DoorDash Dasher Taxes in Idaho - 2025 Guide

Updated for 2025 (Filing 2024 Taxes)

Is DoorDash Dasher income taxable in Idaho?

Yes, absolutely. Income earned as a DoorDash Dasher is taxable at both the federal and Idaho state levels. The IRS considers you self-employed, meaning you're essentially running your own business. This impacts how you report your income and pay taxes.

Federal Requirements: You'll report your DoorDash earnings on Schedule C (Profit or Loss From Business) as part of your Form 1040. This form is where you detail your income and your deductible business expenses. The difference between your income and expenses is your net profit, which is then added to your other income when calculating your adjusted gross income (AGI).

Idaho Specific Rules: Idaho has a flat income tax rate. For 2024 income (filed in 2025), the rate is currently 5.8% (this is subject to change, always verify with the Idaho State Tax Commission). Your net profit from Schedule C will be added to your other income, and this total taxable income will be multiplied by 5.8% to determine your Idaho income tax liability. Idaho also has standard deductions and exemptions, which can reduce your taxable income.

Top Tax Write-offs for DoorDash Dashers

As a self-employed Dasher, you can significantly reduce your tax bill by claiming legitimate business expenses. Here are some key deductions:

• Mileage: This is often the biggest deduction! For 2024, the standard mileage rate is 67 cents per mile for business use. Keep a detailed log of every mile driven while actively delivering (from accepting an order to dropping it off). You can't include commuting miles.
• Phone Expenses: You likely use your phone for navigation, accepting orders, and communication. You can deduct the percentage of your phone bill that relates to business use. If you use your phone 100% for DoorDash, you can deduct the entire bill.
• Hot Bags & Delivery Equipment: The cost of items like insulated delivery bags, phone mounts, and even warmers are deductible. If the item has a useful life of more than one year (like a phone mount), you may need to depreciate it over several years.
• DoorDash Software/Subscription Fees: Any fees you pay directly to DoorDash for access to their platform or for optional services (if any) are deductible.

Important: Keep receipts and detailed records for all expenses. The IRS requires documentation to support your deductions.

The 15.3% Self-Employment Tax Surprise

When you're an employee, your employer pays half of your Social Security and Medicare taxes. As a self-employed individual, you're responsible for both the employer and employee portions – a total of 15.3%. This is called Self-Employment Tax.

You'll calculate this on Schedule SE (Self-Employment Tax). However, you only pay self-employment tax on your net earnings after subtracting your business expenses (from Schedule C). You don't pay self-employment tax on the first $400 of your net earnings. The good news is that you can deduct one-half of your self-employment tax from your gross income on Form 1040, which helps reduce your overall tax liability.

Closing Tip for Idaho Residents

Navigating self-employment taxes can be complex. I strongly recommend keeping meticulous records throughout the year – mileage logs, receipts, and income statements. Consider using accounting software designed for freelancers or consulting with a qualified tax professional (like myself!) to ensure you're taking all the deductions you're entitled to and complying with both federal and Idaho tax laws. The Idaho State Tax Commission website (https://tax.idaho.gov/) is also a valuable resource. Wishing you a profitable and tax-efficient year as a DoorDash Dasher in Idaho!