Rideshare \u00b7 Taxes · 5 min read
Uber driver quarterly taxes.
Uber takes nothing out of your pay, so the IRS expects you to pay during the year instead of all in April. Here's how much, when, and how to stay penalty-free.
Updated September 24, 2026
01
Do Uber drivers have to pay quarterly?
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax for the year after any withholding from another job, yes. For most full-time drivers, that's almost certain.
02
The 2026 due dates
April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15, 2027. Deadlines that fall on a weekend or holiday move to the next working day.
03
How much to pay each quarter
Work out your profit so far (fares and tips minus mileage and costs), estimate tax on it, and pay the share for that quarter. A simple starting point is 25–30% of profit.
04
The penalty-free shortcut
Pay 100% of last year's total tax, split into four equal payments (110% if last year's income was over $150,000). Do that and you won't owe an underpayment penalty, even if this year is bigger.
05
How to pay
Use IRS Direct Pay or your IRS online account, choose estimated tax and the right year, and save the confirmation. Most states have their own estimated payments too.
06
FAQ
What if I miss a quarter?
You'll owe a small interest-style penalty on the shortfall for the days it was late. Pay as soon as you can to stop it growing.
Do I file a return each quarter?
No. Quarterly payments are just payments. Everything is squared up on your yearly return.
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