I only made a few thousand dollars from the apps. Do I have to report it?

There's no minimum. Every dollar of gig income goes on your return, and the platforms already tell the CRA what they paid you. Here's why reporting small amounts can actually help you.

It's one of the most common questions from new drivers: "I only did a few weekends of DoorDash. Is that even worth reporting?"

The short answer is yes. Canada has no minimum amount below which self-employment income doesn't count. The CRA says gig workers who live in Canada must report and pay tax on all their self-employment income.

Why the "under $500" myth is wrong

A lot of people have heard that small amounts don't need to be reported. That idea usually comes from US rules about when a platform has to send a tax form. It has nothing to do with Canadian law. In Canada, whether you got a slip or not, the income belongs on your return.

The CRA already knows

Since 2024, Canada's reporting rules for digital platforms require apps like Uber, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes and Instacart to report what they pay their sellers. DoorDash, for example, tells Dashers it must collect their legal name, address, date of birth and SIN and report them to the CRA, along with total earnings for each quarter.

So if you leave $3,000 of delivery income off your return, the CRA has a report with your SIN on it saying otherwise.

Reporting small income usually costs very little

Here's the part people miss. You report your profit, not your payouts. Profit is your earnings minus your business expenses, and at low amounts your expenses can take a big bite.

Example: a few months of weekend deliveries
Delivery earnings and tips $3,200
Fuel, insurance and repairs at 60% business use −$1,150
Phone plan, business share −$240
Insulated bag −$40
Net profit $1,770

Self-employed CPP only starts on net earnings above $3,500, so this driver pays no CPP on it. And if gig work is their only income, the basic personal amount means they may owe no income tax at all.

Reporting can put money in your pocket

Filing with your gig income included can help you qualify for or increase:

  • The Canada workers benefit, a refundable credit for low-income workers that counts self-employment income
  • RRSP contribution room, which is based on earned income, including net self-employment income
  • CPP retirement benefits, if your net earnings are above $3,500

What to do

  1. Add up what each app paid you, including tips and bonuses. Each platform's annual statement is the easiest place to start.
  2. Fill out Form T2125 with your income and expenses. Most tax software walks you through it.
  3. Keep your records for six years in case the CRA asks.

How MyGigLedger helps

Log each payout as it comes in and MyGigLedger keeps a running total by app, subtracts your expenses and shows whether you owe anything at all. Small side income stays small and tidy instead of turning into a mystery in April.

This article is general information based on CRA guidance as of September 29, 2026. It isn't tax advice. Rules change, and your situation may differ, so check with the CRA or a tax professional before you file.

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