The Hidden Money in Your Delivery Work: Why  Tax Refunds Matter

Last month, I met Suresh at our Easy Return office in Bangalore. He’d been delivering for Zomato for nearly two years, averaging around ₹22,000 monthly. When I asked about his tax refunds, he looked confused. “What refunds?” After a quick calculation, I showed him that he had over ₹5,200 waiting to be claimed from the government. His response? “That’s my daughter’s school fees for two months.”

In my five years of helping delivery partners navigate the tax system, I’ve seen this same scenario play out hundreds of times. The truth is startling: thousands of Swiggy and Zomato partners are leaving their hard-earned money with the government, simply because they don’t understand how to get it back.

The 1% That Adds Up Fast

Every time you receive a payment from these platforms, they automatically deduct 1% as TDS (Tax Deducted at Source). It happens silently in the background. For someone earning ₹20,000 monthly, that’s ₹2,400 vanishing from your annual income.

Here’s what most delivery partners don’t realize: if your total annual income falls below the basic exemption limit (currently ₹2.5 lakh), you’re entitled to get every rupee of that TDS back. Even if you earn more, you might still qualify for a partial refund.

When I explained this to Priya, who delivers part-time in Mumbai while studying, she was stunned. “I’ve been delivering for 18 months and never knew this. That’s almost ₹3,000 I could have used for my college fees.”

Why Delivery Partners Miss Out

I’ve personally spoken with over 1,200 delivery partners across India, and these are the most common reasons they don’t claim refunds:

“The forms look too complicated.” You’re right - they weren’t designed with gig workers in mind.

“I’m worried I’ll get in trouble if I make a mistake.” This fear keeps countless partners from claiming what’s rightfully theirs.

“I don’t have proper documentation of my expenses.” Many don’t realize what qualifies as a business expense.

“I didn’t know I was eligible for a refund.” This is by far the most common response I hear.

The Easy Return Difference: Simplified Claims for Delivery Partners

After seeing my cousin (a full-time Swiggy partner) lose out on thousands in refunds year after year, I realized delivery partners needed a specialized service. Here’s how we’ve simplified the process at Easy Return:

1. Partner-Specific Approach - We understand the unique tax situation of delivery partners

2. Minimal Documentation - Often just your partner ID and basic details are enough

3. Quick Turnaround - Most filings completed within 1-2 days

4. Transparent Pricing - No hidden fees, with payment only after your refund amount is calculated

5. Past Claims - We can help claim refunds from previous years (up to two years back)

When Ahmed came to us last week, he was skeptical after a bad experience with a generic tax service. “They didn’t understand how delivery earnings work,” he told me. Within 30 minutes, we’d calculated his potential refund and completed his documentation. “This is the first time someone actually explained what’s happening with my money,” he said.

Maximizing Your Refund: What You Need to Know

After processing thousands of returns specifically for delivery partners, I’ve learned these crucial tips:

1. Track your kilometers - The distance you travel for deliveries can be partially claimed as expense

2. Save maintenance receipts - Vehicle repairs for your delivery work are often deductible

3. Mobile expenses count - A portion of your phone bill used for delivery app communication is legitimate

4. Safety gear matters - Helmets, delivery bags, and rain protection can qualify as deductions

5. Keep platform statements - Monthly earnings statements strengthen your claim

Real Questions, Real Answers

“I work for both Swiggy and Zomato plus do some other part-time work. Does this complicate my refund?”
Not at all. We specialize in consolidating income from multiple sources to maximize your refund.

“I’ve been delivering for three years but never filed. Have I lost that money?”
You can claim refunds for the previous two financial years, so not all is lost.

“Will filing for tax refunds affect my other government benefits?”
No. Claiming your legitimate refund is your right and doesn’t impact other benefits.

Why This Matters Beyond Just Money

When Farhan received his first refund through us last year (₹4,800), he didn’t just get cash. He used his filed ITR as proof of income to:

• Secure a small loan for a better scooter

• Provide documentation for renting a home closer to high-demand areas

• Apply for his child’s education scholarship

Your tax refund builds financial identity in a system that often overlooks gig workers.

The money sitting unclaimed is yours. You’ve earned it through long hours, difficult weather, and countless kilometers. At Easy Return, we don’t just process your refund – we return what has always been yours.