Accounting and Tax

Everything You Need to Know Pay and File OnlyFans Taxes: A Comprehensive Look

By Matt Cohen April 24, 2025

Understanding How to File OnlyFans Taxes

As an OnlyFans creator, navigating your tax obligations is essential to maintain financial health and compliance. While the platform offers lucrative opportunities for content creators, understanding how to manage your taxes effectively, including taxation in the United States, is crucial.
In this article, we’ll explore the specifics of OnlyFans taxes, covering everything from reporting income to maximizing tax deductions. OnlyFans has become a primary source of income for many online video content creators in the US. The platform has enabled video creators to earn money from their bedrooms with a minimum budget.
Whether OnlyFans is your side gig or full-time job, you’ll need to calculate your income tax to figure out how much you owe the IRS with more than 190 million registered users and 2.1 million creators who have received $12.5 billion in payments as of 2023, OnlyFans is one of the top 50 websites in the world in terms of daily visitor count.
Some creators on the platform have gone from barely making ends meet to making more than $10,000 a month, according to a New York Times article. That means taxes and avoiding IRS tax penalties have become important considerations for many OnlyFans creators.

 a calendar reminder to track the payment of onlyfans taxes

Do I Have to Pay Taxes on My OnlyFans Income?

Absolutely. Any income you earn through OnlyFans, whether from subscriptions, tips, or sponsorships, is subject to taxation in the United States. This includes income received from individual subscribers as well as earnings from brand endorsements or promotions.
It’s important to note that in the eyes of the IRS, every OnlyFans creator is considered a sole proprietorship. This means you’re responsible for reporting your income and paying income tax accordingly. Failure to do so can result in penalties and legal consequences.

How Do OnlyFans Taxes Work?

Understanding how OnlyFans taxes work is crucial for proper financial planning. As a self-employed individual, you’re required to report your income to the IRS and pay both income tax and self-employment taxes. Ensure you accurately report your gross income to the IRS.
OnlyFans will provide you with a Form 1099-NEC if your earnings exceed$400 in a tax year. This form details your income from the platform and is used to report your earnings to the IRS. It’s important to keep track of your income throughout the year to ensure accuracy when filing your tax return.
Self-employment taxes, also known as SECA taxes, are another aspect of OnlyFans taxes to consider. These taxes total 15.3% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) and are used to fund programs like Social Security and Medicare. Understanding how SECA taxes are calculated and factoring them into your financial planning is essential for avoiding surprises come tax time. Hiring a lawyer can also provide valuable assistance in navigating tax laws.

What Can I Deduct as an OnlyFans Creator?

One of the benefits of being self-employed is the ability to deduct business expenses from your taxable income. As an OnlyFans creator, there are many expenses you can deduct, as per the Internal Revenue Service, to lower your tax bill and maximize your profits with income tax.

Common deductions for OnlyFans creators include:

  • Equipment and supplies: This includes cameras, lighting equipment, and props used in your content creation.
  • Home office expenses: If you use a portion of your home exclusively for your OnlyFans business, you may be able to deduct expenses like rent, utilities, and internet costs.
  • Advertising and promotion: Expenses related to promoting your OnlyFans account, such as social media ads or website hosting fees, can be deducted as business expenses.
  • Professional services: Fees paid to accountants, lawyers, or other professionals for services related to your OnlyFans business are deductible.
  • Travel and meals: If you travel for work or meet with clients, you can deduct expenses like transportation, lodging, and meals.
It’s important to keep detailed records of your expenses throughout the year to support your tax deduction in case of an audit. Maintaining accurate records will not only help you maximize your deductions but also ensure compliance with Internal Revenue Service regulations.

What You Can’t Deduct from Your OnlyFans Income?

While there are many expenses you can deduct as an OnlyFans creator, it’s essential to understand what you can’t deduct to avoid potential issues with the IRS. Certain expenses may seem legitimate but don’t qualify as deductible business expenses.

Here are some expenses you can’t deduct from your OnlyFans income:

  • Personal expenses: Expenses that are purely personal in nature, such as groceries, clothing, or personal grooming, cannot be deducted as business expenses. It’s important to keep your personal and business expenses separate to ensure accurate reporting.
  • Non-business-related expenses: Expenses incurred for activities that aren’t directly related to your OnlyFans business, such as entertainment or hobbies, are not deductible. While it’s important to maintain a work-life balance, expenses for purely personal activities don’t qualify as business deductions.
  • Illegal or unethical expenses: Expenses related to illegal or unethical activities, such as fines or penalties for breaking the law, cannot be deducted as business expenses. Engaging in illegal activities can have serious consequences beyond just tax implications, so it’s important to ensure all your business activities are legal and ethical.
  • Excessive or extravagant expenses: While reasonable business expenses are generally deductible, expenses that are considered excessive or extravagant may be subject to scrutiny by the IRS. It’s important to exercise caution when claiming deductions for items that could be perceived as luxury or non-essential.
By understanding what you can and can’t deduct from your OnlyFans income, you can ensure accurate reporting and avoid potential issues with the IRS. Keeping detailed records of your expenses and consulting with a tax professional can help you navigate the complexities of tax law and maximize your tax savings as an OnlyFans creator.

How to Pay Your OnlyFans Taxes?

Paying taxes as an OnlyFans creator involves more than just reporting your income to the Internal Revenue Service. You’re also responsible for making quarterly estimated tax payments throughout the year to cover your tax liability.

Here’s how to pay your OnlyFans taxes:

  • Calculate your estimated tax liability: Estimate your total tax liability for the year based on your projected income. This includes both income tax and self-employment taxes.
  • Determine your quarterly payments: Divide your estimated tax liability by four to determine how much you should pay each quarter. The IRS requires you to pay at least 90% of your total tax liability for the year through quarterly estimated payments.
  • Make your quarterly payments: Submit your estimated tax payments to the IRS using Form 1040-ES. Payments are due on the 15th of April, June, September, and January of the following year. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail.
  • Keep track of your payments: Maintain detailed records of your quarterly tax payments for your own records and to support your tax return.
Making quarterly estimated tax payments ensures that you’re meeting your tax obligations throughout the year and helps prevent large tax bills and penalties at tax time. If you’re unsure how much to pay or need assistance calculating your income tax liability, consider consulting with a tax professional for guidance.

How to File OnlyFans Taxes?

Filing your taxes as an OnlyFans creator involves reporting your income and deductions accurately to the IRS.

Here’s how to file your OnlyFans taxes:

  • Gather your tax documents: Collect all relevant tax documents, including your Form 1099NEC from OnlyFans and any records of deductible expenses.
  • Complete your tax return: Use Form 1040 and Schedule C to report your OnlyFans income and deductions. Schedule C is used to calculate your net profit or loss from your business as an OnlyFans creator.
  • Report your income: Enter your OnlyFans income on Schedule C, along with any other income you earned from self-employment or other sources.
  • Claim your deductions: Deduct your business expenses on Schedule C to reduce your taxable income. Be sure to provide accurate documentation to support your deductions in case of an audit.
  • Calculate your tax liability: Use the information from Schedule C to calculate your income tax and self-employment tax liability.
  • File your tax return: Submit your completed tax return, along with any payments you owe, to the IRS by the tax filing deadline. If you’re unable to file by the deadline, consider filing for an extension to avoid late-filing penalties.
Filing your taxes accurately and on time ensures compliance with IRS regulations and helps you avoid penalties and interest charges. If you’re unsure how to file your taxes or need assistance with complex tax situations, consider working with a tax professional for guidance on income tax deductions.

FAQs

Do I Have to Pay Taxes on Tips and Gifts Received on OnlyFans?

Yes, any income you receive through OnlyFans, including tips and gifts from subscribers, is taxable. Whether the income comes from subscription fees, tips, net income, or other sources, it must be reported to the IRS and included in your tax return.

What Happens if I Don’t Receive a Form 1099NEC from OnlyFans?

If you earn more than$400 in a tax year on OnlyFans, the platform is required to issue you a Form 1099-NEC detailing your content creation. However, if you don’t receive a 1099-NEC or if you believe the information on the form is incorrect, you should still report your taxable income to the IRS. Keep accurate records of your earnings to support your tax return in case of an audit.

Can I Deduct OnlyFans Subscription Fees as Business Expenses?

Yes, you can deduct expenses related to your OnlyFans business, including subscription fees paid to the platform. These fees are considered ordinary and necessary expenses for conducting your business and can be deducted from your tax return to reduce your taxable income for tax rate.

What Records Should I Keep for My OnlyFans Taxes?

As an OnlyFans creator, it’s essential to keep detailed records of your income and expenses throughout the year. This includes records of subscription fees, tips, gifts, and any other income received on the platform, as well as receipts and documentation for deductible expenses such as equipment purchases, advertising costs, and professional fees including accounting software.

Can I Deduct Home Office Expenses as an OnlyFans Creator?

If you use a portion of your home exclusively for your OnlyFans business, you may be able to deduct home office expenses on your tax return. This includes expenses such as rent, utilities, internet costs, and other home-related expenses directly related to your business activities. Be sure to keep accurate records and consult with a tax professional to determine eligibility for the home office tax deduction.

What Happens if I Underpay My Estimated Taxes as an OnlyFans Creator?

Underpaying your estimated taxes as a self-employed individual can result in penalties and interest charges from the Internal Revenue Service. To avoid underpayment penalties, be sure to calculate your estimated tax liability accurately and make credit card quarterly payments throughout the year. If you find yourself unable to pay your estimated taxes in full, consider working with a tax professional tax return to explore payment options and avoid potential penalties.

Can I Deduct Travel Expenses as an OnlyFans Creator?

Travel expenses incurred for business purposes, such as attending conventions, photoshoots, or meetings with subscribers, may be deductible as tax deduction expenses. This includes expenses such as transportation, lodging, meals, content creation, and other travel-related costs directly related to your OnlyFans business. Keep accurate records and documentation of your travel expenses to support your deductions on your tax return.

Conclusion

OnlyFans taxes can be complex, but with the right knowledge and resources, you can effectively manage your tax obligations and maximize your financial success as a content creator on the platform. By understanding the basics of OnlyFans taxes, keeping accurate records, seeking guidance from tax professionals when needed, and staying informed about changes to Internal Revenue Service laws and regulations, you can ensure compliance with IRS regulations and minimize your tax liability.
Remember, managing your taxes effectively is an essential part of running a successful OnlyFans business. By taking a proactive approach to tax planning and staying organized throughout the year, you can set yourself up for financial success and achieve your goals as an OnlyFans creator. It is important to understand tax deduction implications.
With the right support and resources, you can navigate the complexities of OnlyFans taxes with confidence and achieve long-term financial success as a content creator on the platform by ensuring appropriate tax deductions. Contact The OnlyFans Accountant today and unleash your financial potential. Your financial future starts here, and it’s full of potential and positivity.
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