DoorDash Dasher Taxes in Pennsylvania - 2026 Guide

Updated for 2026 (Filing 2025 Taxes)

Tax Essentials for DoorDash Dashers in Pennsylvania

Navigating the bustling streets of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or Allentown as a DoorDash Dasher offers flexibility, but also brings tax responsibilities. As an independent contractor, earnings from DoorDash are subject to both federal and Pennsylvania state taxes, requiring careful record-keeping throughout the year.

The IRS requires DoorDash drivers to report their income on Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business) with Form 1040. Crucially, because no taxes are automatically withheld from your DoorDash payments, you are responsible for paying self-employment taxes – Social Security and Medicare – on any net earnings exceeding $400.

How Pennsylvania Handles Gig Worker Taxes

As a resident of Pennsylvania, you are required to file a state income tax return, even if no state taxes were withheld. Pennsylvania operates under a flat income tax rate of 3.07% for the 2025 tax year. This means all taxable income is taxed at the same rate. DoorDash income is considered taxable income and must be reported. The primary form for self-employed individuals to report income and calculate tax liability is the Pennsylvania Schedule C-K, which accompanies Form PA-1040. It’s important to accurately calculate your net profit from DoorDash deliveries (total earnings minus deductible business expenses) as this figure will be used to determine your Pennsylvania income tax obligation. Pennsylvania also allows for certain deductions and credits that may reduce your overall tax liability. Keep detailed records of all income and expenses related to your DoorDash work. You may also be required to make estimated tax payments throughout the year if you anticipate owing more than $1,000 in Pennsylvania income tax. Failure to do so could result in penalties. For comprehensive information and resources, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue website: https://www.revenue.pa.gov/

Top Tax Deductions for Pennsylvania Drivers

• Standard Mileage: The most popular and often most beneficial deduction. The 2025 rate is 70 cents per mile. Given Pennsylvania’s diverse terrain and potential for significant mileage, especially in rural areas, this deduction can substantially reduce taxable income.
• Tolls & Parking: Pennsylvania drivers frequently encounter tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and other roadways. These tolls, along with any parking fees incurred while actively dashing, are deductible business expenses.
• Phone & Data Plan: The portion of your monthly phone and data plan used for DoorDash deliveries is deductible. Keep a log of the percentage of time your phone is used for work purposes to justify the deduction.
• Vehicle-Related Costs: Expenses like car washes to maintain a professional appearance, phone mounts for safe navigation, and insulated hot bags to ensure food quality are all deductible.

Key Warning: You cannot deduct both the standard mileage rate and actual car expenses like gas or repairs in the same 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, DoorDash and other gig platforms do not withhold these taxes from your earnings. Therefore, it is your responsibility to calculate and pay this tax, typically through estimated tax payments made quarterly to the IRS.