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Reality check: After Lyft's ~25% service fee, gas, mileage, and 15.3% self-employment tax, many Lyft drivers net between $9–$14/hour — often below what the app's summary screen implies.
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// Earnings
Platform
🩷
Lyft
Gross Earnings per week
$
Hours Worked active + wait time
hrs
Platform Fee what they take
$
Tips Received
$
// Vehicle Expenses
Miles Driven this week
mi
Gas Spent This Week
$
Maintenance weekly avg
$
Use IRS mileage rate (covers gas, maintenance & wear)
// Other Expenses
Phone / Data weekly portion
$
Insurance weekly portion
$
Other
$
Include self-employment tax (15.3%)
// Your Results
Real Hourly Rate
Enter your numbers to calculate
Gross earnings$0.00
Tips$0.00
Platform fees–$0.00
Gas & mileage–$0.00
Maintenance–$0.00
IRS wear & tear
Phone / insurance / other–$0.00
SE tax (15.3%)
Net / week $0.00
Expenses as % of gross0%
📬 Get The Real Rate Report
Weekly tips to keep more of what you earn — deductions, tax reminders, write-offs. Free.
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Lyft Tax Questions — Answered

Lyft typically takes 25–30% of each fare as a service fee. The exact percentage varies by market, ride type, and whether Lyft is offering a driver promotion. GigExit pre-fills 25% as a starting point — check your Lyft Driver app for your actual rate.
Yes. Lyft classifies all drivers as independent contractors. You owe the full 15.3% self-employment tax on net earnings. Lyft will issue a 1099-K if you earn over the reporting threshold, but you must report all income regardless.
Yes. The 2026 IRS standard mileage rate is 72.5 cents per mile for business use. Lyft drivers can deduct miles driven during active trips, between trips while the app is on, and driving to start your shift. Maintain a mileage log for documentation.
Lyft drivers should save 25–30% of net earnings for federal and state taxes. If you drive full-time, expect to make quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid underpayment penalties. Use GigExit to calculate your net first.
Lyft drivers can deduct: mileage (or actual vehicle costs), gas, car insurance (business portion), phone and data (business portion), dash cams, car washes and detailing, water and snacks for passengers, and any platform-related equipment or accessories.

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