If you drive for Uber in Australia, you’re running a small business as a sole trader which means you can claim a wide range of tax deductions to reduce your taxable income. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) allows you to deduct expenses that are directly related to earning your rideshare income.

This guide provides a complete Uber driver tax deductions list for Australia so you know exactly what you can claim and how to maximise your return.

Mileage (Cents-per-Kilometre Method)

This is the most common deduction. You can claim:

• All kilometres driven while online

• Driving to pick up passengers

• Trips with passengers

• Travel between trips

The ATO allows you to estimate vehicle costs using mileage or keep detailed records depending on your method.

👉 Car depreciation guide for rideshare drivers (Australia)

Vehicle Expenses (Actual Method)

If you use the logbook method instead of mileage, you can claim:

• Fuel and oil

• Repairs and servicing

• Tyres

• Insurance

• Registration

• Depreciation

These expenses must be claimed based on your business-use percentage.

Uber Fees & Commissions

Uber takes a percentage of every fare and this is fully deductible. You can claim:

• Service fees

• Booking fees

• Platform commissions

These are considered direct business expenses.

Phone and Accessories

Your phone is essential for Uber driving. You can claim a percentage of:

• Phone bill

• Data plan

• Phone mounts

• Chargers

• Bluetooth devices

Only the business-use portion is deductible.

👉 Phone & Data Tax Deductions for Gig Workers (Australia)

Tolls and Parking

Fully deductible when working. Examples:

• Toll roads (e.g. CityLink, Harbour Bridge)

• Airport access fees

• Parking during trips

Transport-related costs like tolls and parking are valid deductions when incurred while earning income.

Car Cleaning

Keeping your car clean is part of the job. You can claim:

• Car washes

• Interior cleaning

• Detailing

• Cleaning supplies

Vehicle cleaning is considered a valid operating expense.

Insurance

You can claim:

• Car insurance

• Rideshare insurance

• Business-use portion of premiums

Insurance is part of operating your vehicle for business purposes.

Passenger Amenities

Small costs that improve rider experience are deductible. Examples:

• Water bottles

• Snacks or mints

• Phone chargers

• Tissues or masks

These are considered business-related expenses for providing service.

Safety and Tools

Equipment used for safety and operations:

• Dash cams

• Flashlights

• Emergency kits

• Phone holders

These are classified as business equipment.

Vehicle Interest or Lease Costs

If you finance or lease your car:

• Loan interest (not principal)

• Lease payments

These must be adjusted for business use percentage.

Miscellaneous Deductions

Other commonly overlooked deductions include:

• Mileage tracking apps

• Roadside assistance membership (business portion)

• Bank fees (if using a separate account)

• Accounting or tax agent fees

• Seat cushions or driver support tools

Many administrative and software expenses used for business are deductible.

Important Rules for Claiming Deductions

To claim deductions, the ATO requires that:

• The expense is directly related to earning income

• You keep records or receipts

• You only claim the business-use portion

If you can’t prove it, you generally can’t claim it.

Why Tracking Your Deductions Matters

Every deduction reduces your taxable income.

👉 More deductions = less tax paid

But the challenge is tracking everything correctly especially if you drive frequently.

Make It Easier with Accounting Samurai

Manually tracking deductions in spreadsheets can be time-consuming and error-prone.

Accounting Samurai simplifies this process:

• Upload your bank or card statements

• Automatically categorize income and expenses

• Generate a complete Profit & Loss statement

• Instantly see your total deductions and profit

Instead of guessing your deductions at tax time, you’ll have everything organised and ready.

👉 Generate Your Free Profit & Loss Statement Now

Key Tips to Maximise Your Deductions

Keep a Logbook Early

If you plan to use the logbook method, start recording trips early. It can significantly increase your deductions.

Track Expenses Weekly

Don’t wait until tax time. Small expenses like tolls and cleaning are easy to forget.

Separate Business Finances

Use a dedicated bank account for Uber income, it makes tracking and reporting much easier.

Generate a P&L Regularly

A monthly Profit & Loss statement helps you stay on top of your finances and avoid surprises at tax time.

This Uber driver tax deductions list covers the most important expenses you can claim in Australia, from vehicle costs and tolls to phone bills and Uber fees. The key is not just knowing what to claim, but tracking it properly. If you stay organised throughout the year, you’ll maximise your deductions and minimise your tax stress.