Getting started as a driver on platforms like Uber might seem straightforward: you drive, you transport passengers, you get paid.
In reality, this activity comes with several legal, tax, and administrative obligations in Belgium. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to get started correctly and avoid unpleasant surprises.
To get started, you need:
a valid driving licence
a compliant and safe vehicle
a smartphone with the app installed
To work sustainably as an Uber driver, you must obtain a taxi licence and register as self-employed with a VAT number. |
Your income depends on several factors:
the number of trips completed
the distances covered
demand (peak hours, zones)
tips received
Platforms take approximately 20% commission on each trip. The amount deposited into your account is not your net income. |
Tax rate: 33%
Reserved for a very occasional activity
If you work regularly via Uber, this status does not apply. |
You have two options:
Self-employed as a secondary activity: if you already have a part-time job of at least half-time.
Self-employed as a primary activity: if this is your main source of income.
Benefits: deduction of professional expenses, full flexibility on your hours, ability to work with multiple platforms. |
Your real income depends heavily on your expenses. Main deductible costs include:
fuel / electricity
maintenance and repairs
car insurance
road tax
vehicle depreciation
phone and data
cleaning
accounting fees
Always keep your supporting documents: most of your expenses are tax-deductible and will reduce your taxable base. Also check fraispro.be for a full overview of deductible vehicle costs. |
Platforms like Uber automatically generate documents on your behalf. These documents are not sufficient for your tax return but serve as a helpful reference for your VAT and income tax declarations. You can import them into Accountable — we will then prepare your declarations based on your entries. |
Uber drivers generally receive the following documents via their account or the Uber app:
The "tax summary" — breakdown of gross income (trips), Uber commissions, fees. This is NOT an official declaration, but a tool to help you complete your VAT and income tax returns.
Uber commission invoices — Uber invoices from the Netherlands (intra-EU transaction).
Trip history and payment overview — save this in the Documents section of Accountable or on your computer.
These documents are available in the Uber driver app or at partners.uber.com.
In the Income tab, record your earnings as follows:
The gross amount of your trips: total fare + other income before Uber commissions are deducted
Apply 6% VAT
Select "Amount incl. VAT"
This represents the actual turnover billed to your end customers.
Peppol note — Uber may automatically generate invoices on your behalf and send them directly to your Accountable account via Peppol, where they will be processed correctly. Check with Uber whether this system is set up for you. |
Uber commissions must be recorded separately in Expenses. Never deduct commissions directly from your sales. |
To correctly record your commissions:
Go to the Expenses tab and create a new expense.
Choose the category: Subcontracting / Services
No need to link it to a bank transaction (Uber has already deducted the commission).
Attach the Uber commission invoice.
Keep all your proof of purchase (receipts, invoices) — see the list of deductible costs above.
If you are self-employed as a natural person, you can manage all your bookkeeping with Accountable. Record your invoices carefully to pay the right amount of tax and maximise your deductions. |
In principle, every self-employed person is subject to VAT in Belgium. This means:
you must charge VAT on your trips
you must file quarterly VAT returns
you can reclaim VAT on your professional expenses
If your annual turnover is below €25,000 / year:
you do not need to charge VAT
but you also cannot reclaim VAT on your expenses
This scheme is often a good option when starting out. Remember to reassess your situation as your turnover approaches the €25,000 threshold. |
You must always declare your income
Your earnings are never entirely net
Regular activity = self-employed status required
Expenses play a key role in your profitability
Becoming an Uber driver is accessible, but requires real organisation:
Choose the right status (usually self-employed)
Understand your tax and VAT obligations
Anticipate costs and record your expenses properly
Keep clean bookkeeping in Accountable
Handle VAT correctly (standard or exemption scheme)
If you plan to drive regularly, self-employed status with good expense management is generally the most tax-efficient solution. Your Accountable tax coach is here to help 😊 |
Author - Valesca Wilms
As content marketing lead at Accountable Belgium, Valesca writes about freelancing, self-employment, and taxes based on her own experience as a freelancer.
Who is Valesca ?Thank you for your feedback!
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