What can Uber drivers claim as tax deductions?

The business-use portion of fuel, car running costs, depreciation, servicing and repairs, registration, insurance, car rental, mobile phone and data, platform service fees, car cleaning, tolls, parking and water for passengers. A valid logbook substantiates your business-use percentage.

Complete Uber & DiDi Driver Tax Checklist Australia (2026)

Q: What do Uber drivers need to do for tax in Australia?

Uber and DiDi drivers need an ABN, must register for GST from their first fare, lodge a Business Activity Statement (usually quarterly), keep records and a logbook, claim eligible deductions, and report rideshare income in their annual tax return. ALITAX can handle the GST registration, BAS lodgement and tax return for you.

Q: How often do Uber drivers lodge a BAS?

Most rideshare drivers lodge a Business Activity Statement quarterly. The standard ATO due dates are 28 October, 28 February, 28 April and 28 July. ALITAX can lodge each quarter for you, with your first two quarters free.

🚦 Getting set up

Step 1 — Before your first fare

Get these right from day one and you'll avoid penalties and headaches later.

Get an ABN

You're running a business, so you need an Australian Business Number. It's free and takes about 10 minutes — or ALITAX can set it up for you.

Register for GST

Rideshare must register for GST from the very first fare — the $75,000 threshold does not apply. This is the step most new drivers miss.

Sort your insurance

Make sure your policy covers driving for reward. Compare rideshare insurers before you start carrying passengers.

🧾 Every quarter

Step 2 — Your quarterly BAS

Each quarter you report your GST. Keep these on track and lodgement is painless.

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Download your statements

Grab your Uber and/or DiDi tax summary for the quarter. Driving for both? All income goes on one BAS.

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Calculate GST

GST is 1/11th of your fares, less GST credits on your business expenses. The ALITAX platform does this automatically.

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Lodge on time

Standard quarterly due dates: 28 Oct, 28 Feb, 28 Apr, 28 Jul. Late BAS attracts penalties — we make sure you never miss one.

💰 Don't leave money behind

Step 3 — Every deduction you can claim

The business-use portion of each of these is claimable. Keep receipts and a logbook to substantiate them.

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Car running costs

Fuel or charging, servicing, repairs, tyres and registration — apportioned to your business-use percentage.

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Depreciation

Your car loses value with use. If you own it, depreciation is a significant deduction; if you rent, the rental cost is deductible.

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Phone & data

The work-related share of your mobile and data plan — you can't drive without the app running.

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Insurance

Your rideshare insurance premium, on the business-use portion. Compare cover here.

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Platform fees

Uber and DiDi service fees, split fees and booking fees are all deductible business costs.

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Cleaning, tolls & extras

Car washes and detailing, tolls, parking, and even water or mints for passengers — the small stuff adds up.

Not sure what you can claim?Our deduction finder shows your GST credits in seconds — and we claim every dollar on your BAS.

Try the deduction finder →

📁 Keep the receipts

Step 4 — Records to keep

The ATO can ask you to substantiate any claim. Good records turn a stressful audit into a non-event.

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A 12-week logbook

Records your business-use percentage — the basis for most of your car claims. Keep it valid and up to date.

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Receipts & invoices

Fuel, servicing, phone, insurance, rental — keep them digitally so nothing's lost at tax time.

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Platform statements

Your Uber/DiDi tax summaries for each period are your income record — keep every one.

❓ Questions

Tax checklist FAQs

What do Uber drivers need to do for tax in Australia?⌄

You need an ABN, must register for GST from your first fare, lodge a BAS (usually quarterly), keep records and a logbook, claim eligible deductions, and report rideshare income in your annual tax return. ALITAX can handle the GST registration, BAS and tax return for you.

When is my BAS due?⌄

Most rideshare drivers lodge quarterly. Standard ATO due dates are 28 October, 28 February, 28 April and 28 July. ALITAX lodges each quarter for you — your first two are free.

Do I need a logbook?⌄

Yes — a valid 12-week logbook establishes your business-use percentage, which underpins most of your car deductions. The smart logbook on bas.alitax.com.au makes this easy.

What happens if I don't register for GST?⌄

Rideshare drivers are required to register for GST from the first fare. Not registering can mean back-payments and penalties. If you're behind, ALITAX can help you get compliant.

Want this whole checklist handled for you?ABN, GST, BAS, deductions and records — a registered tax agent does it all. First 2 quarters free.

Get started →