Do I have to claim mileage as a Lyft driver?

I was a Lyft driver for all of 2019 but only received a 2019 summary, not a 1099. I also have 3 dependents. Do I claim business expenses (mileage, gas, maintenance, loan interest, etc) if it does not benefit my tax situation?

posted

There is not a cut and dried answer to your question. As a self-employed business owner, you are responsible to keep records of your income and your expenses. You are also responsible to report all of your income and your expenses. You cannot choose to forgo claiming legitimate business expenses that are ordinary and necessary for your line of work (being a driver) because it does not benefit your tax situation. In the eyes of the IRS that could be construed as fraud.

That being said, I cannot give you advice that says you are not required to claim mileage or vehicle expenses when you were self-employed as a driver.

@ks41

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