Tax Tips for Uber Drivers

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 expense — and with the right setup, claiming all your tax deductions can be made simple. 

In this guide, we’ll cover: 

• Whether Uber drivers need to register for GST 

• What expenses you should be able to 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. 

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

What expenses can I claim as an Uber Driver?

Whether you borrow from a bank or purchase your car through a rideshare provider. You should be entitled to 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. 

Depending on the terms of your car purchase arrangements, your deductible expenses may include:

Vehicle-related expenses 

• 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 are unlikely to be 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 should be 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 generally 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 or Sleek, you may qualify for an extended deadline — typically 31 March or 15 May 2026, depending on your circumstances. 

How does a car subscription through Splend make tax time easier?

Unlike traditional finance or ownership options, with Splend the subscription fee you pay is a 100% tax deductible all-inclusive fee (subject to any private use reductions).

Depending on the terms of your Flexi Own Subscription plan, Splend takes care of various costs associated with your car including: 

• The car payment

• Registration 

• Damage and Loss cover

• Servicing 

• Replacement Tyres

• Replacement Brakes

Rather than having to pay each of these expenses separately and keep all these receipts for tax time, Splend does it all for you. So when it comes to tax time, your primary deduction is one expense - your Splend subscription fee.

You will still need to calculate your business-use percentage, but consolidating these costs into a Splend Flexi Own Subscription Plan simplifies both your tax return and your bookkeeping.

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

• One regular tax-deductible fee (subject to private use)

• 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, simplicity and transparency you need to maximise your deductions and get your tax right.

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, regardless of income level. 

• Can I claim the full cost of my Splend plan? Your subscription fee should be 100% deductible, subject to any private use.

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

• Are snacks and drinks for passengers claimable? Passenger comfort items are generally deductible (e.g. Bottles of water, mints). 

• 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 ensure you claim all you're entitled to. Whether you're managing your own return or working with a tax agent, Splend's all-inclusive plans can simplify the process — from deductions to documentation.

These Tax Tips are based on the general experience of our rideshare drivers. These tips are not tax advice. Please seek your own independent tax advice to ensure you're claiming all the tax deductions you're entitled to and meeting all your tax obligations.

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.