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For Deliveroo Riders

Tax Return for Deliveroo Riders

Complete your Self Assessment in 8 minutes. Claim all your allowable expenses and submit directly to HMRC.

  • Automatic mileage calculations
  • Track delivery expenses
  • Real-time tax calculation
  • MTD-ready for 2026

Example Tax Calculation

Based on typical deliveroo riders earnings £20,000/year

Gross Income£20,000
Mileage Deduction (15,000 miles)5,750
Expenses1,500
Taxable Profit£12,750
Income Tax£36
National Insurance£11

*Illustrative example based on 2024/25 tax rates. Your actual tax depends on your specific circumstances.

Allowable Expenses for Deliveroo Riders

Claim these tax-deductible expenses to reduce your tax bill

Mileage Allowance

Claim 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles (car/van) or 24p per mile for bicycles.

Tip: Track every delivery trip with an app or mileage log

Phone & Data Costs

The business portion of your mobile phone bill used for the Deliveroo app.

Tip: Calculate the % used for deliveries vs personal use

Equipment Costs

Thermal bags, delivery boxes, bike lights, and safety equipment.

Tip: Keep receipts for all equipment purchases

Insurance

Courier insurance or commercial vehicle insurance premiums.

Tip: Ensure your policy covers commercial use

More expenses you can claim

Bicycle repairs and maintenance
Protective clothing (helmet, hi-vis)
Phone mounts & chargers
Accounting software fees
Replacement thermal bags
Bike locks and security

Deliveroo Riders Industry Insights

Essential information about working as a deliveroo riders in the UK

Average Hourly Rate

£8 – £15

Highly variable based on tips, distance, and demand multipliers

Common Structure

sole trader

Almost all riders are sole traders; low turnover makes limited company unnecessary

Required Certifications & Qualifications

Right to work in UK
Own vehicle (bike, e-bike, scooter, or car)
Smartphone with data plan

When Do Deliveroo Riders Earn Most?

Understanding seasonal demand helps you plan your income and expenses throughout the tax year.

Peak Demand Periods

Rainy daysWinter eveningsMajor sporting events

Quieter Periods

SummerGood weather days

Industry Insight

Bad weather significantly increases demand and earnings potential

Tax tip: During quieter periods, use the time to organise receipts, update your records, and plan for upcoming tax deadlines.

Tax Tips for Deliveroo Riders

Specific tax considerations to maximise your deductions and stay compliant

Bicycle and e-bike repairs/maintenance are fully deductible

Protective gear (helmets, hi-vis) are allowable expenses

Phone mounts and delivery bags are deductible

Consider simplified expenses for vehicles

These tips are based on UK tax rules for the 2024/25 tax year. For personalised advice, consult a qualified accountant.

How to File Your Tax Return

Follow these simple steps to complete your Self Assessment

1

Gather Your Documents

Collect income records, receipts, and expense statements

2

Enter Income & Expenses

Add your earnings and claim allowable expenses with our guided flow

3

Review Your Calculation

See exactly how much tax you owe with real-time calculations

4

Submit to HMRC

File your tax return directly to HMRC in minutes

Key Deadlines for 2024/25 Tax Year

Don't miss these important dates

5 April 2025

Tax Year Ends

Calculate your final income and expenses

5 October 2025

Register for Self Assessment

If this is your first year self-employed

31 January 2026

Online Filing Deadline

Submit your tax return and pay any tax owed

6 April 2026

MTD Starts (£50k+)

If your income exceeds £50,000, you must use MTD software

Late Filing Penalties

1 day late: £100 fixed penalty

3 months late: £10/day up to £900

6 months late: 5% of tax owed or £300 (whichever is higher)

12 months late: Additional 5% or £300

Plus interest on any tax paid late. Avoid these costs by filing early with QTax.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about tax returns for deliveroo riders

Do I need to register as self-employed for Deliveroo?

Yes. Deliveroo riders are self-employed and must register with HMRC for Self Assessment. Register by 5 October following the tax year you started.

Can I claim bicycle expenses?

Yes. You can claim the cost of buying a bicycle as a capital allowance, or use the mileage rate of 24p per mile for bicycle deliveries.

What if I use both a bike and a car?

You can claim different mileage rates for different vehicles. Track your trips separately for each vehicle you use.

Related Guides

Explore tax guides for similar professions

Ready to File Your Tax Return?

Join thousands of UK deliveroo riders who trust QTax for their Self Assessment