Gig Economy GuideUpdated January 2025

How to Create Paystubs for Uber, DoorDash & Gig Workers

Driving for Uber? Delivering for DoorDash? Here's the problem: you need proof of income for an apartment or loan, but gig apps don't give you traditional paystubs. This guide shows you exactly how to create professional paystubs from your gig earnings.

Create Gig Worker Paystub View Gig Worker Templates

The Gig Worker's Dilemma

You earned $4,000 last month driving for Uber and delivering for DoorDash. But when you apply for an apartment, the landlord asks for "recent paystubs." You show them your app earnings... and they look confused. Sound familiar?

Why Gig Platforms Don't Provide Paystubs

Here's the truth: Uber, DoorDash, Lyft, Instacart, Grubhub, and other gig economy platforms classify you as an independent contractor, not an employee. This means:

What You DON'T Get:

✗Traditional W-2 paystubs
✗Automatic tax withholding documentation
✗Standard format landlords recognize
✗Year-to-date (YTD) calculations

What You DO Get:

✓Weekly earnings summaries in-app
✓1099-NEC form at year-end (if $600+)
✓Bank deposits showing payments
✓Trip/delivery history

The problem? Most landlords, car dealerships, and mortgage lenders don't know how to read Uber or DoorDash earnings statements. They want a standard paystub format they recognize. That's where creating your own professional paystub comes in.

This Guide Works For All Gig Platforms

UberRideshare

LyftRideshare

DoorDashDelivery

InstacartGrocery

GrubhubDelivery

Uber EatsDelivery

PostmatesDelivery

ShiptShopping

How to Create Paystubs for Gig Work Income

Follow these 5 steps to turn your app earnings into professional paystubs

Gather Your Earnings Data

Open each gig app and export or screenshot your earnings for each pay period (usually weekly). You'll need:

Gross earnings — Total before any fees
Platform fees — Uber/DoorDash service fees deducted
Net payout — What was deposited to your bank
Pay period dates — Start and end date of each week

Pro tip: If you work multiple platforms, you can combine them into one paystub or create separate paystubs for each. Most landlords prefer seeing your total monthly income clearly.

Set Up Your "Employer" Information

Since you're self-employed, you'll use your own information as the employer. Here's what to enter:

Option A: Your Name

"John Smith" or "John Smith, Independent Contractor"

Option B: Business Name

"Smith Delivery Services" or "JS Transportation"

Use your home address as the business address. If you have an EIN, include it; otherwise, you can leave it blank or use your SSN (redacted on copies you share).

Enter Your Earnings & Calculate Taxes

This is where MakePaystubPro saves you hours. Enter your gross earnings and the system automatically calculates:

Self-employment tax (15.3%) — Social Security + Medicare
Federal income tax — Based on your tax bracket
State income tax — All 50 states supported
Net pay — Your take-home after estimated taxes

Generate Multiple Pay Periods

For apartment applications, you'll typically need 2-3 months of paystubs. Create a paystub for each pay period showing:

Consistent pay period dates (weekly or bi-weekly)
Accurate YTD (year-to-date) totals
Running totals that match your bank deposits

Download & Submit

Preview your paystub to ensure accuracy, then download as a professional PDF. Your paystub will include:

Professional formatting landlords recognize
Clear earnings and deductions breakdown
Print-ready quality for physical submission

Create Your Gig Worker Paystub Now

What Your Gig Worker Paystub Will Look Like

Professional format that landlords and lenders actually accept

John Smith

Independent Contractor

123 Main St, Austin, TX 78701

EARNINGS STATEMENT

Pay Period: 01/01/2025 - 01/07/2025

Pay Date: 01/10/2025

Earnings

Rideshare/Delivery$1,247.50

Gross Pay$1,247.50

Deductions

Federal Tax$149.70

State Tax (TX)$0.00

Social Security$77.35

Medicare$18.09

Total Deductions$245.14

NET PAY$1,002.36

YTD Gross

$1,247.50

YTD Fed Tax

$149.70

YTD SS

$77.35

YTD Net

$1,002.36

This is exactly the format landlords and lenders expect to see.

Create Your Professional Paystub

When Gig Workers Need Paystubs

Apartment Applications

Landlords typically require 2.5-3x rent in monthly income. Show your gig earnings professionally to secure your lease.

Car Loans & Financing

Dealerships need income proof for auto loans. Paystubs help you qualify for better rates and terms.

Mortgage Applications

Buying a home? Lenders want to see consistent income documentation. Paystubs complement your tax returns.

General Income Verification

Credit cards, personal loans, or any situation requiring proof of income from your gig work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Uber and DoorDash provide paystubs?

No, Uber, DoorDash, Lyft, and most gig platforms do not provide traditional paystubs because you're classified as an independent contractor (1099), not an employee (W-2). They provide earnings summaries in the app, but these aren't formatted like standard paystubs that landlords and lenders expect.

Can I use my Uber/DoorDash earnings summary as proof of income?

Sometimes, but many landlords and lenders prefer traditional paystub format. App screenshots or earnings summaries may be rejected because they're unfamiliar with the format, easy to edit, or don't show consistent pay periods. Converting your earnings to a standard paystub format increases acceptance rates.

Is it legal to create paystubs for gig work income?

Yes, it's legal to document your actual earnings in paystub format. The key is accuracy — your paystub should reflect your real income from the gig platforms. Many self-employed individuals and contractors create paystubs to document income for legitimate purposes like rental applications and loan approvals.

How do I calculate taxes for my gig worker paystub?

As an independent contractor, you're responsible for self-employment tax (15.3% for Social Security and Medicare) plus federal and state income tax. A good paystub generator will calculate estimated tax withholdings based on your earnings, giving landlords and lenders a clear picture of your gross and net income.

How many paystubs do I need for an apartment application?

Most landlords require 2-3 months of consecutive paystubs. For gig workers with variable income, providing 3 months shows your average earnings and demonstrates income stability. Some landlords may also ask for bank statements to verify deposits match your paystubs.

What if my gig income varies week to week?

Variable income is normal for gig workers. Create paystubs that accurately reflect each pay period's actual earnings. When applying for housing or loans, highlight your average monthly income and consider providing 3-6 months of documentation to show your typical earning range.