Skip the Dishes Driver Canada 2026

Skip the Dishes is one of Canada's homegrown food delivery platforms, founded in Winnipeg and now operating nationwide. As a courier (Skip's term for delivery drivers), you're an independent contractor with full self-employment tax obligations. This guide covers everything Canadian Skip couriers need to know about income and taxes in 2026.

Skip the Dishes Courier Pay Model

Skip the Dishes compensates couriers based on a combination of base pay per order, distance pay, and 100% of customer tips. Base pay varies by market but typically ranges from $3.50–$8.00 per order. Peak earnings happen during lunch (11am–1pm) and dinner (5pm–8pm) rushes, particularly on weekends. Skip also runs promotions and milestone bonuses for active couriers.

Income Expectations by City

Tax Treatment: Self-Employment Income

Skip the Dishes classifies all couriers as independent contractors. Your courier income is business income reported on T2125 of your T1 General. Skip issues T4A slips showing your annual earnings. You are responsible for all taxes, CPP contributions, and any GST/HST obligations. Skip does not withhold anything.

Deductible Expenses for Skip Couriers

The key expenses you can deduct against your Skip earnings:

• Vehicle expenses: Business-use percentage of fuel, insurance, maintenance, CCA
• Bicycle/e-bike: Maintenance, CCA, accessories if you deliver by non-motorized vehicle
• Insulated delivery bags: 100% deductible — essential equipment
• Smartphone and data: Business-use percentage
• Phone accessories: Mount, car charger, power bank
• Parking fees: During deliveries
• Winter gear: If cycling year-round (helmet, lights, high-visibility vest)

GST/HST Registration Threshold

Once your Skip courier income (combined with other self-employment income) exceeds $30,000 over four consecutive calendar quarters, you must register for GST/HST with the CRA. Registration gives you an HST number and requires you to charge, collect, and remit HST on your courier services. You also gain the right to claim Input Tax Credits (ITCs) on the HST you pay on business expenses.

CPP Contributions for Skip Couriers

Self-employed couriers pay CPP at the combined employee-employer rate of 11.9% on net business income in 2026. On $25,000 net business income, that's approximately $2,560 in CPP contributions annually — money owed at tax time. Build this into your monthly budget from day one.

Bicycle Couriers: Special Considerations

Many Skip couriers in dense urban areas use bicycles. CRA allows deduction of bicycle expenses for couriers who use bikes for business. Maintain records of your bicycle purchase price (for CCA), ongoing maintenance costs, and relevant accessories. There is no standard mileage rate for bicycles — you deduct actual expenses at 100% business use if the bike is used exclusively for work.

Skip vs Other Platforms: Tax Comparison

Taxation is identical across all food delivery platforms — Skip, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart all generate self-employment income reported on T2125. The platform issuing the T4A changes, but your filing obligations do not. If you multi-app across platforms, combine all courier income on a single T2125 under "courier/delivery services" as your business activity.