DoorDash Dasher Taxes in Georgia - 2026 Guide

Updated for 2026 (Filing 2025 Taxes)

Tax Essentials for DoorDash Dashers in Georgia

Navigating the bustling streets of Atlanta, Savannah, or Augusta as a DoorDash Dasher offers flexibility, but also brings tax responsibilities. As an independent contractor, earnings from DoorDash are considered self-employment income, requiring diligent record-keeping and accurate tax filing.

The IRS requires all DoorDash Dashers to report their income on Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business) with Form 1040. Furthermore, because no taxes are withheld from your DoorDash payments, Dashers are responsible for paying self-employment taxes, which cover both Social Security and Medicare. Failure to properly report income and pay taxes can result in penalties and interest.

How Georgia Handles Gig Worker Taxes

As a resident of Georgia, a state income tax return is required, even if your federal tax liability is zero. Georgia operates under a flat income tax rate, currently at 5.49% for the 2025 tax year. This means all taxable income, regardless of the amount, is taxed at the same rate. DoorDash income is considered taxable income and must be reported on Form 540, the Georgia Individual Income Tax Return. Self-employment income reported on your federal Schedule C flows to your Georgia return. Georgia also allows for a standard deduction, which can reduce your taxable income. It's crucial to accurately calculate your net profit from DoorDash (total earnings minus deductible business expenses) to determine your Georgia tax liability. Georgia does not offer a specific deduction for the federal self-employment tax paid, but it is deductible when calculating your adjusted gross income on the federal return, which then impacts your Georgia taxable income. Keep detailed records of all income and expenses to ensure accurate reporting and maximize potential deductions. Georgia’s Department of Revenue provides resources and information for self-employed individuals; you can find more details at the Georgia Department of Revenue website.

Top Tax Deductions for Georgia Drivers

• Standard Mileage: The most popular deduction for DoorDash drivers. The 2025 rate is 70 cents per mile. Given Georgia’s relatively moderate gas prices compared to states like California, the standard mileage rate is often the most advantageous method for calculating vehicle expenses.
• Tolls & Parking: While Georgia doesn’t have extensive toll roads, any tolls incurred during deliveries are deductible. Parking fees directly related to deliveries are also deductible.
• Phone & Data Plan: If you use your personal phone for DoorDash, you can deduct the percentage of your monthly bill that corresponds to business use. Keep a log of the time spent dashing versus personal use to justify the deduction.
• Vehicle-Related Costs: Expenses like car washes, phone mounts, insulated food bags, and dash cams used specifically for DoorDash deliveries are deductible.

Key Warning: You cannot deduct both the standard mileage rate and actual car expenses (like gas, oil changes, repairs, insurance) in the same tax year. Choose the method that yields the larger deduction.

Understanding the 15.3% Self-Employment Tax

This tax comprises two components: 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare. Unlike traditional employment where your employer withholds these taxes, as a DoorDash Dasher, you are responsible for paying both the employer and employee portions. This tax is calculated on your net earnings (income after deductions) exceeding $400. You’ll use Schedule SE (Self-Employment Tax) to calculate this amount when filing your federal taxes.