DoorDash Dasher Taxes in Nevada - 2025 Guide

Updated for 2025 (Filing 2024 Taxes)

Is DoorDash Dasher income taxable in Nevada?

Yes, your income as a DoorDash Dasher is taxable at the federal level. The IRS considers you a self-employed individual, meaning you operate as an independent contractor, not an employee of DoorDash. You'll report your earnings and expenses on Schedule C (Profit or Loss From Business) when you file your federal income tax return (Form 1040). This schedule calculates your net profit (income minus expenses), which is then added to your other income to determine your adjusted gross income (AGI).

However, Nevada is one of the few states with no state income tax. This means you will not owe income tax to the state of Nevada on your DoorDash earnings. You will still be responsible for federal income and self-employment taxes, though.

Top Tax Write-offs for DoorDash Dashers

As a self-employed individual, you can significantly reduce your tax liability by claiming eligible business expenses. Here are some common 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 "on duty" (from accepting a delivery request to completing it). Apps like Stride or Everlance can help with this.
• Phone Expenses: You can deduct the portion of your cell phone bill that relates to your DoorDash work. If you use your phone solely for DoorDash, you can deduct the entire bill. Otherwise, you'll need to calculate the percentage of time you use it for business.
• Hot Bags & Delivery Equipment: The cost of items like insulated delivery bags, phone mounts, and dashcams are deductible. If the item has a useful life of more than one year (like a dashcam), you may need to depreciate it over several years.
• DoorDash Software/Subscription Fees: Any fees you pay for apps or services directly related to your DoorDash work (e.g., tax preparation software specifically for self-employment) are deductible.

The 15.3% Self-Employment Tax Surprise

Many Dashers are surprised to learn about self-employment tax. 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 calculated on Schedule SE (Self-Employment Tax). However, you only pay self-employment tax on your net earnings (profit) after subtracting your business expenses. You also don't pay self-employment tax on earnings below $400.

Closing Tip for Nevada Residents

While you benefit from Nevada’s lack of state income tax, diligent record-keeping is crucial for maximizing your federal tax savings. Track your mileage, expenses, and income throughout the year. Consider using accounting software or consulting with a tax professional to ensure you're taking all the deductions you're entitled to. Proactive tax planning can save you significant money and avoid potential issues with the IRS. Good luck and safe dashing!