Short answer
DoorDash drivers in Australia must report all DoorDash earnings to the ATO — even on a few hundred dollars. DoorDash reports to the ATO under the Sharing Economy Reporting Regime (SERR), so the income WILL be pre-filled in your return.
You lodge as a sole trader with the Business and Professional Items schedule.
GST: the $75,000 rule (and the rideshare exception)
Good news for food-only dashers: DoorDash food delivery is NOT ride-sourcing, so the normal GST threshold applies — you only must register once turnover reaches $75,000/year. Below that, registration is optional and usually not worth the quarterly BAS workload.
The "GST from the first dollar" rule applies to transporting passengers (Uber rides, DiDi, Ola). If you drive passengers AND deliver food on the same ABN, the ride-sourcing rule wins and you must register from dollar one. If that's you and you never registered, fix it before lodging — backdated GST registration via ATO online services, and consider a Tax Agent to clean up multiple BAS periods.
Deductions
Car expenses
| Method | Rate (FY2025-26) | Cap | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cents per km | 88¢/km | 5,000 km | Light-duty drivers (< 5,000 work km/yr) |
| Logbook | Actual costs × work-use % | No cap | Most regular DoorDash drivers |
Work-related km includes: pickup, drop-off, and return drive with the app open (waiting for next order). Excludes commuting from home to your first job of the day.
Phone + data
DoorDash is mobile-app driven, so phone bills are highly work-relevant. 50-80% work-use % is typical and defensible with one month of itemised bill as evidence.
Other claimable items
- Insulated bag (DoorDash-branded or generic)
- Bike maintenance / e-bike battery replacements (if cycling)
- DoorDash app subscription fees (DashPass etc. — only if used for work)
- Phone mount for car
- Helmet, hi-vis vest, weather gear
- Tax agent fee paid last year
NOT claimable
- ❌ Meals while delivering
- ❌ Personal trips
- ❌ Speeding/parking fines
- ❌ Full car costs without logbook
- ❌ Time spent "online" but not actively delivering (only kms with passengers/orders count for the logbook test)
What about Schedule of Business Income?
You'll need to complete:
- P8 Business and professional items schedule (gross income, expenses, net income)
- GST quarterly via BAS
- PAYG instalments — ATO may switch you to quarterly instalments if your income from last year exceeded thresholds
The schedule isn't pre-filled by myTax. You must enter:
- Gross earnings from DoorDash annual statement
- Less commissions/fees already deducted (visible on statement)
- Less your claimed expenses
- = Net income (flows to your individual return)
This is where many DIY drivers go wrong — the GST liability + the business schedule are not handled by myTax automatically.
When to use a Tax Agent
- First year on DoorDash — GST + sole trader setup
- Drove for multiple platforms (Uber Eats + DoorDash + Menulog)
- Mixed personal/business use vehicle
- Earned over $75,000 — additional GST + ABN considerations
- Bought your delivery vehicle this year
Need a professional? Browse every TPB-registered tax agent near you in the AusTax directory, or post a request and matching practices will contact you — free.
See Uber Eats guide for a comparison, or sole trader decision guide for the broader framework.
Need Help With Your Tax Return?
Complex situation? a registered tax agent (see the directory) Our partner agents review every detail for accuracy and compliance.
*Disclaimer: This is general information only and does not constitute personal tax advice. Consult a registered tax agent for advice tailored to your specific situation. Always verify against the latest ATO guidelines at ato.gov.au.*
This is general information only. Rideshare/food delivery tax rules change — confirm with a TPB Registered Tax Agent.