1099 NEC Gig Worker - What can be used as a tax deductible?

[acabrales98]

Good morning, everyone! Happy New Year! 

I had a question regarding what can be used for deductions as a Gig Worker (a Roadie courier). I know we are allowed to choose mileage or vehicle expenses (like maintenance, gas, and so on). It's one or the other, from what I recall. But can we claim phone usage, too? I rely on it 100 percent of the time to navigate between drop-offs and get gigs. If I choose mileage, then can I also use my cell phone bill as a deduction, too, or would that be lumped in with vehicle expenses? And if so, what is the best way to deduct my cell phone bill? I use it 100 percent, so would it just be the entire cost of the phone bill or only like half of it?

Any help would be appreciated! Thank you!

[DaveF1006 · Accepted solution]

Yes, you will be able to deduct your business portion of your cell phone expense as a separate expense apart from your vehicle expense. It is classified as a communication expense when you prepare your Self-Employment expenses in your TurboTax return. It doesn't matter if you choose mileage or actual expenses for your car to claim your cellphone expense. It's in its own expense category on your Schedule C.