Rideshare driver tax deductions: what you can claim
A practical guide to tax deductions for Uber, DiDi and Ola drivers: car costs, the logbook, phone, platform fees and the records you need.
As a rideshare driver you run a small business, so you can claim the costs of earning your income. The key is working out how much of your car and phone use is for business.
Your car: the biggest deduction
Most drivers use their own car for both driving and private use. To claim the business part, keep a logbook for 12 continuous weeks that shows your business and private kilometres. Your business-use percentage then applies to your car costs for up to five years (or until your driving pattern changes).
- Fuel or charging costs
- Registration, CTP and comprehensive insurance
- Servicing, tyres, repairs and cleaning
- Loan interest or lease payments, and depreciation of the car
The cents per kilometre method (88c/km for 2025–26) is capped at 5,000 km. Most full-time drivers travel much more than that, so the logbook method usually gives a much bigger deduction. See cents per km vs logbook.
Other costs you can usually claim
- The platform's service fees and commissions
- The business-use share of your mobile phone and data plan
- Phone mounts, chargers and dash cams used for driving
- Water, mints and phone chargers you provide for passengers
- Tolls and parking while working (not parking fines)
- Accounting fees for your BAS and tax return
What you can't claim
- Private trips, including driving to the city before you log on, unless you're available for jobs
- Traffic and parking fines
- Meals for yourself while driving
Records to keep
Keep your logbook, fuel and service receipts, insurance and rego papers, and the platform's tax summaries. Keep them for five years. A mileage app can make the logbook much easier.
Our individual return with a logbook car claim starts from $210 + $63 + GST. Book a meeting and bring your platform summary and logbook.
This article is general information only and does not take your personal circumstances into account. It is not financial or tax advice. Tax rules change, so please contact us before acting on it. Information current as at the date above.