DoorDash Dasher Taxes in West Virginia - 2025 Guide

Updated for 2025 (Filing 2024 Taxes)

Is DoorDash Dasher income taxable in West Virginia?

Yes, absolutely. Income earned as a DoorDash Dasher is taxable at both the federal and West Virginia state levels. The IRS considers you self-employed, meaning you're essentially running your own business. For federal taxes, you'll report your DoorDash income and expenses on Schedule C (Profit or Loss From Business), which is filed with your Form 1040. This form calculates your net profit (income minus expenses).

West Virginia also taxes income, and because it has a graduated income tax system, the rate you pay depends on your total taxable income for the year. Your DoorDash net profit (from Schedule C) will be added to your other income sources (like wages from a traditional job, if any) to determine your overall taxable income and the applicable tax bracket. You'll use West Virginia Form WV-1040 to file your state income tax return.

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 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 “on duty” (from accepting a delivery request to completing it). You can use apps to track this, or a simple notebook. You cannot include commuting miles.
• Phone Expenses: You likely use your phone for navigation, accepting orders, and communicating with DoorDash. 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 DoorDash are deductible.
• DoorDash Software/Subscription Fees: Any fees you pay directly to DoorDash for access to their platform or for optional services (if any) are deductible.

The 15.3% Self-Employment Tax Surprise

Many Dashers are surprised to learn about self-employment tax. When you work for an employer, they pay 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 profits over $400. The good news is that you can deduct one-half of your self-employment tax from your adjusted gross income on Form 1040, which can lower your overall tax bill.

Closing Tip for West Virginia Residents

Tax laws can be complex, and it's easy to miss deductions. I strongly recommend keeping meticulous records of 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 West Virginia tax regulations. Don't wait until the last minute – proactive tax planning can save you time, money, and stress when filing your 2024 taxes in 2025. Good luck and safe dashing!