The following articles discuss essential tools of the trade and how they can help independent contractors for gig economy companies like Doordash, Instacart, Grubhub, Uber Eats and others.

There are a number of mobile apps and software programs being developed to help delivery and rideshare contractors operate their businesses. These can be helpful as you work with Doordash, Uber (and Uber Eats), Instacart, Lyft, Grubhub and the many others. The following articles look at the many different apps available. We break them down …

Rideshare and delivery independent contractors rely heavily on transportation to complete their work. Most rideshare and delivery drivers use their own cars, while many other delivery contractors might use other forms of transportation such as a bike, e-bike, scooter or motorcycle. Your vehicle is often your most important business tool. It’s also often by far …

In the articles below, we look at the different financial tools and needs for independent contractors in the gig economy. We discuss how insurance works and how contractors can handle their money.

Taxes are different for independent contractors in the gig economy than they are for an employee with a W2. There’s too much about gig worker taxes to cover in a single article adequately. For that reason, we’ve assembled several articles about the many aspects of how taxes work for self-employed gig workers, particularly in the …

Too many independent contractors, especially in delivery and rideshare, evaluate their earnings in terms of the money that comes in. You must understand that as a business owner, your earnings are your profits, or what’s left over after expenses. We look at how that works for independent contractors. The following articles discuss what it is …

One of the most important differences between working as an independent contractor and an employee is your control over your work. You have more opportunities to let your business decisions influence your profitability. With a business mindset, you can decide what makes the most sense for you. You can think in terms of strategies that …

What does it mean to be an independent contractor? How is that different than employment? When you agree to be an independent contractor, you agree that you are providing services as a business instead of as an employee. You file taxes as a sole proprietor or small business owner. Why do companies use independent contractors …

The biggest mistake that independent contractors make, in my opinion, is to think like an employee instead of as a business owner. If you signed up for gig work as an independent contractor, you agreed that you were providing services as a business, not as an employee. The downside is, you don’t have employee rights …

The matchup has been set. The Eagles and the Chiefs. Like every year, millions will gather around their TV’s to watch the most popular television event in the United States. Nearly 100 million people will watch the SuperBowl. Only the World Cup final draws more viewers worldwide, though US viewership falls well below the numbers …

Does Grubhub take taxes out for you as a delivery contractor? They do not. The critical thing to remember is that you’re an independent contractor, not an employee. You provide services for Grubhub as a business, making you responsible for your own taxes. If you’re not careful, this could leave you in a bind at …

Is it a good or bad idea to deliver for Grubhub, Doordash, Uber Eats, or others during a holiday like Christmas? Can I make money Dashing through the holidays? Should I do it? There’s no right or wrong answer to this. It all boils down to making personal and business decisions for yourself. Your market …

What can you write off for your taxes as an Uber Eats independent contractor? Other than mileage or car expenses, what else is there? Independent contractor status allows you to deduct business expenses. Missing legitimate deductions hurts your pocketbook, as you pay more than you have to. However, if you claim things that aren’t allowed, …

I wrote this out preparing to leave my comments for the Department of Labor on their proposed new rule about independent contractors. I had to shorten my actual comments due to the character limit, but here’s the gist. You can leave comments until December 13 at https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/WHD-2022-0003-0001 To the Department of Labor: For several years …

Most Grubhub delivery contractors use their personal vehicles to make their deliveries. If you do, you can get a significant tax write-off from tracking and deducting car expenses on your tax return. Don’t make the mistake of ignoring this tax deduction. It’s a mistake that can cause you to pay hundreds, or possibly thousands, more …