method you use.
Keep your receipts and records.
Business Supplies
Depending on your work, this could include delivery supplies, packaging, business materials, equipment, and supplies used to perform your services.
Platform Fees
Your platform statement may contain fees or other adjustments. Don't automatically assume the amount deposited into your bank account is the same as the amount of business income that should be reported. Your tax preparer should review the applicable platform records and tax forms.
Home Office
Some self-employed individuals may qualify for a home-office deduction if they meet the applicable requirements. This is not automatically available simply because you work from home.
Keeping Records Is Important
The IRS recommends gig workers keep records of their income and expenses. We recommend keeping:
Income Records
- 1099-K
- 1099-NEC
- 1099-MISC
- Annual platform statements
- Weekly/monthly earnings reports
- Bank records
- Other income records
Expense Records
- Mileage log
- Gas/vehicle records when applicable
- Parking
- Tolls
- Platform fees
- Phone/business-use records
- Supplies
- Equipment
- Advertising
- Other business expenses
Don't Wait Until Tax Season
One of the biggest mistakes gig workers make is waiting until January to start looking for their records. Throughout the year:
You May Have to Pay Quarterly Estimated Taxes
Unlike a traditional W-2 employee, an independent contractor may not have federal income tax withheld from each payment. Depending on your income and circumstances, you may need to make estimated tax payments during the year. We can help you understand whether estimated tax payments may be something you should discuss for your situation.
What Happens When You File?
Many gig workers report their business activity on Schedule C, with self-employment tax generally calculated on Schedule SE when applicable. Your return may also involve your regular Form 1040 and applicable California forms. The exact forms depend on your circumstances.
California Gig Workers
California has specific rules affecting gig workers. For California purposes, drivers for certain app-based transportation and delivery companies — including Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart — are classified as independent contractors when the applicable Proposition 22 conditions are met. California tax treatment can also require adjustments in certain situations. That's one reason California gig workers should not assume that their federal and California tax returns will always look exactly the same.
Did You Receive Multiple 1099s?
That's okay. We can review your different income sources and help organize the information for tax preparation.
What Should You Bring?
For your gig-worker tax appointment, gather:
Income
- All 1099 forms
- Platform annual summaries
- Earnings statements
- Other gig income
- W-2s, if applicable
Vehicle
- Mileage log
- Business miles
- Parking records
- Toll records
- Vehicle information
Business Expenses
- Receipts
- Platform fees
- Supplies
- Phone records
- Equipment
- Advertising
- Other business expenses
Prior Year
- Last year's federal return
- Last year's California return
Gig Worker Tax Consultation
Your side hustle is still a business.
Whether gig work is your full-time income, a weekend side hustle or something you do occasionally, understanding the tax side can help you avoid surprises.
Book My Gig Worker Tax AppointmentEnglish & Spanish Services · Tax Preparation · Self-Employed Tax Services · Small Business Tax Services