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Top Mileage Tracking and Bookkeeping Apps for Uber and Lyft Drivers
Top Mileage Tracking and Bookkeeping Apps for Uber and Lyft Drivers
Being an Uber or Lyft driver requires meticulous record-keeping to ensure accurate reimbursement claims for mileage and other expenses. While there are many apps available to help drivers with this task, some prefer more traditional methods. Here, I share my experiences and recommendations for the best mileage tracking and bookkeeping methods that have proven effective for me.
Traditional Method: Excel Spreadsheets
I utilize Excel spreadsheets to keep track of my daily and monthly driving activities, ensuring that I have a detailed record for tax purposes and auditing.
Why Excel Spreadsheets?
- **Comprehensive Tracking**: I have a total of thirteen spreadsheets, with monthly spreadsheets named after the year and dates of operation. For instance, Uber2018.0103.0119 January, Uber2018.0209.0302 February, and so on.
- **Standardized Metrics**: All spreadsheets share the same headings: From, To, Total Miles, Trips, Paid, Tolls, Notes, Expenses, Hours, Uber Tips, and Tips. This uniformity simplifies data input and later analysis.
- **Detailed Information**: Each day’s trip is meticulously logged with the start and end locations, the total miles driven, and any additional expenses such as tolls and Uber tips.
- Daily Logging**: By inputting data as soon as possible (e.g., at night or upon returning home), I ensure no information is overlooked.
Monthly Consolidation
To manage data more effectively, I consolidate the monthly spreadsheets into a single document. I use a template with the same headings but with the month name appended to each.
Copying and Consolidating Data
- **Efficient Entry**: By totaling data from each day’s spreadsheet, I can quickly create a comprehensive monthly summary.
- **Comprehensive Data**: The consolidated spreadsheet includes a note column, which is crucial for tracking specific expenses. For example, if I record an oil change, the cost is noted in the expense column, and the oil change is documented in the Notes section.
- **Ease of Use**: The template includes columns that automatically total the data, making it simple to perform calculations and generate accurate reports.
Alternative App-Based Methods
While Excel spreadsheets are a reliable method, there are several app-based solutions that use advanced features for mileage tracking and bookkeeping.
MileIQ
Description: MileIQ is a popular mileage tracking app designed specifically for drivers. It automatically logs trips and tracks mileage while minimizing the need for manual data entry.
Features: - Automatic Tracking: Uses GPS to detect personal and work-related trips and accurately records mileage. - Expense Tracking: Allows users to input relevant expenses such as fuel, tolls, and parking fees. - Integration with Bookkeeping Apps: Can sync with popular software like QuickBooks to streamline bookkeeping. - Calendar Functionality: A calendar view allows users to see their trips and planned hours easily. - Advanced Analytics: Provides reports and analytics to help drivers understand their driving patterns and expenses. - Privacy and Security: Ensures that all data is encrypted and kept secure. - User Interface: An intuitive interface makes it easy to use even for those who are not tech-savvy.
Expensify
Description: Expensify is a versatile expense management app that can also be used for mileage tracking.
Features: - Expense Tracking: Log and categorize expenses easily, including meals, hotels, and mileage. - Automated Reimbursements: Integrate with company billing systems to automate reimbursements. - Scanning and OCR: Scan receipts and use OCR technology to quickly and accurately record expenses. - Calendar and Work Log: Manage your work schedule and log trip details directly. - Integration with Accounting Software: Syncs with popular accounting software to streamline bookkeeping. - Security: Protects your data with end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication. - User Experience: User-friendly interface and robust support for automatic data entry.
Summary and Final Thoughts
Both traditional methods like Excel spreadsheets and app-based solutions like MileIQ and Expensify offer effective ways to track mileage and manage bookkeeping for Uber and Lyft drivers. The choice between the two largely depends on personal preference and specific needs.
Thank you for your attention, and please consider the advantages of each method to determine the best fit for your business operations.