Uber Eats Drivers - What Are The Initial Expenses Required Prior to Driving?

Empharand on 01/09/2019 - 17:00

Hi guys,

I'm interested in becoming a Uber Eats driver (something on the side for extra $$$$).

What are the initial expenses before you can actually start driving?
From what I can see they require you to do a Police Check ($40ish) and require you to purchase an insulated food bag (I was told you can use your own provided it's big enough).

Are there any tax benefits from becoming an Uber Eats Driver? Eg. Claim car insurance, car depreciation etc?

This is something I would likely do in the evening and I understand that you don't make a huge amount of $$$ but it will keep me busy and I will make a little $$$ on the side.

Thank you in advance.

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Comments

  • p1 ama on 01/09/2019 - 17:25

    My honest opinion, you're better off being an Uber driver than an Uber Eats driver.

    • Empharand on 01/09/2019 - 17:29

      My car is a quite a bit older than normal Uber's requirements, hence why I was considering doing Uber Eats as their vehicle age requirements aren't as strict.

  • freefall101 on 01/09/2019 - 18:48
    +2

    If you're happy to clear $12 an hour but want absolute flexibility to start/stop work when you want and aren't worried about the long term stress on your car - UberEats. Yes, the costs are deductible but remember what you earn is still taxable. If you don't report what you earn to the ATO they're going to tear you a new one when you're trying to claim piles of car expenses.

    If you can deal with a regular shift though, why not just hunt around for a restaurant gig? Minimum wage as a casual (no leave entitlements) is just under $25 an hour for an adult (over 21). Places like KFC throw on everyone they can during the busy times (Fri/Sat nights) and are usually flexible on rosters. Downsides are you smell like grease when you get home.

    • Jay408 on 18/01/2020 - 18:11

      Hi…Uber Eats cyclists earn that much as well after tax?? :(

  • jackinyourbox on 01/09/2019 - 20:27
    -1

    I don’t tmnkw but I see them ride scooters and wear helmets

  • thatonethere on 01/09/2019 - 20:45

    Seems to be a lot of hassle. E.g. trying to park and pick up food (potentially getting a parking ticket).

    • jackinyourbox on 01/09/2019 - 20:53
      +2

      I think that’s one of the reasons they use scooters. Much easier parking

  • Flying Ace on 01/09/2019 - 21:35

    There were no upfront costs when I joined a couple of years ago.

    I already had a couple of large insulated bags so I use those. Been doing UE for 2 years now and I'm very happy with my earnings. You can claim the usual portion of car expenses that you would incur doing UE, and that's what I do.

  • Some Guy on 01/09/2019 - 22:18

    Your insurance company will want to know if you're driving in the gig economy. Premiums will rise. You could risk not telling them.

    I'm not an accountant but I don't see why the usual tax deductions wouldn't apply if you're using your vehicle to generate income. Someone on these pages bought a $10k car to drive Uber and was planning to claim the whole lot as it was less than the $20k threshold.

  • aussie216618 on 06/09/2019 - 12:46

    not worth it! There are too many drivers around nowadays.

  • KITT888 on 24/09/2019 - 16:36

    You can claim all business related expenses.

    Flexibility is good but not the earnings after you take out expenses. But its better than nothing.

  • bazingaa on 25/12/2019 - 11:18

    What are the 3rd party property insurance policies which covers uber eats too?

  • SlavOz on 25/12/2019 - 15:06

    I'd imagine before you start, you'll need to change your name to Sanjeev or Primesh.

  • R1ngSt1nger on 19/01/2020 - 18:57

    To answer your question, car aside, the only upfront cost is the bag that you need to get from Uber.

    They charge you a $30 refundable deposit for the bag (compulsory). You get your $30 back if you return it.

    Uber pay for the police check (at least they did 12 months ago when I was doing it).

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