What can Instacart shoppers deduct besides mileage?
Beyond business miles, Instacart shoppers can generally deduct ordinary and necessary business costs: business parking and tolls, the business share of their phone and plan, insulated bags, folding carts, phone mounts and chargers, and the business share of car-loan interest. Many also qualify for the 20% qualified business income deduction, the self-employed health insurance deduction and retirement contributions. Keep receipts and a mileage log.
Deduction checklist
| Expense | Generally deductible? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Business miles | Yes | 72.5¢ (Jan–Jun 2026) / 76¢ (Jul–Dec 2026) per mile |
| Parking and tolls | Yes | Even with the standard mileage rate |
| Phone and plan | Business share | Use a reasonable business-use percentage |
| Insulated bags, coolers, wagon | Yes | Keep receipts |
| Phone mount, chargers, power bank | Yes | Business share if also personal |
| Car-loan interest | Business share | Self-employed can deduct it alongside the standard rate |
| Gas, repairs, insurance | Not separately | Included in the standard mileage rate |
| Clothing, groceries for yourself | No | Personal |
Deductions that are not on Schedule C
- Half of self-employment tax.
- Qualified business income (QBI) deduction: up to 20% of qualified business income for many self-employed people, subject to limits.
- Self-employed health insurance if you are not eligible for an employer plan.
- Retirement contributions to a SEP-IRA or solo 401(k).
- Qualified tips deduction (2025–2028), if your work and tips qualify. See no tax on tips for shoppers.
Records that hold up
- A contemporaneous mileage log with dates, start and end, miles and purpose.
- Receipts or card statements for every purchase.
- A note of how you set your phone's business-use percentage.
Shoppers commonly report that the app's mileage summary covers only engaged order miles; track your own (see which miles count).
Frequently asked questions
Can Instacart shoppers deduct their phone?
Generally the business-use share of the phone and service plan. Use a reasonable percentage and keep a note of how you set it.
Can I deduct gas if I use the standard mileage rate?
No. Gas, repairs and insurance are included in the standard rate. Parking, tolls and the business share of car-loan interest can still be deducted.
Do Instacart shoppers qualify for the QBI deduction?
Many self-employed people do, up to 20% of qualified business income subject to limits. Confirm with a tax professional.
Can I deduct insulated bags and a wagon?
Yes, ordinary and necessary equipment for the work is generally deductible. Keep receipts.
Go deeper. Chapter 13 of the guide covers deductions, quarterly estimates and audit-ready records, and the download includes a 2026 tax and mileage tracker. Get the full guide or read chapters 1–2 free.
Related guides
- Which Instacart miles can you deduct in 2026?
- How do Instacart shoppers pay taxes in 2026?
- What 1099 do Instacart shoppers get?