Key Takeaways
- DoorDash doesn’t automatically track mileage, so drivers need third-party apps for accurate records and IRS compliance.
- Mileage tracking aids in claiming tax deductions and managing expenses like gas and maintenance.
- Various apps like Gridwise, Hurdlr, TripLog, and Everlance offer features ranging from automatic tracking to expense reporting.
- Consider factors like tracking ability, user interface, budget, and battery usage to find the best fit for DoorDash work.
Recommendations: Based on my research, Everlance appears to be the most widely-used mileage tracking app. However, many gig workers pretty evenly use the other recommendations in this list. You can’t go wrong with any of them that you choose.
The Best DoorDash Mileage Trackers Of 2024
The good news is that you can find several app options to choose from to coordinate with your DoorDash account. Here are some of them below.
1. Gridwise
Gridwise is an exceptional choice for those with multiple gigs other than DoorDash. Not only can you track your mileage, but the free app allows you to keep records of your earnings as well.
2. Hurdlr
Hurdlr is perfect if you’re not on the tech-savvy side. The mileage tracker app offers a user-friendly interface. It also features battery-saving features and automatic mileage tracking.
3. TripLog
TripLog is one of the many top-rated mileage-tracking apps in the market. Its unique selling point is that you can track multiple vehicles. The app also has several automatic mileage tracking options, such as MagicTrip.
In this feature, you can start tracking about one to two minutes after you move and stop recording if five minutes pass with no motion detected.
4. Everlance
Unlike other mileage trackers on this list, Everlance has a formal partnership with DoorDash. You can take advantage of this connection with a discount as a dasher.
Besides that, Everlance is easy to navigate, has automatic mileage tracking, and can also record your tax deductions.
Comparison of Features
After looking at most tracker mileage apps, you may notice that they all provide similar features.
These include automatic or manual mileage tracking, expense reporting, and tax deduction estimation.
Most of the apps also share similar pricing, averaging at a monthly $5 for premium plans.
Similarities aside, most of the differences between the apps revolve around the user interface. For instance, Hurdlr’s interface may appear bulkier than Everlance’s tracking page.
You can also compare each of the apps’ integrations. Choices like Everlance will likely be better in this instance, thanks to its partnership with DoorDash.
You can also benefit from TripLog’s third-party financial tracking integrations as well.
Besides that, some apps offer detailed features like an option to scan and keep visual records of your receipts.
Other options can categorize your trips based on whether they’re Personal or Business-related.
How to Choose the Right Mileage Tracker for You
When picking the right mileage tracker, you’ll have to consider a few factors.
- Tracking Ability: You could prefer manual or automatic tracking ability. You can also find options with more varied tracking options like TripLog.
- User Interface: You’re going to be cruising through busy roads. The last hassle you need is to navigate through a bulky interface.
- Budget: Fortunately, you can find several free versions available. Paid versions are still relatively affordable, ranging between $5 and $10.
- Insights Offered: You’ll want to find an app that offers comprehensive data, such as a vehicle repair expense report that you can export to a readable PDF or Excel format.
- Power Consumption: Some apps may drain your battery life from their mileage tracking more than others.
Does DoorDash Track Miles for Drivers?
No, DoorDash does not automatically track miles for drivers. They may provide an estimate of total miles driven at the end of the year, but this estimate is not considered sufficient for IRS documentation requirements.
Since DoorDash drivers are independent contractors, tracking mileage is important for tax purposes, particularly for claiming the standard mileage allowance as a write-off.
Drivers are advised to track their own miles to ensure accuracy and compliance with IRS requirements.
Why Mileage Tracking is Crucial for DoorDash Drivers
As you may be aware, DoorDash doesn’t track miles, at least not consistently. For this reason, dashers need a third-party mileage tracking app to keep tabs on how long they’ve been driving.
These apps are lifesavers for various reasons, such as benefiting from tax deductions and maximizing earnings.
Tax Deduction
As a dasher, you need to keep track of your mileage. Since you’re an independent contractor, you can benefit from deductions for business-related expenses.
The IRS offers those tax deductions to reduce your bills and increase your overall earnings.
You must provide accurate mileage when claiming the discounted tax. These deductions consider multiple aspects, including your gas costs, insurance, and gas expenses.
Overall, the IRS allows you to subtract the standard mileage rate from the business miles driven. It won’t accept estimations gathered from the DoorDash app.
Expense Tracking
Despite being part of a company, your expenses, and earnings tracking fall under your responsibility. You provide the delivery service but must account for its expenses, including gas and vehicle maintenance.
Subsequently, using a mileage tracking app gives you an accurate reading of your vehicle’s performance.
For instance, you can schedule a vehicle repair based on the number of miles you’ve driven.
It’ll keep your car in excellent shape and prevent future repair issues, even if it has the best gas mileage. You’ll be saving time and money using the mileage tracker.
Income Optimization
With tax deductions and expense tracking, you’re saving a significant amount of your income.
On top of that, DoorDash offers gas reimbursement benefits. For example, if you’ve dashed 100 miles each week, you get an extra $5 payout.
Tracking your mileage will help you get an exact estimate to win these earnings. Income maximization aside, the tracker apps will also help with efficient planning.
You can plan your routes and minimize your mileage according to your tracking to save on fuel.
Integrating Mileage Trackers with DoorDash Work
Integrating mileage trackers with your DoorDash work will save you lots of time and effort.
Before every trip, be sure that the manual or automatic mileage tracker is activated to get the most accurate reading.
By the end of each trip, specify whether it was a work or personal one. Throughout the day, keep tabs on any expense, like gas.
In terms of reports and expenses, you can designate two to three days every week to estimate your expenses and calculate your revenue.
Once tax filing rolls around, prepare your mileage report to reap the benefits of IRS tax deductions.
Tips for Accurate Mileage Tracking
If you want to get the most accurate mileage tracking, particularly for tax deductions, you should consider these tips:
- Use an odometer to keep track of the distance you traveled.
- Keep track of your mileage after each trip.
- Don’t lose your receipts, invoices, and other documentation.
- Review your mileage log regularly.
- Keep a physical mileage log if you prefer a more hands-on approach to tracking.
Wrapping Up
You’ll want to make the right choice when picking a mileage app because you’ll be using it consistently throughout your job. Find an app that’ll mesh well with your needs and routines.
If you’re looking for more insights about peak hours and in-demand areas, then Gridwise could be your top pick.
In case you prioritize expense and financial reporting, in which case, Hurdlr is the better choice.
Either way, all these DoorDash mileage tracker apps are meant to make your life easier and optimize your earnings.