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In 2025, the CRA receives direct income reports from Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and other platforms 1 2. That means you must track your own expenses and net income—or risk paying tax on your gross earnings. Whether you drive full-time or part-time, income tracking is now a strategic necessity.
🧾 What You Must Track
| Category | What to Log |
|---|---|
| Gross Income | Fares, tips, bonuses, referral payouts |
| Platform Fees | Booking, service, and dispatch fees |
| Fuel & Mileage | Daily km, fuel receipts, CRA mileage rate |
| Insurance | Monthly premiums, policy type |
| Maintenance | Oil changes, tires, repairs |
| Phone & Data | Pro-rated mobile plan, phone purchase |
| CRA Deductions | CPP, GST/HST, income tax estimates |
🧠 Strategic Tracking Tips
- Use the Ride Income Calculator to log every shift, expense, and bonus
- Register for GST/HST: Required from day one—no $30K exemption 1
- Claim Input Tax Credits: Recover GST/HST on eligible expenses 1
- File on time: CRA penalizes late filings more than late payments 1
- Version every milestone: Outreach wins, referral bonuses, net margin pivots
📍 Real Logs: Income Diaries
Drivers using the Ride Income Calculator have logged:
- UberX Toronto (2025): $42,000 gross → $26,800 net
- Lyft Ottawa (2025): $36,500 gross → $23,400 net
- Multi-app switching (Calgary): $48,000 gross → $31,200 net
These logs help drivers prepare accurate T2125 filings and defend against audits.
⚠️ CRA Enforcement in 2025
- Platforms must report income by January 31 each year 2
- CRA assumes self-employment status—no benefits, full tax liability 3
- Failure to track expenses means you may owe tax on gross income, not net 1