Enquire now
1800-775-363Enquire now
  1. Back to blog

Tax Tips for Uber Drivers: What You Can (and Can’t) Claim

Open notebook with "Tax Time" written, calculator with receipt, and person writing on a desk with documents and macarons nearby.
Open notebook with "Tax Time" written, calculator with receipt, and person writing on a desk with documents and macarons nearby.

Whether you're new to driving or preparing for tax time again, getting your deductions right can make a big difference. As an Uber driver, your car is likely your biggest tax deduction — and with the right setup, claiming can be simple. 

In this guide, we’ll cover: 

  • Whether Uber drivers need to register for GST 

  • What expenses you can claim 

  • What you can’t claim 

  • Key tax deadlines 

  • How Splend’s all-inclusive plans make tax time easier

Do Uber Drivers need to Register for GST? 

Yes. Uber drivers are required to register for GST, even if they earn under the typical $75,000 income threshold. This is because rideshare services are classed as “taxi travel” under ATO rules. 

Annual Income GST Registration Required?
Under $75,000Yes
Over $75,000Yes

Once registered, you’ll also need to submit a Business Activity Statement (BAS) every quarter. 

What expenses can I claim as an Uber Driver?

You can claim expenses that are directly related to your rideshare work. Keeping detailed records is essential, particularly for any costs shared between personal and business use. 

  • Fuel and oil 

  • Registration and insurance 

  • Repairs and servicing 

  • Car cleaning 

  • Depreciation of the vehicle 

  • Interest on a car loan 

  • Lease or rental payments (including Splend) 

  • Parking fees 

  • Road tolls 

Operating expenses 

  • Mobile phone and internet (business use only) 

  • Uber or other rideshare platform fees and commissions 

  • Passenger items like water, mints, or phone chargers 

  • Accessories such as phone mounts, dash cams, or GPS devices 

Administrative and software expenses 

  • Accounting and tax agent fees 

  • Business software or apps 

  • Stationery and office supplies 

Other deductions 

  • Bank fees for business accounts 

  • Advertising and promotional materials 

  • Training or business-related courses 

  • Superannuation contributions 

  • Home office use (if applicable) 

What expenses can't I claim as an Uber Driver?

Some common expenses may seem related to work but aren’t claimable under ATO guidelines. 

  • Personal use of your car: You can only claim the business-use portion. 

  • Personal phone use: Only the work-related percentage of your bill is deductible. 

  • Regular clothing: Everyday clothing is not claimable unless it’s protective gear or a required uniform. 

  • Fines and penalties: Parking fines, traffic violations, and late payment fees cannot be claimed. 

  • Personal meals and drinks: Unless part of necessary travel or business meetings, food and beverages for yourself are not deductible. 

Key Tax Dates to Remember 

The standard deadline to lodge your individual tax return is 31 October 2025. 

However, if you're using a registered tax agent like TaxLeopard, you may qualify for an extended deadline — typically 31 March or 15 May 2026, depending on your circumstances. 

What is my largest tax deduction as an Uber Driver?

The simple answer, your vehicle.

Your car is central to your business, which makes it your largest deduction opportunity. That’s why it’s essential to understand what is included and what can be claimed. 

Splend’s all-inclusive Flexi Own car subscription plans includes many deductible costs into one regular payment, including: 

  • Registration 

  • Insurance 

  • Servicing 

  • Maintenance 

  • Tyres 

  • Accident and loss cover 

You still need to calculate your business-use percentage, but consolidating these costs can simplify both your tax return and your bookkeeping. 

How does Splend make Tax Time easier?

Choosing a flexible plan with Splend helps take the hassle out of tax time by offering: 

  • One regular payment that covers most deductible costs 

  • Easy access to invoices and payment history 

  • No surprise maintenance bills or balloon payments 

  • A clean paper trail for BAS and end-of-year returns 

Splend gives you the flexibility and transparency that traditional finance or ownership options often lack. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

  • Do I need to lodge a BAS if I only drive part-time? Yes. All Uber drivers need to be GST-registered and lodge a BAS quarterly, regardless of income level. 

  • Can I claim the full cost of my Splend plan? You can claim the proportion of your weekly payment that relates to business use. This covers eligible expenses like insurance, registration, and servicing. 

  • What if I use my car for both personal and Uber trips? Only the business-use portion of your expenses is deductible. Use a logbook or app to track your usage. 

  • Are snacks and drinks for passengers claimable? Yes. These are considered passenger comfort items and are deductible. 

  • Can I claim speeding fines or parking tickets? No. Fines and penalties, even when incurred during business use, are not tax-deductible. 

Stay Organised, Save More 

Being proactive with your tax planning can help you keep more of your income. Whether you're managing your own return or working with a tax agent, tools like Splend's all-inclusive plans can simplify the process — from deductions to documentation.

About Splend

Splend makes car ownership easier, more affordable and more accessible for rideshare drivers by building everything they need to earn more and pay less into one affordable weekly payment. It’s smooth driving, with no surprises and the lowest total ownership cost you’ll find – which is how car ownership for rideshare drivers should be.

For more information about Splend, make an appointment and drop by to your local Splend Hub, email us, or say hello on 1800 775 363.

Related posts