Instacart shoppers pay 15.3% self-employment tax on net earnings. On $35,000 net income: approximately $4,946 SE tax + $3,780 federal = $8,726 total tax. Quarterly payment: $2,182. Set aside 25% of every Instacart payment. Mileage at 72.5¢/mile is your biggest deduction.
Instacart classifies shoppers as independent contractors. You report income on Schedule C and can deduct every business expense. Most shoppers miss $2,000–$4,000/year in deductions.
Based on IRS Schedule C and Publication 334. General information only — not tax advice.
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Calculate My Deductions →| Net Income | SE Tax | Federal Tax | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| $20,000 | $2,826 | $1,800 | $4,626 |
| $35,000 | $4,946 | $3,780 | $8,726 |
| $50,000 | $7,066 | $6,300 | $13,366 |
| $70,000 | $9,893 | $10,080 | $19,973 |
“Self-employed individuals must pay both the employee and employer portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes, totalling 15.3% on net earnings up to $184,500.” — IRS.gov — Self-Employed Tax Center