Full-service Instacart shoppers are independent contractors — which means deductions most shoppers never claim.
If you're a full-service shopper (you shop and deliver), Instacart treats you as an independent contractor and sends a 1099-NEC at $600+. In-store-only shoppers are usually W-2 employees — the difference changes your whole return, so it's the first thing we confirm.
Between driving to stores, to customers, and back, your mileage adds up fast, and the gear you buy to do the job is deductible.
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 standard mileage for shopping and delivery driving, insulated bags and coolers, phone and data plan used for the app, tolls and parking, 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