What this calculator does
Uber drivers are independent contractors, so Uber does not withhold tax from what it pays you. The IRS expects the tax to be paid during the year in four estimated payments. This calculator takes your yearly Uber earnings, business miles and other costs and works out the total tax for the 2026 tax year and the amount for each quarter. It uses the same rules as the full annual estimator.
The rules it applies
- Self-employment tax. 15.3% (12.4% Social Security, 2.9% Medicare) on 92.35% of net earnings.
- Business miles. $0.725 a mile, the 2026 standard mileage rate for January to June, added to your business expenses. It is $0.76 from July 1; using the lower rate for every mile keeps the estimate on the cautious side.
- Income tax. Half of the self-employment tax comes off, then the standard deduction and the qualified business income (QBI) deduction of up to 20%, then the 2026 federal brackets.
- State tax. The state's flat rate where it has one, otherwise a typical rate, for the state saved in the full estimator. California is used until you choose your own.
The quarterly amount is the total estimated tax divided by four. The IRS generally expects estimated payments when you expect to owe $1,000 or more for the year after withholding and credits (IRS Publication 505).
How to read the result
The large figure is the payment for one quarter. Below it are the total for the year, the share of your gross earnings it represents, and the four due dates. The line under the result lists what else the estimate uses, such as your state and filing status, so you can see where the number comes from and change it in the full estimator.
What it does not do
- It does not use the prior-year safe harbor (paying 100% or 110% of last year's tax). It divides this year's estimate by four.
- It does not spread payments by when you earned the money (the annualized income method).
- It does not file or pay anything. Payments are made through IRS payments or Form 1040-ES.
- It assumes all your income is from 1099 work. W-2 wages and other income are not included.
An example
Example. A single Uber driver in Florida earns $45,000 in 2026, drives 18,000 business miles ($13,050 at the standard rate) and has $800 of other costs, so net earnings are $31,150.
Self-employment tax is $4,401 and federal income tax is $1,028. Florida has no state income tax. Total estimated tax is $5,429, so each quarterly payment is about $1,357.
Quarterly payments
Nobody withholds tax from 1099 income, so the IRS expects estimated payments during the year. For the 2026 tax year the due dates are:
| Quarter | Income earned | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | April 15, 2026 |
| Q2 | Apr 1 – May 31 | June 15, 2026 |
| Q3 | Jun 1 – Aug 31 | September 15, 2026 |
| Q4 | Sep 1 – Dec 31 | January 15, 2027 |
The fourth payment for 2026 income is due in January 2027. If an earlier date has passed and is still unpaid, pay as soon as you can; the IRS charge for paying late grows by the day. The calculator shows the quarterly amount for your numbers.
The Uber driver tax guide lists the deductions drivers commonly claim.
Before you rely on it
These are estimates for planning, not tax advice. GigWorkerTax is not connected to the IRS or to any gig platform. Every figure and its source is on the methodology page; see also the disclaimer, and talk to a licensed tax professional about your own return. More guides are on the guides page.