DoorDash Dasher Taxes in Missouri - 2025 Guide

Updated for 2025 (Filing 2024 Taxes)

Is DoorDash Dasher income taxable in Missouri?

Yes, absolutely. Income earned as a DoorDash Dasher is taxable at both the federal and Missouri state levels. The IRS considers you self-employed, meaning you're essentially running your own business. This has implications for 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).

Missouri Specific Rules: Missouri has a graduated income tax system. This means the tax rate you pay increases as your taxable income increases. Your net profit from DoorDashing will be added to your other income sources (like wages from a traditional job, if applicable) to determine your total taxable income for Missouri. You'll then use the Missouri tax brackets for the 2024 tax year (filing in 2025) to calculate your state income tax liability. You'll file this information using Missouri Form MO-1040.

Top Tax Write-offs for DoorDash Dashers

As a self-employed individual, you can significantly reduce your tax burden by claiming eligible business expenses. Here are some key deductions for DoorDash Dashers:

• 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 all miles driven while actively delivering orders (from the time you accept an order to the time you drop it off). You can use apps to track this, or a simple notebook.
• Phone Expenses: You likely use your phone for navigation, accepting orders, and communicating with customers. 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 other equipment used specifically for DoorDashing are deductible.
• DoorDash Software/Subscription Fees: Any fees you pay directly to DoorDash (beyond the commission they take from orders) for access to tools or services can be deducted.

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). The good news is you only pay self-employment tax on your net earnings (profit) after subtracting your business expenses. Also, you don't pay self-employment tax on any earnings below $400. You can deduct one-half of your self-employment tax from your gross income on Form 1040.

Closing Tip for Missouri Residents

Tax laws can be complex, and it's easy to miss deductions. I strongly recommend keeping meticulous records of all your income and expenses throughout the year. Consider using accounting software designed for freelancers or consulting with a qualified tax professional (like myself!) to ensure you're maximizing your deductions and complying with all federal and Missouri tax regulations. Don't wait until the last minute – proactive tax planning can save you money and stress. Good luck, and happy dashing!