The rule of thumb
Many drivers hear “save 30%.” It’s an easy start, but it isn’t worked out for you. Drivers with lots of miles often need less. Drivers who also have a full-time job often need more.
What changes your number
Miles. Each business mile lowers your profit, so it lowers your tax.
Other income. Gig pay is added on top of any job. The more you earn in total, the higher the rate on the last dollars.
Tips. They count as income, but a newer deduction can lower the income tax on them.
Your state. Some states have no income tax. Others take a share of every dollar.
Married or single. Your filing status changes the income tax brackets.
An example for 2026
A single driver makes $30,000 in a year from gig apps, drives 12,000 business miles and has no other job. They would set aside about $12 of each $100 payout for federal tax. State tax, if their state has one, comes on top.
Worked out with the same engine as the free calculator.
A planning estimate, not tax or financial advice.
Your number as the year goes
Tax Pit Stop works it out for every payout as you go, so the number changes when your year does.
Figures for 2026, from IRS documents. Tax rules change, so check the year at the top.
Work out your own number
The free calculator shows how much of each payout to set aside for your year, with the math. No sign-up.
Open the calculator