# Instacart Shopper Taxes 2026: Self-Employment Tax, Quarterly Due Dates and How Much to Set Aside | Gig Earnings Guide

> Instacart shoppers pay 15.3% self-employment tax on 92.35% of net profit plus income tax. 2026 estimated tax due dates are April 15, June 15, September 15, 2026 and January 15, 2027.

Source: https://gigearningsguide.com/guides/instacart-quarterly-taxes.html
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[Guides](https://gigearningsguide.com/guides/) · Updated October 24, 2026 · 8 min read

# 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](https://gigearningsguide.com/guides/instacart-mileage-deduction.html)).

## 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.

General information, not tax advice. Confirm with a CPA or Enrolled Agent and check current figures on IRS.gov.

## 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](https://gigearningsguide.com/#pricing) or [read chapters 1–2 free](https://gigearningsguide.com/reader.html).

## Related guides

- [Which Instacart miles can you deduct in 2026?](https://gigearningsguide.com/guides/instacart-mileage-deduction.html)
- [What 1099 do Instacart shoppers get?](https://gigearningsguide.com/guides/instacart-1099.html)
- [What can Instacart shoppers deduct besides mileage?](https://gigearningsguide.com/guides/instacart-tax-deductions.html)

## Sources

- [IRS: Self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare taxes)](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employment-tax-social-security-and-medicare-taxes)
- [IRS: Estimated taxes](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes)
- [IRS: About Form 1040-ES](https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040-es)
- [SSA: Contribution and benefit base](https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/cbb.html)

By the Gig Earnings Guide Editorial Team. Independent publication; not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Maplebear Inc. (Instacart). Rates and rules change; check the official sources above.