Gig Tax Guide
Roadie Taxes: What Every Driver Needs to Know
Roadie (a UPS company) pays its drivers as independent contractors, so no taxes are withheld from your deliveries. You owe your own federal, state, and self-employment taxes — and because you drive your own vehicle, mileage is usually your single largest deduction. Here's how Roadie taxes work.
How Roadie taxes work
You're an independent contractor
No taxes are withheld from your pay. You owe federal and state income tax plus self-employment tax on your net earnings.
Self-employment tax is 15.3%
That's 12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare on your net earnings — on top of regular income tax. It funds the benefits an employer would normally split with you.
Deductions lower your taxable income
Business expenses — equipment, software, supplies, phone, and mileage — reduce the net earnings you're taxed on. Tracked properly, they often save more than any other single move.
You pay as you go, quarterly
Instead of one April bill, the IRS expects estimated payments four times a year. Paying quarterly avoids an underpayment penalty.
Do you get a 1099 from Roadie?
If you earned enough to meet the reporting threshold, Roadie issues a 1099 (typically a 1099-NEC) through its payment processor reporting your earnings. Roadie emails instructions for retrieving your tax documents.
If you earned below the threshold you may not get a form — but you still have to report the income. The IRS expects you to report all earnings whether or not a 1099 was issued.
What Roadie drivers can deduct
Business mileage
Every mile driven while online or on a delivery, at the IRS standard mileage rate. Usually the single largest deduction.
Phone & data
The business-use percentage of your phone bill — you cannot work without it.
Tolls & parking
Tolls and parking paid while working are fully deductible (commuting tolls are not).
Hot bags & equipment
Insulated bags, phone mounts, chargers, and other gear bought for the work.
Hauling & delivery supplies
Hand trucks, straps, moving blankets, phone mounts, and supplies bought to complete Roadie gigs.
You can deduct the IRS standard mileage rate or your actual vehicle expenses — not both. For most drivers the standard mileage rate is simpler and larger. Keep a contemporaneous mileage log either way.
Frequently asked questions
Does Roadie take out taxes for me?
No. Roadie pays drivers as independent contractors and withholds nothing. You're responsible for setting aside and paying your own income tax and the 15.3% self-employment tax.
How much should I set aside for Roadie taxes?
A common rule of thumb is to set aside 25–30% of your net earnings (what's left after mileage and other deductions) to cover self-employment tax (15.3%) plus federal and state income tax. Your exact rate depends on your total household income and state. Use the Tax Set-Aside calculator to get a number for your situation.
Do I get a 1099 from Roadie?
If you meet the reporting threshold, Roadie issues a 1099 (typically a 1099-NEC) through its payment processor. Below that you may not receive a form, but you must still report the income to the IRS.
What can Roadie drivers deduct?
The biggest deduction is business mileage at the IRS standard mileage rate for every mile driven to pick up and deliver gigs. You can also deduct the business-use share of your phone, hauling supplies, tolls, and parking.
When are Roadie taxes due?
Self-employed earners generally pay estimated taxes four times a year — around April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 — and file an annual return by April 15. Paying quarterly avoids an IRS underpayment penalty.
Authoritative IRS resources
Free calculators for Roadie drivers
Stop guessing what you owe
UnifyOne tracks your package and item delivery earnings, mileage, and tax set-aside automatically — so quarterly taxes are never a surprise.
This guide is educational information, not tax advice. Tax rules, thresholds, and the IRS standard mileage rate change yearly — confirm current figures with the IRS or a qualified tax professional for your situation.