Can Uber and Lyft Drivers Deduct Car Washes and Cleaning Supplies

Yes — keeping your vehicle clean for passengers is a deductible business expense for rideshare drivers, as long as you're using the standard mileage rate correctly or tracking actual expenses separately.

Here's where it gets confusing: if you use the standard mileage rate (a flat amount per business mile), that rate already bakes in general wear-and-tear costs like washes and basic upkeep, so you generally can't double-dip and deduct them separately. But if you use the actual expense method instead, car washes, interior cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and phone mounts can all be deducted individually as part of your vehicle costs.

Most ride share drivers come out ahead using the standard mileage rate simply because of how many miles they log — but it means keeping cleaning receipts separate and not claiming them if you've already chosen that method for the year.

Other commonly deductible rideshare expenses:

-     Phone mount, charger, and dash cam

-     Passenger amenities (water, mints, phone chargers for riders)

-     The business-use portion of your phone bill and data plan

-     Rideshare platform fees and in-app service charges

-     Roadside assistance plans used primarily for driving

A common mistake: switching between the standard mileage rate and actual expenses year to year without realizing the IRS has rules about which method you're allowed to switch to later, especially if you leased the vehicle.

BossTax's free app tracks your mileage automatically and flags which method is likely to save you more, so you're not guessing which deductions actually apply.

Not sure if standard mileage or actual expenses saves you more? Click here to schedule a free 15-minute chat with our team — no pressure, just answers.

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Related articles:

• Standard Mileage vs. Actual Expenses: Which Saves Rideshare Drivers More?

• How Much Should Uber and Lyft Drivers Set Aside for Taxes?

• What Forms Do Rideshare Drivers Need to File Taxes?