Pedaling packages and meals for a living is self-employment — your bike is your work vehicle.
Bicycle couriers working through apps or messenger services are independent contractors who report earnings on Schedule C and pay self-employment tax on their profit.
Because you deliver by bike, the standard mileage rate for cars does not apply to you — your deductions come from the actual costs of buying, maintaining, and riding the bike for work.
Income you’ll report on: 1099-NEC.
Most people in this line of work leave money on the table. Here's what we make sure to capture:
If you earn as an independent contractor, yes — self-employment tax is 15.3% (Social Security and Medicare) on your net profit, on top of regular income tax. You deduct half of it, and every business deduction lowers what you owe. We handle the calculation on Schedule SE.
Common write-offs include bicycle or e-bike used for deliveries (depreciated or expensed), tires, tubes, chains, brakes, and repair parts, bike maintenance, tune-ups, and shop labor, locks, lights, and cargo racks or panniers, plus a share of your phone and any home-office use. We go through your year line by line so nothing legitimate gets missed.
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more for the year, the IRS generally wants quarterly estimated payments to avoid an underpayment penalty. We calculate them so next April isn't a surprise.
Yes. Your income is taxable whether or not a client or platform sent a 1099. We report it correctly and offset it with every deduction you qualify for.
Tell us what you've got and we'll come back within one business day with the plan and the price · from a preparer who knows your line of work.
Tell us what you’ve got