Tax Tips for Uber Drivers in Australia – Lodging Returns, BAS & Avoiding ATO Trouble

🚗 Uber Driver Tax Return Guide Australia): Step-by-Step Process + ATO Rules & Penalties

Are you an Uber or rideshare driver in Australia? Whether you drive full-time or just on weekends, the ATO considers you a sole trader, and that means you have specific tax obligations. Many drivers miss out on deductions—or worse, face penalties—simply because they don’t understand what needs to be lodged and when.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of lodging your Uber tax return, explain your BAS and GST obligations, and warn you about the ATO’s latest crackdowns on rideshare drivers.

🔍 Step 1: Understand Your ATO Obligations as a Rideshare Driver

As an Uber, Didi, or Ola driver in Australia, the ATO classifies you as a sole trader running a business. This means you must:

• Register for an ABN

• Register for GST (required for all rideshare drivers, even if you earn under $75,000/year)

• Lodge BAS (Business Activity Statements) every quarter

• Lodge an individual tax return every year

Important: Even if you earn just $200 a month, you still need to register for GST and lodge your BAS.

💼 Step 2: Track Your Income and Expenses

You must declare all income earned through Uber and similar platforms. But the good news is—you can also claim tax deductions.

✅ What to track:

• Gross rideshare income (before Uber fees)

• Uber/Didi/Ola commission and service fees

• Car running costs (fuel, maintenance, rego, insurance)

• Tolls and parking

• Phone and internet bills

• Car cleaning

• Depreciation or lease payments

Pro tip: Use a logbook or rideshare tracking app to calculate business vs. personal kilometres.

🧾 Step 3: Lodge Your BAS (Quarterly)

Because you’re registered for GST, you’ll need to submit a Business Activity Statement (BAS) every quarter. Your BAS reports:

• Total income

• GST collected (10% of gross fares)

• GST credits (expenses like fuel, maintenance, etc.)

Failing to lodge your BAS on time can lead to penalties, interest charges, or even ATO audits.

🧮 Step 4: Prepare and Lodge Your Individual Tax Return

At the end of the financial year, you must lodge an individual tax return showing:

• All rideshare income

• Other income (e.g. PAYG, other freelance work)

• All work-related deductions

This is where using a registered tax agent can save you serious money. A professional knows how to maximise deductions and ensure everything complies with the ATO’s requirements.

⚠️ Step 5: Avoid ATO Penalties & Crackdowns

The ATO has been actively cracking down on rideshare drivers. They receive data directly from Uber, Didi, and other platforms, and automatically cross-check your income with what you lodge.

If you fail to lodge your BAS or tax return, the ATO may:

• Apply late lodgement penalties (up to $313 per BAS/tax return)

• Charge interest on unpaid amounts

• Issue default assessments (guessed income — usually higher than reality)

• Start debt collection or legal action

✅ Already behind? You can still get back on track. We help Uber drivers lodge overdue BAS and tax returns with reduced penalties.

👨‍💼 Why Use a Registered Tax Agent?

Handling tax on your own can be confusing—especially if you’re driving and working another job. A registered tax agent can:

• Help register for ABN & GST

• Lodge BAS and tax returns on time

• Identify and claim all eligible deductions

• Handle ATO letters or audits

• Maximise your tax refund

• Offer ongoing tax planning and advice

📅 Final Step: Book Your Uber Tax Return Appointment Online

Don’t wait until the ATO sends you a letter. If you drive for Uber, Didi, Ola, or any rideshare platform, the time to act is now.

📌 We specialise in tax returns for Uber drivers in Australia. Whether you’re behind or just want expert help, we’re here to support you.

✅ Book Now

👉 Book your tax return appointment online https://www.melbournetaxaccountant.com/book-tax-return-appointment