# Instacart Shopper Tax Deductions: A 2026 Checklist Beyond Mileage | Gig Earnings Guide

> Beyond business miles, shoppers may deduct business parking and tolls, the business share of their phone and plan, insulated bags, carts, car-loan interest share, and may qualify for QBI and other deductions.

Source: https://gigearningsguide.com/guides/instacart-tax-deductions.html
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[Guides](https://gigearningsguide.com/guides/) · Updated October 24, 2026 · 7 min read

# 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](https://gigearningsguide.com/guides/instacart-no-tax-on-tips.html).

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

General information, not tax advice. Rules depend on your situation; confirm with a CPA or Enrolled Agent.

## 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](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)
- [How do Instacart shoppers pay taxes in 2026?](https://gigearningsguide.com/guides/instacart-quarterly-taxes.html)
- [What 1099 do Instacart shoppers get?](https://gigearningsguide.com/guides/instacart-1099.html)

## Sources

- [IRS Publication 334: Tax Guide for Small Business](https://www.irs.gov/publications/p334)
- [IRS Publication 463: Travel, Gift, and Car Expenses](https://www.irs.gov/publications/p463)
- [IRS: Qualified business income deduction](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/qualified-business-income-deduction)

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.