How do Instacart shoppers pay taxes in 2026?
Instacart full-service shoppers are independent contractors, so no tax is withheld: you report profit on Schedule C and pay self-employment tax (15.3% on 92.35% of net earnings) plus income tax. If you expect to owe $1,000 or more for the year, the IRS generally expects estimated payments. For 2026 they are due April 15, June 15 and September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027. Business miles and other expenses reduce the profit both taxes are based on.
Self-employment tax in one minute
- Rate: 15.3% = 12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare.
- Base: 92.35% of net self-employment earnings. You owe it if net earnings are $400 or more.
- Cap: the Social Security part applies up to the yearly wage base ($184,500 for 2026); Medicare has no cap, and an extra 0.9% applies above high-income thresholds.
- Deduction: half of your SE tax is deductible when figuring income tax.
Worked example (illustrative)
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Instacart pay + tips | $42,000 |
| Mileage deduction (16,000 mi, split-year rate) | −$11,880 |
| Other expenses (phone share, bags, wagon) | −$620 |
| Net profit | $29,500 |
| × 92.35% × 15.3% = SE tax | $4,168 |
Income tax comes on top and depends on your filing status, other income and deductions. The mileage line assumes 8,000 miles at 72.5¢ and 8,000 at 76¢ (see the 2026 mileage deduction).
2026 estimated tax due dates
| Income earned | Due |
|---|---|
| January 1 – March 31 | April 15, 2026 |
| April 1 – May 31 | June 15, 2026 |
| June 1 – August 31 | September 15, 2026 |
| September 1 – December 31 | January 15, 2027 |
Pay through IRS Direct Pay or your IRS Online Account. Your state may have its own estimated tax schedule.
Avoiding the underpayment penalty
You are generally protected if your payments cover at least 90% of this year's tax or 100% of last year's tax (110% if last year's AGI was over $150,000). Last year's total tax is on your prior return.
How much to set aside
Many shoppers move a fixed share of every payout, often 20–30% of profit, into a separate savings account. The right share depends on your other income and deductions; a tax professional can set it precisely.
Frequently asked questions
Do Instacart shoppers have to pay self-employment tax?
Yes, full-service shoppers are independent contractors. If net self-employment earnings are $400 or more, you owe self-employment tax of 15.3% on 92.35% of them, plus income tax.
When are 2026 quarterly taxes due?
April 15, 2026; June 15, 2026; September 15, 2026; and January 15, 2027. If a date falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next business day.
Do I need to pay quarterly taxes on Instacart income?
Generally yes if you expect to owe $1,000 or more for the year after withholding and credits. Paying at least 100% of last year's tax (110% above $150,000 AGI) usually avoids the penalty.
How much should Instacart shoppers save for taxes?
Many set aside 20–30% of profit. The right amount depends on your situation, so confirm it with a tax professional.
Go deeper. Chapter 13 of the guide covers shopper taxes in full, and the download includes a 2026 tax and mileage tracker spreadsheet. Get the full guide or read chapters 1–2 free.
Related guides
- Which Instacart miles can you deduct in 2026?
- What 1099 do Instacart shoppers get?
- What can Instacart shoppers deduct besides mileage?