Uber, Lyft & Delivery Driver Taxes in Calgary
Driving for Uber, Lyft, SkipTheDishes, DoorDash or Uber Eats makes you self-employed in the eyes of the CRA. That means reporting your business income, claiming the right expenses, and in many cases charging and filing GST. Garg Accounting helps Calgary drivers get this right and keep more of what they earn.
GST rules for rideshare and delivery drivers
- Rideshare (passenger) drivers such as Uber and Lyft are treated like taxi businesses. You must register for a GST number from your first ride; the $30,000 small-supplier exemption does not apply.
- Food and parcel delivery drivers (Skip, DoorDash, Uber Eats) generally only have to register once their total taxable revenue goes over $30,000 in four consecutive quarters, but registering early can let you claim back GST paid on expenses.
- Many drivers can use the Quick Method of GST accounting, which can reduce the amount payable. We check whether it saves you money.
Expenses drivers can claim
- Fuel, insurance, repairs and maintenance, car washes, licence and registration (business-use portion).
- Capital cost allowance (depreciation) on your vehicle, or interest on a car loan, or lease payments.
- Phone and data plan (business portion), the Uber service fee and booking fees.
- Dash cams, phone mounts, chargers, water and mints for passengers.
- Parking (not parking tickets).
Keep a mileage log of business vs. personal kilometres. It is the first thing the CRA asks for in a review.
How we help Calgary drivers
- GST/HST registration and quarterly or annual GST returns.
- Reading your Uber/Lyft tax summary and app statements to report income correctly.
- Preparing your T1 with form T2125 (business income).
- Catching up on missed GST returns and late tax filings.
- Responding to CRA reviews and GST letters.
Frequently asked questions
Do Uber drivers in Calgary need a GST number?
Yes. Rideshare drivers who transport passengers must register for GST from their first ride, regardless of how much they earn.
Do SkipTheDishes or DoorDash drivers need to register for GST?
Food delivery drivers usually only have to register once their revenue goes over $30,000 in four consecutive quarters. We can help you decide whether registering earlier makes sense.
When are driver taxes due?
As a self-employed person you must file your T1 by June 15, but any tax owing is due April 30. GST returns are due on the schedule the CRA assigns, often annually for drivers.
I haven't filed GST for a few years. What do I do?
We can file your missing GST returns and personal returns, and where possible request relief from penalties. The sooner you catch up, the lower the interest.
Helpful guides: tax slips explained · your Notice of Assessment · home office expenses · RRSP vs FHSA · year-end tax tips · how to choose an accountant in Calgary
Also see: year-end financial statements (compilation engagements) · catch-up bookkeeping and late filings
Garg Accounting · 4310 104 Avenue NE, Unit 3230, Calgary, AB T3J 1W5 · +1 368-995-6000 · info@gargaccounting.ca · Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:30 PM
Related: Personal tax filing · GST/HST filing · Bookkeeping · Incorporation · Contact
