DoorDash Dasher Taxes in Ohio - 2025 Guide

Updated for 2025 (Filing 2024 Taxes)

Is DoorDash Dasher income taxable in Ohio?

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

Federal Taxes: You'll report your DoorDash earnings on Schedule C (Profit or Loss From Business) as part of your Form 1040. This form allows you to deduct business expenses (more on that below) to arrive at your taxable profit. It's crucial to keep accurate records of all income and expenses.

Ohio State Taxes: Ohio has a graduated income tax system. This means the tax rate you pay depends on your total taxable income. Your DoorDash profit (after deducting business expenses on Schedule C) will be added to your other income (from a W-2 job, for example) to determine your Ohio taxable income and the corresponding tax rate. You'll report this income on Ohio Form IT-1040. The rates change annually, so refer to the Ohio Department of Taxation website for the most up-to-date brackets when filing in 2025.

Top Tax Write-offs for DoorDash Dashers

As a self-employed Dasher, you can significantly reduce your tax liability by taking advantage of eligible deductions. Here are some key ones:

• Mileage: This is often the biggest deduction! For 2024, the standard mileage rate is 67 cents per mile for business use. Keep a detailed mileage log (date, miles driven, purpose – deliveries) to substantiate your claim. You can use apps designed for this purpose.
• 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 exclusively for DoorDash, you can deduct the entire bill.
• 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'll likely 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 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 tax on Schedule SE (Self-Employment Tax). However, you don't pay self-employment tax on your entire DoorDash profit. It's calculated on 92.35% of your net earnings (your profit after business deductions). Also, you only pay self-employment tax on earnings over $400. While it seems like a large amount, remember that half of your self-employment tax is deductible from your gross income.

Closing Tip for Ohio Residents

Navigating self-employment taxes can be complex. I strongly recommend keeping meticulous records throughout the year – income statements from DoorDash, mileage logs, receipts for expenses. Consider using accounting software designed for freelancers. Don't hesitate to consult with a qualified tax professional (like myself!) to ensure you're maximizing your deductions and complying with all federal and Ohio tax laws. Filing accurately and on time will help you avoid penalties and potential issues with the IRS and the Ohio Department of Taxation.