Rideshare Driver (Uber/Ola/Didi)
Master your GST and vehicle deductions for rideshare in Australia.
Allowable Expenses
- Vehicle Running Costs — Fuel, oil, and servicing for your car.
- Rideshare Fees — Commission fees charged by Uber, Ola, or Didi.
- Insurance & Registration — Business-use car insurance and rego.
- Passenger Amenities — Water, mints, and phone chargers for passengers.
Tax Tips
- You MUST register for GST from day one, regardless of your income.
- A valid 12-week logbook is essential for high vehicle claims.
- Claim the cost of cleaning your car for business use.
- Lodge your BAS every quarter (or monthly if the ATO requires it) to remit the GST collected on ride fares — there is no GST-free threshold for rideshare drivers, unlike other self-employed occupations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register for GST for Uber?
Yes, the ATO requires GST registration for all taxi and rideshare drivers.
Can I claim for my car wash?
Yes, the business portion of car cleaning is deductible.
Do I report the full fare or the net amount (after Uber's commission) as income?
You must report the full gross fare received from passengers as your assessable income. Uber's commission and service fees are then claimed as a separate deductible expense. Do not net them off — report gross income and deduct costs separately.
Can I use the cents-per-kilometre method for my rideshare vehicle?
You can use the cents-per-kilometre method (85c/km for 2024/25) for up to 5,000 km per year. However, if your business kilometres exceed 5,000 — which is common for rideshare — the logbook method will usually yield a much higher deduction and is worth the effort of keeping a proper log.