Driving for Uber is a great way to earn some extra cash.
However, when tax time comes, figuring out how to report this income can be confusing.
One of the questions you might ask yourself is whether you need an EIN for Uber.
Read on to find out more about the Uber EIN number and how to pay Uber taxes on your earnings as a rideshare driver.
Table Of Contents
Uber EIN Number Overview
An EIN or Employer ID number is a unique number the IRS uses to identify businesses.
This ID number will appear on your W-2 or 1099 and tell the IRS which organization paid you a salary.
In the case of Uber drivers, this number helps the IRS track how much money you’ve made with the company.
What Is the Uber EIN Number?
The rideshare app Uber belongs under an umbrella of a corporation called Uber Technologies Inc.
The address of this corp is 1455 Market St, in San Francisco.
The EIN number is 452647441.
Who Needs the EIN Number for Uber?
It depends on your tax classification.
You can drive for Uber with the following tax classifications:
1. Independent Contractors
Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors.
They report their rideshare earnings as self-employment income.
You might receive a 1099 form depending on how much you earn.
2. Driving with an LLC
You have the possibility of creating a limited liability company and reporting your Uber or Lyft earnings as business profits.
It’s an interesting business structure if you want to protect your personal assets or get the benefits of a business bank account.
You’ll have to designate yourself as a registered agent of the business.
3. Rideshare Employees
The Supreme Court recently ruled that Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare platforms had to recognize their drivers as employees.
This new law ensures that drivers receive a reasonable salary and benefits, including unemployment insurance.
If you drive for Uber in California, your tax status could change in the near future and you would get a W-2.
If you receive a 1099 or W-2 from Uber, you’ll find the Uber EIN or Taxpayer’s Identification Number on this form.
There is no need to report it on your tax return.
All you have to do is attach your 1099 or W-2 to your 1040 Form.
Why Is the Uber EIN Important?
If you have employee status, the business you work for will withhold FICA taxes from your paycheck.
At the end of the calendar year, the IRS will review how much your employer withheld and adjust this amount based on your net income.
You might get a portion of this money back as a tax return.
The business entity’s tax ID helps the IRS verify that your employer withheld the amount of taxes you claim on your return and avoid double taxation.
Where to Find The Uber EIN Number
If you receive a W-2 from Uber, look on the second line of the form.
You’ll find the Uber EIN next to your wages.
If Uber sends you a 1099 form, you will find Uber listed as a payer.
The form has a box for the payer’s TIN underneath the business contact information.
The TIN is the same thing as the EIN, except that Uber technically has the status of a payer and not an employer.
It’s also easy to find Uber’s EIN number online.
A number of online databases and directories have this number.
Plus, drivers and Uber enthusiasts will often share the Uber EIN number and additional resources via online communities that operate on social media or on forum software like the Fora platform.
Where to Get Tax Forms From Uber
Uber drivers in CA could receive their W-2 in the mail in the future.
For now, Uber is issuing 1099 forms if you earn more than $20,000 during the year and log more than 200 trips.
If you earn less, you won’t be able to download your 1099.
You can find your tax forms via the Uber app by following a few basic steps.
Tap on Account, Tax Info, and then Tax Forms.
Note that Uber uploads 1099s before January 31st.
Don’t forget to check that your tax info is correct and edit it if needed.
Can Drivers File Uber Taxes Without a 1099?
Yes, you can file taxes without getting a 1099.
In fact, tax attorneys will tell you that you need to report this income regardless of how much you earn with Uber, even though Uber won’t issue a 1099 until you reach a certain threshold.
Because you’re an independent contractor, Uber doesn’t withhold Social Security and Medicare taxes from your payments.
You need to report this income so you can pay self-employment taxes, which include Social Security and Medicare taxes.
And depending on your situation, you might also have to pay income taxes.
You’ll need to use Schedule C and Schedule SE to report your earnings as a rideshare driver.
You can use the Schedule C tax form to deduct business expenses like car care, accessories for your car, gas, or even classifieds if you drive outside of Uber and advertise your services online.
When you file Schedule SE, you’ll be able to deduct one half of the self-employment tax from your taxable income.
Even though you might not have a 1099 from Uber, you can still submit proof of your earnings by taking a screenshot of the Earnings section of the app.
You can also submit bank statements from personal bank accounts for income verifications that show payouts from Uber.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a few additional things to keep in mind when filing taxes as an Uber driver.
Can I Use an EIN Number as an Uber Driver?
You can create a rideshare business as a separate tax entity if you want to explore other tax options and possibly lower your tax bill.
It’s a smart move if you have a vehicle that you use only for Uber and Lyft.
Uber and Lyft’s tax policies aren’t clear about how to submit an EIN number when you register as a driver, but there is nothing stopping you from reporting your Uber earnings as a business profit if you have an LLC or sole proprietorship.
[gw_video url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHSKtm6rV9c”]
Are Federal EIN Numbers Public Record?
Yes, there are online databases where you look up the EIN of any business.
Uber’s EIN is easy to find because there are many directories that have it listed.
Plus, lots of drivers have received 1099s with this information and shared it online.
Can You Drive for Uber Without a Social Security Number?
Uber verifies that drivers have a valid driver’s license.
Uber won’t verify that you have a valid SSN; it’s not possible to obtain a driver’s license without one.
Drivers who have visas that allow them to work in the U.S. will need to apply for an SSN before they can get their driver’s license and start earning money with Uber.
If you’re not sure about the requirements for driving with Uber, you should seek a forum community where you can find out more about the screening process other drivers had to go through.
You’ll get a lot of reassurance if you’re worried about qualifying or how to pay your taxes.
What Business Code Is Uber?
There are different tax classifications for businesses.
When you report your earnings on Schedule C, you’ll find a box at the top of the form that asks for a business code.
The purpose of this code is to indicate the general industry in which you work.
The IRS has a comprehensive list of codes on its website where you can look up the one that corresponds to your business activity.
If you drive for a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, you should use code 485300.
If most of your income comes from delivering food with Uber Eats or a similar app, you should use code 492000.
The Bottom Line
The Uber EIN number is easy to find online.
If you need this code for any reason, remember that it’s 452647441.
However, you shouldn’t need this code when filing taxes since you can report your income as an independent contractor on Schedule SE and C.
If Uber issues tax forms, you’ll find the EIN on these forms but won’t have to report it on your tax return.
If you need more information about driving for Uber or filing your taxes, check out Ridester.com.
We’re an independent Uber enthusiast website where you’ll find lots of useful information!
