Accounting and tax support for Uber, taxi and delivery drivers
Driving for Uber, Ola, a taxi company, Uber Eats or DoorDash means you are running a small business. Inland Revenue treats your fares, delivery fees, tips and bonuses as taxable income, and you need to file an income tax return each year. We help drivers across New Zealand get their tax right, claim the expenses they are entitled to, and keep simple records. We work online by phone, email, WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet, in English, Punjabi or Hindi.
Who we help
• Ride-share drivers using Uber, Ola, DiDi or similar apps
• Taxi drivers, including owner-drivers and drivers leasing a vehicle
• Food and parcel delivery drivers using Uber Eats, DoorDash or similar apps
• Drivers doing this part-time alongside a wage or salary job
• Drivers planning to move into courier work or buy their first truck
What we do for drivers
• Annual income tax return, including income from all the apps you drive for
• Expense claims: the business share of your vehicle and other costs, using a logbook or actual records
• GST: how the app GST rules affect you, plus GST registration and returns if you are registered
• Records: what to keep, such as app statements, fuel and repair receipts, and a vehicle logbook
• Provisional tax and payment planning, so tax doesn't arrive as a surprise
• Inland Revenue letters, dealt with for you once you link us as your tax agent
How GST works for app drivers
Since 1 April 2024, apps like Uber and Uber Eats collect 15% GST on rides and deliveries. If you are not GST-registered, the app pays 6.5% to Inland Revenue and passes 8.5% to you as a flat-rate credit, which you can keep. If you are GST-registered, the rules are different and you must tell the app.
What you can claim
Costs you incur while driving for work are generally deductible, such as fuel, app fees and commission, vehicle lease payments, parking, and depreciation on a vehicle you own. If you also use the car privately, you can only claim the work share. Driver licence costs and fines can't be claimed.
From the app to your own truck
Many drivers start with an app and later move into courier work or trucking. When you are ready for that step, we can help with company setup, GST on a vehicle purchase, finance paperwork and cash-flow planning. See our transport and trucking accounting.
How it works
1. Get in touch by phone, WhatsApp or the contact form.
2. Initial chat by phone, WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet video call about your situation.
3. Scope and fees confirmed in an engagement letter before any work starts.
4. Send your records online, and we prepare and file your return.
Common questions
Do I need to file a tax return if I only drive part-time? Yes. Inland Revenue treats app driving as a business, so you report the income and deductions whatever the amount.
Is the 8.5% flat-rate credit taxable? Inland Revenue says it's your choice whether you treat it as assessable income. We can explain what that choice means for you.
Can I claim my whole car? Only the business share. A logbook or actual records show how much of the use is for work.
Do I have to come into an office? No. We work with drivers all over New Zealand online.
Talk to us about your driver tax return: 021 0234 6659 or ysm@yugrajca.co.nz, or send us a message.
This page gives general information only and is not advice for your situation. Tax rules can change; please contact us before acting.
