Tax write off as independent contractor?

[emgz12]

So I am looking into working for door dash or something and become an independent contractor. I am currently 20 and have not had a job that made 10k or more a year. (therefore have not filed for taxes ever) so, when I do start working as a delivery driver, would I still be able to write off taxes for gas? I know I would be making less than 10k when I start since I am not planning on working a lot. it's more of an extra income. Since I have not filed for taxes, I am wondering in the next year of April, do I file taxes and if so how would I? how do I even calculate how much money I spent on gas during the orders? sorry it's so many questions, I am a bit confused. thank you to anyone that can help

So, in short, these are my questions: 

Would I still be able to write off taxes for gas? (someone who makes less than 10k a year)

Do I even file for taxes and if so, how would I?

How do I even calculate how much money I spent on gas for each delivery?

**Also, I did have two jobs in the past but they both lasted like a month due to complications, that were during this year so I have not filed for taxes. I also made less than 1k during the two jobs.

But- do I file for working there? I put exempt for both jobs when it asked the taxes questions, but I think I still got some money taken away, will I see that in the future if I do file??? This is all so confusing. 

[Anonymous]

you'll have to file.  as an independent contractor you pay two types of taxes but through the filing of form 1040 and schedule C.     one is income taxes.    if you are single, you will owe income taxes if your net income is more than $12,200 (the standard deduction).   second is self-employment taxes .   you'll owe these taxes if you net income from self-employment ( ie being an independent contractor) is more than $400.   from your gross income from door dash you are able to deduct auto expenses. keep track of your mileage because you'll need that to support you auto expenses - actual including depreciation or rental or using the standard mileage rate of $ .58 per business mile.     you are also able to write off other expenses directly related to your work as an independent contractor.