Instacart Tax Calculator for 2026
Full-service shoppers on Instacart are independent contractors and pay their own taxes. In-store shoppers are employees and have tax withheld, so this calculator is for full-service shoppers.
| Earnings | |
| Instacart fees | |
| Cost of goods sold | |
| Mileage deduction | |
| Other expenses | |
| Net profit | |
| Self-employment taxSocial Security + Medicare, 15.3% of 92.35% of profit | |
| Federal income tax | |
| Total federal tax |
Tax tips for Full-service shoppers
- Mileage is your largest deduction. Include driving to the store, between stores and to customers.
- Insulated bags, a phone mount and the business share of your phone plan are deductible.
- Tips from customers are income. Qualifying tips may lower income tax for 2025–2028 but not self-employment tax.
Which tax form you’ll get
Form 1099-NEC if you were paid $2,000 or more (the threshold rose from $600 for payments made in 2026). You owe tax on all of it even if no form arrives. Instacart sends forms through Stripe.
Not sure what to do with it? Our quarterly tax calculator shows what to pay and when.
How this is calculated
Net profit = earnings − mileage deduction − other expenses. Mileage uses 72.5¢ per mile for miles driven Jan 1 – Jun 30, 2026 and 76¢ per mile from Jul 1 – Dec 31, 2026.
Self-employment tax is 15.3% of 92.35% of profit. Income tax uses the 2026 brackets after the standard deduction, half of your SE tax, the 20% QBI deduction and, if you tick the box, the qualified tips deduction.
If you also have a W-2 job, the result shows only the extra tax from your Instacart income.
Figures for tax year 2026. Full method and sources on our methodology page.
Common questions
Will Instacart withhold taxes from my pay?
No, not as a full-service shopper. That’s why setting money aside from each payout matters.
I also have a W-2 job. Do I still owe self-employment tax?
Yes, on your Instacart profit. Your job’s wages do count toward the Social Security wage base, which only matters if your total pay is above $184,500 in 2026. Enter your W-2 wages above for an accurate figure.
Last updated September 28, 2026. This calculator gives an estimate for federal taxes only and isn’t tax advice. State and local taxes aren’t included.