Accounting and Tax

1040-X Tax Mistake: Urgent Fix for OnlyFans Creators

By Matt Cohen March 4, 2025

As an OnlyFans creator, you’re not just posting content, you’re running a business. That means tax compliance is a big deal, and mistakes happen. If you’ve realized you made an error on your original tax return, don’t panic. The IRS gives taxpayers a way to fix these errors by filing an amended tax return using Form 1040-X.

Whether you forgot to report OnlyFans income, claimed incorrect deductions, or made an error in calculating self-employment tax, correcting these issues now can save you from bigger headaches later. This guide will walk you through when and how to file Form 1040-X, what to expect, and how to avoid future tax mistakes.

A woman checking 1040-X for OnlyFans taxes.

What is Form 1040-X?

Form 1040-X is the official IRS form used to amend a previously filed individual income tax return. This form allows you to correct mistakes related to your income, tax bracket, business income, or tax write-offs.

Common Reasons to File an Amended Tax Return:

  • You forgot to report additional income, such as OnlyFans earnings.
  • You incorrectly calculated your self-employment income.
  • You missed deductions like the home office deduction or Wi-Fi expenses.
  • You filed with the wrong status (Single vs. Head of Household).
  • You overpaid or underpaid self-employment tax.
  • The IRS sent you a notice about errors in your return.

If any of these apply to you, it’s time to file an amended return to correct your original tax return.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Your Tax Return with Form 1040-X

Filing Form 1040-X isn’t complicated, but it does require attention to detail. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Before you begin, you’ll need:

  • A copy of your original return (Form 1040 or 1040-SR).
  • All relevant tax forms, such as 1099-NEC (for reporting OnlyFans income).
  • Records of business expenses, deductions, and quarterly taxes paid.
  • IRS notices, if applicable.

Step 2: Complete Form 1040-X

The form consists of three main sections.

  1. Original Information: Enter the numbers exactly as they appeared on your original tax return.
  2. Corrected Information: Input the correct figures.
  3. Explanation of Changes: Clearly explain why you are making the changes, such as “Omitted business income from OnlyFans earnings.”

Step 3: Attach Supporting Forms

If you’re adjusting income tax, deductions, or self-employment tax, you may need to attach additional forms.

  • Schedule C reports your business income and expenses.
  • Schedule SE calculates your self-employment tax.
  • Form 8829 reports home office deductions.

Step 4: File Your Amended Return

  • If you originally filed electronically, the IRS allows e-filing of Form 1040-X if the tax year is 2019 or later.
  • If you filed a paper return, you must mail Form 1040-X to the correct IRS processing center.

Deadlines: When to File an Amended Return

You have up to three years from the original filing date, or two years from when you paid the taxes, to submit Form 1040-X. If you’re expecting a refund, file as soon as possible to claim it.

Amendment DeadlineTax Year
April 15, 20262023 Taxes
April 15, 20252022 Taxes
April 15, 20242021 Taxes

If you owe additional taxes, file as soon as possible to avoid penalties.

How an Amended Return Affects Your Refund or Taxes Owed

Depending on your correction, filing Form 1040-X can result in:

  • A larger refund if you claim new deductions.
  • Owing more taxes if you underreported OnlyFans income.
  • No change if the mistake didn’t impact your final tax obligations.

Once submitted, the IRS takes about 8 to 12 weeks to process an amended return. You can check your status using the “Where’s My Amended Return” tool.

A woman calculating 1040-X adjustments for OnlyFans taxes

Avoiding Future Tax Mistakes as an OnlyFans Creator

Taxes can be tricky, but a few simple steps can help you avoid having to file Form 1040-X in the future.

1. Keep Track of All Your Income

Your OnlyFans account generates business income, which must be reported in full. Always save your payment records and 1099-NEC forms.

2. Deduct Legitimate Business Expenses

OnlyFans creators can write off expenses related to content creation, such as:

  • Wi-Fi and phone bills
  • Camera and lighting equipment
  • Editing software
  • Home office deductions

3. Pay Quarterly Taxes

Since you’re self-employed, you’re responsible for quarterly taxes to avoid penalties.

QuarterDue Date
Q1April 15
Q2June 15
Q3September 15
Q4January 15

4. Seek Advice from a Tax Professional

If you’re unsure about tax compliance, working with an accountant familiar with OnlyFans taxes can help prevent costly mistakes.

FAQs

Can I amend my tax return if I forgot to report OnlyFans income?

Yes. Use Form 1040-X to report additional income and pay any taxes owed. Failing to report all income can lead to penalties and interest, so correcting the mistake as soon as possible is best. The IRS allows amendments up to three years from the original filing date.

What happens if I owe more taxes after filing an amended return?

You’ll need to pay taxes owed, plus possible interest. Paying promptly can help avoid penalties. If you can’t pay the full amount immediately, the IRS offers payment plans to help you manage the balance over time. Ignoring the tax bill can result in additional fees and collection actions.

Can I e-file Form 1040-X?

Yes, if your original return was filed electronically, you can amend it online for tax years 2019 and later. Electronic filing speeds up processing time, reducing delays in receiving refunds or resolving tax issues. If you filed a paper return, you must mail the amended return to the IRS.

How long does it take the IRS to process an amended return?

The IRS typically takes 8 to 12 weeks to process Form 1040-X. You can check the status using the IRS tracking tool. Sometimes, processing may take longer if the IRS requires additional information or if the amendment is flagged for review. Refunds from an amended return are usually issued via check instead of direct deposit.

Conclusion

Making a tax mistake isn’t the end of the world, but fixing it quickly is key to avoiding bigger issues. If you missed reporting gross income from your OnlyFans earnings or made an error on your tax return, filing Form 1040-X allows you to correct the mistake and stay compliant. Ensuring your net income is accurately reported helps you avoid penalties and unnecessary IRS scrutiny. You can run your business smoothly without tax-related stress by keeping good records, claiming the right deductions, and staying on top of your tax obligations. If you’re unsure about any step, seek professional advice to keep your finances in order.

Being proactive with full tax compliance, tracking income, claiming legitimate deductions, and paying quarterly taxes will keep your business running smoothly and your IRS headaches to a minimum. If you’re unsure, seek advice from a tax pro to stay ahead of the game.

Your path to complete financial prosperity begins now. To master the art of tax planning and transform your future financial outlook at tax time, contact The OnlyFans Accountant for a free consultation. Want to learn how to maximize deductions, track expenses like a pro, save more, and navigate tax season like a boss? Get your FREE copy of our eBook.

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