Can I deduct meals?

In most day-to-day situations for gig workers (Uber, Lyft, Instacart), meals are not tax-deductible. 

However, in special circumstances, you can generally deduct 50% of your meal if you meet one of these requirements:

   1) You're driving out of town for business, and it would be unreasonable for you to provide food for yourself from home
   2) You're sharing a meal with a potential referral or client
   3) you drive for an abnormally long distance in which you’re unable to provide food for yourself due to an unexpected overnight stay.

Stride Tip: Rideshare companies have referral programs that reward drivers with cash bonuses when their driver referrals sign up to drive with Uber/Lyft. Meals that you purchase while recruiting other drivers are also tax deductible! 

Please note, the IRS allowed for the full cost of business-related food and beverage purchased from a restaurant to be deducted for the 2021 and 2022 tax years only.