Tax Refund for Swiggy & Zomato Delivery Partners Made Simple

Delivering food unlocks not just an income but also a set of financial opportunities—including tax refunds many gig workers overlook. If you’re a Swiggy or Zomato delivery partner, understanding all the rules around tax refunds can make a real difference to your yearly take-home pay. This guide breaks down who is eligible, how to track your expenses, what costs you can actually claim, and every step needed to file for your tax refund successfully.

Why Tax Refunds Matter for Delivery Partners

When you’re hustling to deliver orders on time, taxes are probably the last thing on your mind. Yet, as a gig worker, you’re likely paying more tax than you should if you’re not claiming for legitimate expenses or applying for a tax refund each year. Swiggy and Zomato delivery partners work as independent contractors, not salaried employees, which means you have to manage your own income tax and take advantage of tax deductions yourself.

A tax refund isn’t just a bonus; it’s money you’re owed for the hard work you do and the costs you cover along the way. With smart records and the right knowledge, you can potentially save thousands of rupees every year.

Who Qualifies for a Tax Refund as a Swiggy or Zomato Delivery Partner?

Not every delivery partner qualifies for a tax refund, but most do if they meet certain conditions. Here’s what you should know:

Who Is Eligible?

• Active Gig Workers: If you’ve earned income as a delivery partner with Swiggy, Zomato, or both, you are considered self-employed in the gig economy.

• Paid Taxes Already: If taxes have been deducted at source (TDS) from your payments or you’ve paid advance tax, you may be due a refund if your income after expenses falls below the taxable threshold.

• Filed an Income Tax Return (ITR): To get a tax refund, you must file an ITR, even if your income is below ₹2.5 lakh.

• Tracked Business Expenses: Those who have kept records of work-related expenses that reduce taxable income are more likely to receive refunds.

Special Cases

• First-Time Filers: If you haven’t filed before, you can still claim a refund for earlier years if you file now, provided you do so within the allowed timeframe.

• Multiple Platforms: Worked for more than one platform? You can claim expenses related to all your delivery gigs together.

Remember, you must file your tax return on time to receive a refund. Missing the deadline can result in losing out on refunds and even facing penalties.

Why Tracking Your Expenses Maximises Your Refund

Keeping good records might seem tedious, but it’s the most important tool you have to lower your tax bill.

Benefits of Expense Tracking

• Reduces Taxable Income: Every legitimate expense you record and claim reduces the income you’re taxed on.

• Boosts Refund Amount: Higher total expenses can mean a bigger refund, or even erasing your tax bill altogether.

• Protects You in Audits: Proof of your expenses is required if the tax authorities decide to check.

• Clarifies Your Earnings: It’s easier to budget and plan your finances when you know your true net earnings.

Simple Ways to Track Expenses

• Use an Expense App: Options like Walnut, Zoho Expense, or even simple spreadsheets can do the job.

• Keep All Receipts: Take photos or scan them, then file digitally by month.

• Note the Purpose: Add a short note to every expense, e.g., "fuel for deliveries" or "phone repairs for app use".

• Set a Routine: Take five minutes a week to update your records. A little effort goes a long way.

What Expenses Can Swiggy & Zomato Delivery Partners Claim?

Many gig workers miss out on refunds because they’re unsure what’s claimable. Here’s a helpful breakdown:

Common Claimable Expenses

• Fuel / Battery Charges for your bike, scooter, or e-bike specifically used for deliveries.

• Mobile Recharge & Data Packs needed to use the Swiggy/Zomato app and stay in touch with customers.

• Vehicle Maintenance & Repairs, including servicing, oil changes, tyres, and spare parts.

• Depreciation on Vehicles if you own your delivery vehicle, a portion of its falling value through use.

• Insurance Premiums for two-wheeler or personal accident coverage.

• Protective Gear like helmets, jackets, raincoats, and gloves, if used only for work.

• Service Fees or Platform Charges taken by Swiggy or Zomato for using their platform.

• EMI Interest on a loan taken for the purchase of a delivery vehicle.

• Cleaning and Sanitisation Supplies bought for safer deliveries.

• Professional Fees paid to accountants or consultants for filing returns.

• Other Communication Costs, e.g., second phone or SIM card to handle work-related calls.

Important Reminders

• Only expenses directly related to your delivery work are allowed. Personal expenses (e.g., daily meals unrelated to work) generally won’t count.

• Keep evidence of each expense, ideally with date, amount, and clear mention of “work use”.

How to Claim Your Tax Refund as a Delivery Partner

Filing for a tax refund can feel intimidating, but breaking it down step by step makes it manageable—even for first-timers.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

• PAN Card

• Aadhaar Card

• Bank Statements (all accounts used)

• Swiggy / Zomato Payment Reports

• Receipts for All Work Expenses

• TDS Certificates (Form 16A) if Swiggy/Zomato has deducted TDS

Step 2: Calculate Your Net Income

• Add Up Your Gross Earnings from Swiggy, Zomato, and any other platforms.

• Subtract All Claimable Expenses listed above.

• Net Amount = Taxable Income.

Step 3: Know Your Tax Slab

• For most gig workers, the basic exemption is ₹2.5 lakh per year. Above this, tax rates apply progressively.

• Senior citizens and certain other individuals have higher exemption limits.

Step 4: File Your Income Tax Return (ITR)

• Choose the correct ITR form (usually ITR-4 or ITR-3 for gig workers)

• Enter your income and deductions as per your records

• Validate, review, and submit the return online

Step 5: Claim Your Refund

• The system will automatically compute if you’re owed a refund (when excess tax has been paid or TDS deducted).

• Ensure your bank details are correct for direct refund credit.

Step 6: Keep Proof

• Save a copy of your filed return and the “Acknowledgement” for your records.

• Keep your expense proofs for at least six years.

Step 7: Track Your Refund

• After submission, track your refund status on the Income Tax portal.

• Most refunds are processed within a few weeks, but during peak filing season it may take longer.

Make Your Taxes Work for You

Claiming a tax refund for Swiggy & Zomato delivery partners takes effort but directly increases your earnings. Staying organised, tracking your expenses, and filing your returns on time means you keep more of what you earn.

If the process feels confusing, don’t hesitate to reach out to tax professionals, join regional gig worker groups, or explore online resources built for gig economy earners. Every rupee saved adds up, especially for delivery partners who put in long hours across India’s cities and towns.