What Mileage Logbook Requirements Do I Need As A Delivery Driver for Tax Purposes?

The IRS doesn't actually specify an exact format for mileage logs, but they do require "adequate records" that can substantiate your deduction. Your current system hits most of the important elements! For delivery drivers specifically, you need to track: dates of trips, starting/ending points (or just areas like you're doing), business purpose (delivery driving), and total business miles. The odometer readings you're recording are perfect since they clearly show the actual miles driven. You don't need to record every single stop - that would be excessive and not required by the IRS. What you're doing by tracking the general areas you covered is sufficient. The key is being able to prove these were business miles if questioned. One suggestion: maybe add a column where you note the total number of deliveries completed each shift. This adds another layer of substantiation showing the business purpose without the tedium of logging every stop. Your paper log is absolutely fine - the IRS accepts paper logs, digital logs, apps, etc. The method doesn't matter as long as it's contemporaneous (recorded at or near the time of driving) and accurate.

After trying literally every mileage tracking method out there, I finally discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it's been a total game-changer for my delivery gig. I was in the exact same situation - doing multi-app deliveries and trying to keep track of everything on paper was driving me crazy. What's cool about taxr.ai is that it can actually analyze your existing mileage logs (even if they're handwritten!) and tell you if they'd hold up in an audit. I uploaded photos of my messy notebook pages and it gave me specific feedback on what was missing. It also has templates for creating better logs going forward. Their system is designed specifically for gig workers and understands the unique challenges of multi-app delivery driving. It saved me from potentially losing thousands in deductions!

I was really skeptical about taxr.ai when I first heard about it, but I've completely changed my mind after trying it. I had been keeping what I thought were decent mileage records for my delivery work (similar to what you're doing), but when I uploaded them, the system immediately flagged several problems I hadn't considered. For instance, I wasn't properly documenting the business purpose beyond just writing "deliveries," and I wasn't consistently recording my starting location. The feedback was specific and actionable, not generic advice you could find anywhere. The templates they provided were actually simpler than what I was doing before, but more audit-proof. It made record-keeping easier while giving me more confidence that my deductions would stand up to scrutiny. Definitely worth checking out if you're putting in serious miles and want to protect that deduction!

If you're having trouble reaching the IRS to get a straight answer on mileage log requirements (who isn't?), I'd recommend trying Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I used them after waiting on hold with the IRS for HOURS trying to get clarification on my delivery driver deductions. Claimyr got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes instead of the 3+ hours I was experiencing before. They have some sort of system that navigates all the IRS phone trees and holds your place in line. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The agent I spoke with confirmed that your current logging method is actually more detailed than necessary! They said odometer readings, dates, and general purpose (like "food delivery - north side") are sufficient. No need to log every stop unless you're also deducting other expenses tied to specific deliveries.

I have to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After posting my skeptical comment, I decided to try it myself since I was desperate to talk to someone at the IRS about my delivery driver deductions. Not only did I get connected in about 15 minutes (which is literally HOURS faster than my previous attempts), but the IRS agent I spoke with was surprisingly helpful. She confirmed that your current mileage log system is actually fine and explained that they mostly care about contemporaneous (real-time) recording and consistency. She specifically said that recording every single stop is unnecessary and would be considered "burdensome recordkeeping" that they don't expect from independent contractors. I'm honestly shocked at how well this worked. If you need official confirmation from the IRS about your mileage logs, this is definitely the way to go.

My accountant told me the absolute minimum you should have is: 1. Date 2. Starting and ending odometer 3. Purpose (food delivery) 4. Area/region So what you're doing is already enough! But she did recommend taking a photo of your odometer at the start and end of each shift as additional proof if you can remember to do it. The paper log should be fine if you're recording info daily. IRS Publication 463 covers mileage logs but doesn't give super specific requirements for delivery drivers. The main thing is that you need "reliable records kept timely" - which just means don't make it all up at tax time lol.

Has anyone tried using Google Timeline as a backup for mileage? I've been using it to cross-reference my paper logs and it's been super helpful when I forget to write down my ending mileage.

Your current system is actually really solid! I've been doing delivery driving for 3 years and have been through one audit (random selection, not because of any issues). The auditor was completely satisfied with a log very similar to yours. What really matters is that you're recording contemporaneously (at the time, not reconstructing later) and being consistent. Your odometer readings are gold - that's actual proof of miles driven, which is way better than just estimating. One small tip: I started adding weather conditions to my log ("rainy," "snowy," etc.) because it helps establish that these were real working days and adds credibility. On slow weather days when I only did a few deliveries, having that notation helped explain why my miles might be lower. Don't stress about tracking every single pickup and dropoff - that's overkill and the IRS knows it. You're doing great with the area-based tracking. Keep doing exactly what you're doing!

Your paper log system is actually perfect for IRS requirements! I've been doing delivery driving for two years and had my records reviewed by a CPA who specializes in gig worker taxes. She confirmed that what you're tracking hits all the key points the IRS looks for. The beauty of your odometer-based system is that it provides concrete proof of actual miles driven - way better than apps that sometimes glitch or estimates that could be questioned. Recording the areas you covered (downtown, university area, etc.) is sufficient to establish business purpose without the nightmare of logging every single stop. One thing that might help with your phone battery situation: I keep a small notepad clipped to my car visor and jot down just the essentials during the day (start/end odometer, area). Then I transfer everything to my main log when I get home. Takes like 2 minutes and saves your phone battery for the delivery apps. The fact that you're doing this contemporaneously (during your shifts, not weeks later) is what really matters to the IRS. You're already doing better record-keeping than probably 80% of delivery drivers out there!

Your current system is actually excellent and goes above and beyond what the IRS typically requires! As someone who's worked with numerous delivery drivers on their taxes, I can tell you that your odometer-based tracking with dates, times, and general areas is more than sufficient. The IRS Publication 463 you mentioned doesn't require logging every single pickup and delivery - that would be unreasonably burdensome for drivers doing 25-30 deliveries per day. What they want to see is that you have contemporaneous records (recorded at the time, not reconstructed later) that can substantiate your business miles. Your paper method is perfectly acceptable. In fact, handwritten logs often carry more credibility in audits because they clearly show real-time recording rather than potentially fabricated digital entries. The key elements you're already capturing - date, odometer readings, shift duration, and service areas - create a clear business purpose trail. One small suggestion: consider adding a brief note about total deliveries completed each shift (just the number, not individual details). This adds another layer of business substantiation without creating extra work. Don't let conflicting online information stress you out. You're doing this right, and your 20,000+ mile deduction will be well-supported by your current documentation method.

Your current mileage tracking system is actually really solid and meets IRS requirements! I've been doing gig delivery work for about 18 months now and went through something similar when I was researching what records I needed to keep. The IRS doesn't require you to log every single pickup and delivery address - that would be absolutely insane for drivers doing 25+ deliveries per day. What they care about is having contemporaneous records that show your business mileage, which you're already doing with your odometer readings, dates, and general areas covered. Your paper notebook method is perfectly fine. I started with an app too but had the same battery drain issues you mentioned. Plus, handwritten logs actually show you're recording things in real-time rather than potentially reconstructing data later. A couple small suggestions based on what I learned: - Maybe add a quick note about how many total deliveries you completed each shift (just the number) - Consider noting which day of the week it is, since delivery patterns can vary But honestly, you're already doing more detailed tracking than a lot of drivers. The key is that you're being consistent and recording everything as you go. Don't stress too much about changing your system mid-year - what you have would definitely hold up if questioned. The 20,000+ miles is a substantial deduction worth protecting, but your current documentation should be more than adequate to support it.

Your current mileage tracking system is actually really comprehensive and exceeds what most delivery drivers are doing! As someone who's been through the tax documentation process for gig work, I can confirm that your paper notebook approach with odometer readings, dates, times, and coverage areas is totally sufficient for IRS requirements. The conflicting information you're finding online is frustrating but common - there's a lot of misinformation out there about mileage logs. The truth is, the IRS doesn't specify an exact format, and logging every single pickup/dropoff address would be completely unreasonable for multi-app drivers doing 25-30 deliveries per day. Your 8-14 hour shifts covering different areas with detailed odometer readings create a clear business purpose trail. That's exactly what the IRS is looking for - contemporaneous records that can substantiate your deduction. A couple small additions that might strengthen your logs without adding much work: - Note the total number of deliveries completed each shift - Maybe jot down which apps you were primarily using ("DoorDash/UberEats mix") But honestly, don't stress about changing your system mid-year. What you have is solid documentation that would hold up in an audit. Your 20,000+ mile deduction is well-supported by your current method. The battery drain issue alone makes paper logs the practical choice for long shifts - stick with what's working for you!