Can My Husband Use My Spark Driver Account for Deliveries?

Using a Spark Driver account for deliveries may seem like a convenient way to share responsibilities, but it comes with risks and restrictions. Many gig platforms have strict policies on account access that affect earnings, liability, and tax reporting.

Before deciding whether your husband can use your Spark Driver account, consider platform rules, insurance implications, and financial management.

Platform Terms and Earnings Access

Gig platforms like Spark Driver enforce strict policies on account usage to ensure security and compliance. The terms of service specify that only the registered driver can complete deliveries. If your husband uses your account, it violates these terms and could lead to suspension or permanent deactivation.

Payments are processed through the account holder’s banking details, and Spark Driver employs identity verification methods like facial recognition and GPS tracking to confirm the correct driver is making deliveries. If inconsistencies are detected, the platform may withhold earnings or trigger an account review.

Tax reporting also becomes complicated when someone else uses your account. Since earnings are reported under the account holder’s Social Security number or Taxpayer Identification Number, any income generated is legally attributed to them. If your husband completes deliveries under your account, it could create discrepancies in reported income, making it harder to track earnings and deductions accurately.

Liability and Accident Costs

If your husband uses your Spark Driver account and gets into an accident, you could face financial and legal consequences. Since the platform only recognizes the registered driver, any claims or disputes would be tied to your name, even if you weren’t driving. This could leave you responsible for damages, medical expenses, or legal fees.

If your husband causes an accident while delivering under your account, the injured party could file a claim or lawsuit. Because Spark Driver does not authorize him as a driver, the platform would likely deny involvement, leaving you to handle the legal and financial fallout. Depending on the severity, this could result in thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs.

If it is discovered that someone other than the registered driver was operating the vehicle, legal consequences could escalate. In some cases, this could lead to fraud or contractual violations, resulting in fines or penalties. If the accident involves a pedestrian or commercial vehicle, the financial risks increase, potentially leading to wage garnishments or asset seizures if a court rules against you.

Insurance Coverage

Most personal auto insurance policies exclude coverage for accidents that happen while a vehicle is used for commercial purposes, including deliveries. If your husband gets into an accident while using your Spark Driver account, your insurer may deny the claim, leaving you responsible for repairs, medical bills, and legal costs.

Some gig platforms offer commercial insurance, but coverage typically applies only when the registered driver is making a delivery. Since your husband is not listed on the account, the platform’s insurance likely wouldn’t cover an accident involving him.

Adding a rideshare or delivery endorsement to your personal auto policy might seem like a solution, but these endorsements only extend coverage to the named policyholder. If your husband isn’t listed as an approved driver, the insurer may still deny claims. A commercial auto insurance policy could provide broader protection, but these policies are significantly more expensive.

Income Reporting

When gig platform earnings are shared between spouses, proper income tracking and tax compliance are essential. Since Spark Driver reports all income under the account holder’s Social Security number, failing to allocate revenue and expenses correctly can lead to tax discrepancies, audits, and unexpected liabilities.

Tracking Joint Revenue

All Spark Driver payments go to the registered account holder, so tracking how much income belongs to each spouse is necessary for tax reporting. The IRS requires self-employed individuals to report earnings on Schedule C (Form 1040). If both spouses contribute, they may need to file as a qualified joint venture under IRS guidelines, allowing each to report their share of income and expenses separately.

Using accounting software like QuickBooks Self-Employed or a spreadsheet can help track daily earnings, mileage, and expenses. If payments are deposited into a joint bank account, maintaining a ledger that records who completed each delivery can prevent misreporting. Failure to allocate income correctly could result in underreported taxable earnings, increasing the risk of IRS penalties, which range from 5% to 25% of unpaid taxes.

Allocating Expenses

Gig workers can deduct business expenses to lower taxable income, but when two people share an account, determining who incurred each cost is necessary for accurate tax filings. Common deductions include vehicle depreciation, fuel, maintenance, insurance, and cell phone usage. The IRS allows a standard mileage deduction of 67 cents per mile for 2024, or drivers can deduct actual expenses if they keep detailed records.

If both spouses use the same vehicle for deliveries, tracking mileage separately ensures deductions are correctly applied. Mileage tracking apps like Everlance or MileIQ can help document business-related travel. Expenses like tolls and parking fees should be recorded with receipts and categorized by the individual who incurred them. Misallocating deductions could trigger an IRS audit, especially if reported expenses seem excessive compared to total income.

Balancing Tax Liability

Gig economy earnings are subject to self-employment tax, which includes Social Security and Medicare contributions at a combined rate of 15.3%. If one spouse earns more but tax payments aren’t adjusted accordingly, it could lead to underpayment penalties.

Making quarterly estimated tax payments using Form 1040-ES helps manage obligations throughout the year. If both spouses contribute to the earnings, they may need to adjust their estimated payments to reflect their share of income. Contributing to a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA or a Solo 401(k) can also reduce taxable income while providing retirement savings benefits. Proper tax planning ensures both spouses meet their obligations without overpaying or facing unexpected liabilities at year-end.

Managing Payment Distribution

Since Spark Driver deposits earnings directly into the account holder’s bank account, ensuring fair access to funds when multiple people contribute requires careful planning. Without a structured approach, one spouse may end up with full control over the income, leading to potential disputes.

Setting up a dedicated bank account for gig work earnings allows both spouses to monitor inflows and allocate funds accordingly. If your husband completes deliveries under your account, transferring his portion of the earnings to a personal or joint account can help maintain financial clarity. Financial tracking apps like Mint or YNAB can assist in categorizing expenses and ensuring both individuals receive their fair share.

Another option is to establish a formal agreement on how earnings will be divided. If one spouse handles vehicle maintenance, fuel costs, or other business-related expenses, these contributions should be factored into payment distribution. Setting up automatic transfers based on a percentage split or a fixed amount per week can help streamline the process. If tax obligations are shared, setting aside a portion of each payout for estimated tax payments ensures both individuals contribute fairly.