Accounting and Tax

401k Catch Up Contribution Tips for OnlyFans Creators

By Matt Cohen April 4, 2025

If you make money on OnlyFans, saving for your future is something to think about now. A 401k catch up contribution is a way to put more money into your retirement account later in life. Even if you are not 50 yet, learning about it early can help you plan. The more you know now, the easier it is to save, lower your taxes, and keep more of what you earn

Why 401k Catch Up Contribution Is Important for OnlyFans Creators

A woman reviewing 401k catch up contribution for OnlyFans creator.

You’re Self-Employed

Your OnlyFans income is treated as business income. That means you’re eligible to open a Solo 401(k), which is a retirement plan made for self-employed individuals. If you’re over 50, you can use the 401k catch up contribution to save even more.

It Helps Reduce Your Taxable Income

Contributing to a Solo 401(k) can reduce your taxable income and lower how much you owe in income tax. If you make a 401k catch up contribution, you get an even larger deduction. This is especially helpful when you’re paying self-employment tax or quarterly taxes.

You’re in Control of Your Savings

As a creator, you decide how much to contribute, how to invest, and whether to make after-tax contributions or pre-tax ones. You don’t have to wait for an employer to offer you a plan. You create your own future.

2025 Solo 401(k) Contribution Limits

Type of ContributionLimit (Under 50)Limit (Age 50+)
Employee Contribution$23,500$31,000
Employer Contribution (25% of net business income)Up to $45,500Same
Total Annual Limit$69,000$76,500

You can only contribute up to your net self-employment income. The IRS caps the annual maximum, and it resets every calendar year.

Traditional vs. Roth Solo 401(k)

FeatureTraditional Solo 401(k)Roth Solo 401(k)
Taxes TodayContributions are pre-taxContributions are after-tax
Taxes LaterYou pay tax when you withdraw in retirementWithdrawals are tax-free if qualified
Best ForLowering taxes nowPaying taxes now to avoid later hikes

Starting in 2026, if your self-employment income is over $145,000, your catch up contributions must go into a Roth account. This rule applies even if you prefer to use the traditional version of the plan.

How to Make a 401k Catch Up Contribution

  1. Set up a Solo 401(k) before December 31.
  2. Calculate your net business income after expenses like content tools, Wi-Fi, and your home office deduction.
  3. Decide how much to contribute for yourself as an employee.
  4. Add the employer contribution if you qualify.
  5. If you’re 50 or older, make a 401k catch up contribution of $7,500.
  6. Keep clear records for your tax return, and file taxes using Schedule C and any required 401(k) forms.

Tax Benefits and Savings Strategy

  • Lower your taxable income with pre-tax contributions.
  • Add after-tax contributions through a Roth Solo 401(k) if you want tax-free withdrawals later.
  • Reduce your overall self-employment tax bill.
  • Use tax write-offs like equipment, software, and subscriptions to free up more cash for retirement.
  • Pay attention to quarterly taxes and keep enough saved to avoid IRS penalties.

Other Retirement Plans That Offer Catch Up Contributions

Plan TypeAnnual Limit (Under 50)Catch Up ContributionCatch Up Allowed?
Solo 401(k)$69,000$7,500Yes
SIMPLE IRA$16,000$3,500Yes
Traditional or Roth IRA$7,000$1,000Yes
SEP IRA25% of net earningsNoneNo

Only certain plans let you make a 401k catch up contribution. For creators over 50, a Solo 401(k) gives the most flexibility and the highest limits.

A woman studying a 401k catch up contribution for OnlyFans income

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Missing the deadline to open your Solo 401(k).
  • Not knowing that catch up contributions must go into a Roth account if your income is high.
  • Skipping tax advice or trying to guess your numbers without accurate records.
  • Forgetting to file taxes properly or misreporting your business income.
  • Thinking you don’t qualify because you’re not part of a traditional company.

FAQs

Can I still make a 401k catch up contribution if I don’t have an employer?

Yes. A Solo 401(k) is made for self-employed individuals like you. You act as both the employee and employer, so you can make all the contributions yourself.

What’s the deadline to make a 401k catch up contribution?

You must open the plan by December 31 of the prior calendar year. You can then contribute up until your tax filing deadline, including extensions.

Does OnlyFans income count for Solo 401(k) contributions?

Yes. If you report your OnlyFans income as self-employment income, it’s eligible. Your contribution limit depends on your net earnings after expenses.

What if I don’t have enough income to hit the full limit?

You can still contribute what you’re able to. The IRS allows up to the limit, but you can contribute less if your income or expenses don’t allow for more.

Conclusion

As a creator, you spend a lot of time thinking about content and income. But your future deserves just as much attention. A 401k catch up contribution is one of the best ways to build long-term savings while getting real tax benefits today.

This strategy isn’t just for people with office jobs or corporate plans. It’s for anyone who treats their OnlyFans work as a real business. The more money you make, the more important it becomes to save and invest wisely. You’ve already taken control of your income. Now it’s time to take control of your future too.

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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