Your Uber and Lyft 1099-K, explained.
Your 1099-K often shows more than you actually took home. That’s because it reports gross earnings. Your fees and costs come off on your tax return.
When apps send a 1099-K
| Form | Sent when | Shows |
|---|---|---|
| 1099-K | Over $20,000 and 200 transactions (some states lower) | Gross trip payments |
| 1099-NEC | Non-trip pay such as referrals and bonuses over the reporting threshold | Bonuses, referrals, promotions |
The 1099-NEC reporting threshold rises to $2,000 for most payments made in 2026. Apps may also send forms below the thresholds.
Sources: IRS: Understanding your Form 1099-K · Uber: Tax information for drivers · Lyft: Driver taxes · NATP: Form 1099 $2,000 threshold
Why the 1099-K looks too high
Bilal’s Uber 1099-K shows $61,000. His annual tax summary shows some of that went to service fees before he was paid. Those fees, plus his mileage, tolls and phone, are subtracted on Schedule C, so his taxable profit is much lower than $61,000.
Sources: Uber: Tax information for drivers · IRS: About Schedule C
No form doesn’t mean no tax
If your earnings were under the threshold, you may not get a 1099-K at all. The IRS is clear that the income is still reportable. Use your annual summary to report it.
Source: IRS: Gig economy tax center
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Frequently asked
Why is my 1099-K higher than my bank deposits?
The 1099-K reports gross payments. Fees taken out by the app can be deducted as business expenses on your return.
Where do I find my Uber 1099-K?
Uber says it’s in the driver app under Account → Tax Info and at drivers.uber.com, by January 31.
Sources: IRS: Understanding your Form 1099-K · Uber: Tax information for drivers · Lyft: Driver taxes · NATP: Form 1099 $2,000 threshold · IRS: About Schedule C · IRS: Gig economy tax center
Figures and rules on this page come from the official and published sources linked above, as of November 2026. People and numbers in the examples are made up to explain the idea. This page is general information, not tax or legal advice for your situation, and laws change; check the linked source or ask a licensed CPA before you act.
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