Vehicle Expenses.
If I did DoorDash under my dad's car, can I write it as a vehicle expense? A quick Google search yields mixed answers. According to this website, if you click the help button for the question that asks you if you own the car, it says this: "Also, to claim business vehicle expenses, the vehicle must be in the name of your self-employed business, your name, or your spouse's name only." This seems a little bit unintuitive, after all, I am the person who paid for the gas. I would appreciate any help.
Answers
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The business deduction for vehicle use is based on mileage, not just amounts paid for gas. The self-employed person must either be the owner or lessee of the vehicle being used to claim the expense.
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Is there no other way to claim expenses?
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Hello Zenith,
You're right to look into this—it's a common question, and the rules can definitely feel a bit unintuitive.
The IRS does require that you either own or lease the vehicle to claim the standard mileage deduction or actual vehicle expenses (like maintenance, insurance, and depreciation). That’s because those deductions are tied to the business use of an asset you legally control.
That said, just because the vehicle isn't in your name doesn't mean you're totally out of luck on deductions.
If you paid out of pocket for gas, car washes, parking, or tolls directly related to your DoorDash deliveries, and you weren’t reimbursed for them, those specific costs can potentially be claimed as ordinary business expenses—even if the vehicle isn’t in your name. Just keep good records showing these were business-related.
Bottom line: You can still deduct some direct costs tied to your deliveries, but you won’t be able to take full vehicle expenses unless the car is in your name (or leased by you).
You can enter these costs in our software under Common Expenses for the business.
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