If you’re in business as a Lyft rideshare driver, you are considered an independent contractor.
Since you are not an employee of Lyft, they don’t withhold your taxes.
You also won’t receive a W-2 tax form for filing with the IRS from Lyft.
But that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook from the responsibility for paying taxes.
When it comes time to pay your Lyft taxes, it can be confusing how to do so.
Since you’re not an employee, figuring it all out is your responsibility.
Don’t risk running afoul of the tax code.
Just follow along with our helpful guide.
We’ll explain the details so you can properly file your taxes.
Table Of Contents
Lyft EIN Number Overview
What Is an EIN?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).
The Internal Revenue Service assigns this unique nine-digit number to all businesses operating in the United States.
Its purpose is for the identification of the company or business entity and the administration of taxes.
Unless you are operating as a business, you don’t need an EIN for yourself.
Instead, you will pay taxes using your Social Security Number for identification.
Or, in some cases, you may file with the IRS under a taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and that will act as your tax ID number.
In this case, you’ll need a Lyft EIN number to file your taxes as a driver.
Who Requires an EIN?
Any business that operates in the United States is required to have an EIN on file.
Even non-profit corporations that do not have earnings or accrue profits must have an EIN on file with the IRS.
Lyft has an EIN, as they are a business operating within the United States.
When they do their own tax filing, they use the Lyft EIN number for identification.
Why Is an EIN Important?
An EIN is essential because, without one, you cannot pay taxes on your business.
But, if you’re an independent contractor, like most rideshare drivers, you don’t necessarily have a business.
Instead, you are an individual taxpayer, not a business entity.
So, your SSN or TIN serves as your primary identification with the IRS.
This number will be of use when filing your taxes.
Lyft drivers may be required to register as a business in some parts of the United States, mainly in California.
You would no longer be considered an independent contractor in those specific areas, and you would have to register with the IRS and obtain an Employer Identification Number for your business.
For detailed information specific to your locale, it is best to investigate further on Lyft.com.
Where To Find Lyft’s EIN Number
The Lyft EIN number is readily available in various online registries.
These records indicate that Lyft, Inc.’s EIN is 20-8809830.
Other information shows that their mailing and business address is:
- 185 Berry Street, Suite 5000
- San Francisco, California
Related:Lyft EIN number Also drive for Lyft? Then check out our guide to the .
Where to Get Tax Forms from Lyft
Since you’re not an employee, you will not receive a W-2 form from Lyft.
But, you will have access to any tax documents that they are required to send to the IRS about your rideshare work.
Simply open your account and look at your dashboard.
All of your earning information and any tax forms you are eligible to receive will be there.
If you don’t see a Lyft EIN number or a tax form for download, you should consult your CPA for guidance on what to do next.
Types of 1099 Forms
Businesses use the 1099 family of forms to report the earnings of independent contractors and other non-employees.
However, in the 1099 family, there are a few specific forms that have some differences.
For instance, Form 1099-K tracks payments that an individual receives through a payment settlement entity or PSE.
That includes tracking payments made via credit cards, online services, and freelancing platforms.
Lyft sends a 1099-K to the IRS and employees when they earn more than $20,000 in ride payments from passengers or if they complete 200 rides or more in the last year.
Some states have different rules about who receives a 1099-K, so Lyft offers some reference material.
Or, you can inquire with a tax professional in your area.
The 1099-NEC form tracks earnings of at least $600 from activities other than driving, like bonuses earned in the year (like bonuses).
Some drivers may receive both a 1099-K and a 1099-NEC, depending on the type of earnings you had.
In previous years, drivers used to receive an IRS Form 1099-MISC instead of a 1099-NEC.
The tax code is complicated, so the IRS maintains a specific reference for those working in the gig economy and ridesharing world.
Can I File Lyft Taxes without a 1099?
Yes. Keep in mind that the IRS wants the information from your earnings nor the 1099 form itself.
So, if you didn’t meet the thresholds for receiving a 1099-K or -NEC from Lyft, you can simply use the information from your Lyft account’s dashboard.
Lyft also maintains a partnership with TurboTax.
You can upload your Lyft account information right into the TurboTax system for easy filing even without a 1099.
TurboTax also supports a helpful guide for how to navigate the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you verify an EIN online?
Yes.
But this is only available through third parties, not the IRS.
So, it’s best to get an EIN from an employer directly whenever possible.
If you’re looking to validate a Lyft EIN number, the best thing to do is check the tax-related portion of your driver account.
Can you write off gas for Lyft?
You are only responsible for paying taxes on taxable income.
Expenses directly related to your business are not usually taxable.
So, for Lyft or Uber drivers, that means that their fuel expenses are deductible.
Be careful to keep accurate records of your expenses.
Consider that the fuel you use for your work as a rideshare driver is deductible, but the fuel you use in your personal driving time is not.
Accurately reflecting all of your earnings and deductions on your income tax return will determine your total expenses versus the remaining taxable income.
Can you use Lyft as proof of income?
Yes.
But, since you’re not a traditional employee, you won’t have a pay stub to show as proof of income.
Instead, if you’ve been with Lyft for a while, you can use previously issued 1099s as proof of income.
Or, if you haven’t ever received a 1099, you can use the information from your account dashboard.
Here you will find weekly and monthly summaries of your earnings.
What happens if I don’t report the earnings when Lyft sends me a 1099?
Failure to report tax-eligible income is a violation of the tax code.
It doesn’t matter if you are a full-time or part-time employee or an independent contractor filing under your tax id number.
Severe penalties are possible if you are not accurately reporting income and paying the appropriate taxes.
Wrapping Up
EINs, 1099s, and other tax forms can be a real headache.
But, if you have the big picture, you can understand them pretty quickly.
And through Lyft’s partnership with TurboTax, you can get access to their tax knowledge and receive filing assistance for free.
So, remember that an EIN is for an employer.
As an independent contractor, you are not an employee of Lyft, and your SSN serves as your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) with the IRS.
Unless you are running your earnings as a business.
However, it’s important to stress to talk to a CPA – especially about the Lyft EIN number and when you need to use it.
All of the IRS forms contain detailed descriptions and instructions, so you should be able to work your way through them without too much trouble.
If you end up needing more help to file your taxes, Lyft and TurboTax should be your best resources.
If you have a more complicated situation, you can always hire an independent accountant or tax professional to help you file.
Their services are likely tax-deductible!
