If you deliver, the kilometres you drive are money — at tax time. Most tax offices let you claim a set amount per kilometre (or mile) of work driving, no receipts for fuel needed. Riders who don't log their distance leave real money on the table every single week.
How the cents-per-km method works
You multiply your work kilometres by the official rate to get a deduction that lowers your taxable income. It bundles fuel, wear and running costs into one simple number — you just need an honest record of how far you drove for work.
Official rates by country
| Country | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ATO) | ~$0.88 / km | Cents-per-km method |
| United Kingdom (HMRC) | 45p / mile | First 10,000 miles, then 25p |
| United States (IRS) | 72.5¢ / mile (2026) | Standard business mileage |
| Canada (CRA) | 72¢ / km | First 5,000 km, then 66¢ |
Worked example — 200 km a week
An Uber Eats rider in Sydney drives about 200 km/week for work. At the ATO rate of $0.88/km that’s $176/week in deductions. Over a 40-week year, that’s ~$7,040 off taxable income — at the 15% working holiday rate, roughly $1,056 saved in tax. From kilometres you were driving anyway.
Logbook vs cents-per-km
The cents-per-km method is simplest and usually has a cap on claimable distance. A logbook (tracking actual costs and business-use percentage) can be worth more if you drive a lot — but it’s more work. For most part-time riders, cents-per-km wins on effort vs reward.
Log your kilometres per shift and see your estimated deduction add up.
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