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Everything You Need to Know About the 20% OnlyFans Percentage Cut

By Matt Cohen May 8, 2025

OnlyFans has quickly become one of the top platforms for content creators, offering a great way to earn money through subscriptions, tips, and pay-per-view content. But before you can start cashing in on those earnings, it’s important to understand how the platform’s fees work, especially that 20% cut OnlyFans takes.

While the platform’s fees are pretty standard for any site that handles transactions, many creators forget one key thing: managing their finances, especially when it comes to taxes, is just as important as creating content.

A woman studying her earnings report to analyze the OnlyFans percentage cut.

What Is the OnlyFans Percentage Cut?

The OnlyFans percentage cut refers to the 20% commission the platform takes from all creator earnings, including subscriptions, tips, and exclusive content. For example, if you earn $1,000 through your OnlyFans account, OnlyFans takes $200, leaving you with $800. Top accounts generate the majority of revenue, while many average accounts fall short, highlighting the challenges of monetization on the platform. This percentage applies to all forms of income generated from your OnlyFans page, and it’s important to factor this into your gross income when calculating your taxes.

Understanding this commission is the first step in budgeting and planning your taxes as a content creator. While the 20% fee might seem straightforward, its impact on your overall business income can be significant, especially when combined with the taxes you need to pay as a self-employed individual.

OnlyFans Platform Fees

OnlyFans charges a 20% fee on all earnings made by creators on the platform. This fee applies to all sources of income, including monthly subscriptions, tips, and pay-per-view (PPV) sales. The 20% fee is deducted from the creator’s earnings, and the remaining 80% is paid out to the creator. For example, if a creator earns $100 from a monthly subscription, OnlyFans will take $20 as their fee, and the creator will receive $80.

The fee structure is designed to incentivize creators to produce high-quality content and engage with their fans, as they can earn more money by increasing their subscriber base and offering exclusive content. OnlyFans also offers additional services, such as payment processing and content hosting, which are included in the 20% fee. This comprehensive service package ensures that creators can focus on content creation while the platform handles the technical and financial aspects.

Exclusive Content and Sales

Exclusive content is a key feature of OnlyFans, as it allows creators to offer unique and exclusive material to their subscribers. Creators can produce exclusive content, such as photos, videos, or live streams, that is only available to their subscribers, providing a sense of exclusivity and value. Exclusive content can be sold through PPV sales or as part of a monthly subscription package, providing creators with an additional revenue stream.

Creators can also offer custom content, such as personalized photos or videos, to their subscribers, which can be sold at a premium price. The sales of exclusive content are subject to the 20% fee, which is deducted from the creator’s earnings. OnlyFans provides a range of tools and features to help creators manage their exclusive content and sales, including analytics and messaging systems, to help them optimize their earnings and engage with their fans.

How Does the OnlyFans Cut Affect Your Taxes?

Once OnlyFans takes its 20% fee, the remaining 80% of your earnings is considered net income. However, as a self-employed content creator, you are responsible for more than just reporting your income. You also need to account for self-employment taxes, which are taxes you pay as an independent contractor.

Self-employment taxes include Social Security and Medicare taxes, which typically add up to 15.3% of your net income. This means that, after OnlyFans takes its cut, you will still need to pay these taxes on the remaining income. Creators can expect to receive 1099 forms and should plan for quarterly tax payments if they expect to owe more than $1,000 in taxes.

Example: If you earn $1,000 in gross income, and OnlyFans takes $200 (leaving you with $800), you’ll still owe 15.3% on that $800. This would amount to approximately $122.40 in self-employment taxes.

Understanding this process is crucial to tax compliance, as failing to set aside enough money for taxes can lead to a large tax bill at the end of the year. It’s also essential to note that self-employment taxes apply to your net income, meaning you’ll need to calculate and set aside money throughout the year.

Tip: Set aside 30% of your gross income to cover taxes, including self-employment taxes and any other applicable federal or state taxes. This ensures you won’t be caught off guard when it comes time to file your taxes.

Maximizing Deductions as an OnlyFans Creator

One of the most significant advantages of being a self-employed OnlyFans creator is the ability to deduct various business expenses from your taxable income. These tax write-offs can help reduce your overall tax liability, leaving you with more money in your pocket.

Common Deductions for OnlyFans Creators include equipment costs, such as cameras and lighting, similar to what food bloggers or fashion reviewers might deduct for their content creation. These examples help illustrate practical applications of write-offs in your own ventures.

Common Deductions for OnlyFans Creators:

  • Content Creation Equipment: Cameras, lighting, and computers used for content creation. These expenses are directly tied to the business and qualify for deductions.
  • Marketing Expenses: Ads, social media promotions, and affiliate marketing tools. If you spend money on marketing your OnlyFans account or paying for third-party services to promote your content, those costs are deductible.
  • Office Supplies: Furniture, props, and any other items necessary for creating content. Even things like lighting rigs or a backdrop for photoshoots can be written off.
  • Internet and Phone Bills: A portion of these bills may be deductible, especially if they are used for business purposes. Since a large portion of OnlyFans creators’ work is done online, these expenses often qualify for a deduction.
  • Home Office Deduction: If you use part of your home exclusively for creating content, you may be able to deduct a portion of your rent, utilities, and other associated costs.

Tip: Track these expenses carefully and keep detailed records. You can use tax forms like Schedule C to report your business expenses and earnings. By doing this, you’ll reduce your net income and lower your taxable income, meaning you’ll pay fewer taxes at the end of the year.

Quarterly Taxes: Avoiding Penalties

As a self-employed content creator, you are required to pay quarterly taxes to the IRS. This means you need to estimate your net income each quarter and make payments throughout the year, rather than waiting until tax season.

Tip: Use IRS Form 1040-ES to estimate your quarterly payments. Set aside at least 30% of your gross income each month to cover taxes and avoid any unexpected costs.

To make the process easier, set reminders or automate your payments using accounting software or NLP tools that can help you track your earnings and calculate your taxes automatically. Paying quarterly ensures you avoid the stress of a large lump-sum payment in April.

A woman reviewing a breakdown of profits to understand the OnlyFans percentage cut.

How to Separate Business and Personal Finances

To simplify tax

Everything You Need to Know About the 20% OnlyFans Percentage Cut

OnlyFans has quickly become one of the top platforms for content creators, offering a great way to earn money through subscriptions, tips, and pay-per-view content. But before you can start cashing in on those earnings, it’s important to understand how the platform’s fees work, especially that 20% cut OnlyFans takes.

While the platform’s fees are pretty standard for any site that handles transactions, many creators forget one key thing: managing their finances, especially when it comes to taxes, is just as important as creating content.

A woman studying her earnings report to analyze the OnlyFans percentage cut.

What Is the OnlyFans Percentage Cut?

The OnlyFans percentage cut refers to the 20% commission the platform takes from all creator earnings, including subscriptions, tips, and exclusive content. For example, if you earn $1,000 through your OnlyFans account, OnlyFans takes $200, leaving you with $800. Top accounts generate the majority of revenue, while many average accounts fall short, highlighting the challenges of monetization on the platform. This percentage applies to all forms of income generated from your OnlyFans page, and it’s important to factor this into your gross income when calculating your taxes.

Understanding this commission is the first step in budgeting and planning your taxes as a content creator. While the 20% fee might seem straightforward, its impact on your overall business income can be significant, especially when combined with the taxes you need to pay as a self-employed individual.

OnlyFans Platform Fees

OnlyFans charges a 20% fee on all earnings made by creators on the platform. This fee applies to all sources of income, including monthly subscriptions, tips, and pay-per-view (PPV) sales. The 20% fee is deducted from the creator’s earnings, and the remaining 80% is paid out to the creator. For example, if a creator earns $100 from a monthly subscription, OnlyFans will take $20 as their fee, and the creator will receive $80.

The fee structure is designed to incentivize creators to produce high-quality content and engage with their fans, as they can earn more money by increasing their subscriber base and offering exclusive content. OnlyFans also offers additional services, such as payment processing and content hosting, which are included in the 20% fee. This comprehensive service package ensures that creators can focus on content creation while the platform handles the technical and financial aspects.

Exclusive Content and Sales

Exclusive content is a key feature of OnlyFans, as it allows creators to offer unique and exclusive material to their subscribers. Creators can produce exclusive content, such as photos, videos, or live streams, that is only available to their subscribers, providing a sense of exclusivity and value. Exclusive content can be sold through PPV sales or as part of a monthly subscription package, providing creators with an additional revenue stream.

Creators can also offer custom content, such as personalized photos or videos, to their subscribers, which can be sold at a premium price. The sales of exclusive content are subject to the 20% fee, which is deducted from the creator’s earnings. OnlyFans provides a range of tools and features to help creators manage their exclusive content and sales, including analytics and messaging systems, to help them optimize their earnings and engage with their fans.

How Does the OnlyFans Cut Affect Your Taxes?

Once OnlyFans takes its 20% fee, the remaining 80% of your earnings is considered net income. However, as a self-employed content creator, you are responsible for more than just reporting your income. You also need to account for self-employment taxes, which are taxes you pay as an independent contractor.

Self-employment taxes include Social Security and Medicare taxes, which typically add up to 15.3% of your net income. This means that, after OnlyFans takes its cut, you will still need to pay these taxes on the remaining income. Creators can expect to receive 1099 forms and should plan for quarterly tax payments if they expect to owe more than $1,000 in taxes.

Example: If you earn $1,000 in gross income, and OnlyFans takes $200 (leaving you with $800), you’ll still owe 15.3% on that $800. This would amount to approximately $122.40 in self-employment taxes.

Understanding this process is crucial to tax compliance, as failing to set aside enough money for taxes can lead to a large tax bill at the end of the year. It’s also essential to note that self-employment taxes apply to your net income, meaning you’ll need to calculate and set aside money throughout the year.

Tip: Set aside 30% of your gross income to cover taxes, including self-employment taxes and any other applicable federal or state taxes. This ensures you won’t be caught off guard when it comes time to file your taxes.

Maximizing Deductions as an OnlyFans Creator

One of the most significant advantages of being a self-employed OnlyFans creator is the ability to deduct various business expenses from your taxable income. These tax write-offs can help reduce your overall tax liability, leaving you with more money in your pocket.

Common Deductions for OnlyFans Creators include equipment costs, such as cameras and lighting, similar to what food bloggers or fashion reviewers might deduct for their content creation. These examples help illustrate practical applications of write-offs in your own ventures.

Common Deductions for OnlyFans Creators:

  • Content Creation Equipment: Cameras, lighting, and computers used for content creation. These expenses are directly tied to the business and qualify for deductions.
  • Marketing Expenses: Ads, social media promotions, and affiliate marketing tools. If you spend money on marketing your OnlyFans account or paying for third-party services to promote your content, those costs are deductible.
  • Office Supplies: Furniture, props, and any other items necessary for creating content. Even things like lighting rigs or a backdrop for photoshoots can be written off.
  • Internet and Phone Bills: A portion of these bills may be deductible, especially if they are used for business purposes. Since a large portion of OnlyFans creators’ work is done online, these expenses often qualify for a deduction.
  • Home Office Deduction: If you use part of your home exclusively for creating content, you may be able to deduct a portion of your rent, utilities, and other associated costs.

Tip: Track these expenses carefully and keep detailed records. You can use tax forms like Schedule C to report your business expenses and earnings. By doing this, you’ll reduce your net income and lower your taxable income, meaning you’ll pay fewer taxes at the end of the year.

Quarterly Taxes: Avoiding Penalties

As a self-employed content creator, you are required to pay quarterly taxes to the IRS. This means you need to estimate your net income each quarter and make payments throughout the year, rather than waiting until tax season.

Tip: Use IRS Form 1040-ES to estimate your quarterly payments. Set aside at least 30% of your gross income each month to cover taxes and avoid any unexpected costs.

To make the process easier, set reminders or automate your payments using accounting software or NLP tools that can help you track your earnings and calculate your taxes automatically. Paying quarterly ensures you avoid the stress of a large lump-sum payment in April.

A woman reviewing a breakdown of profits to understand the OnlyFans percentage cut.

How to Separate Business and Personal Finances

To simplify tax reporting and ensure tax compliance, it’s crucial to separate your OnlyFans account and personal finances. This makes it easier to track your income, expenses, and deductions throughout the year.

Tip: Open a business checking account to handle all transactions related to your OnlyFans account. Maintaining organized financial records for tracking expenses and earnings is essential for effective financial management. Use this account to receive payments, pay for business expenses, and track your earnings.

FAQs

Does OnlyFans take 20% of tips?

Yes, OnlyFans takes 20% from all tips, just as they do from subscriptions and pay-per-view content. This applies to any money you earn through the platform. So, if you receive tips, that 20% fee still applies, and you will keep the remaining 80% of the income. Offering personalized and interactive content can provide more incentive for fans to subscribe and continue their subscriptions.

How do I calculate my income after OnlyFans takes its cut?

To calculate your income after OnlyFans takes its 20% fee, simply subtract that from your gross income. For example, if you earn $1,000, OnlyFans will take $200, leaving you with $800 in net income. Achieving significant profit requires consistent effort and content production. You will then need to pay taxes based on this remaining amount.

Can I write off my OnlyFans subscription fees?

Yes, OnlyFans fees are deductible as a business expense. This includes the 20% fee taken by the platform. As a self-employed content creator, you can also deduct other business expenses such as equipment, marketing, and a portion of your internet bill, which helps lower your taxable income. Deductible expenses must be both ordinary and necessary for the production.

How much should I set aside for taxes as an OnlyFans creator?

It’s recommended to set aside about 30% of your gross income to cover self-employment taxes and federal income taxes. This ensures you’re prepared to pay your taxes throughout the year and avoids surprises when it’s time to file. Also, remember to make quarterly tax payments to stay on top of your obligations. All earnings, regardless of amount, must be reported to the IRS.

Conclusion

While OnlyFans takes a 20% cut from creators’ earnings, understanding the fees and how to maximize revenue is key to achieving financial success. By increasing your subscriber base, offering exclusive content, and properly managing your taxes, you can reduce the impact of the OnlyFans percentage cut and build a sustainable business.

If you need personalized advice on managing your OnlyFans income or taxes, contact an expert accountant who can guide you through the complexities of self-employment taxes and tax compliance. Customer support is crucial for resolving any tax-related issues, ensuring you have the assistance needed to address your concerns effectively.

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.

Need assistance or guidance with completing your OnlyFans taxes? Call us today! Our experts are ready to help you navigate your tax obligations and maximize your deductions.

roughout the year.

Tip: Open a business checking account to handle all transactions related to your OnlyFans account. Maintaining organized financial records for tracking expenses and earnings is essential for effective financial management. Use this account to receive payments, pay for business expenses, and track your earnings.

FAQs

Does OnlyFans take 20% of tips?

Yes, OnlyFans takes 20% from all tips, just as they do from subscriptions and pay-per-view content. This applies to any money you earn through the platform. So, if you receive tips, that 20% fee still applies, and you will keep the remaining 80% of the income. Offering personalized and interactive content can provide more incentive for fans to subscribe and continue their subscriptions.

How do I calculate my income after OnlyFans takes its cut?

To calculate your income after OnlyFans takes its 20% fee, simply subtract that from your gross income. For example, if you earn $1,000, OnlyFans will take $200, leaving you with $800 in net income. Achieving significant profit requires consistent effort and content production. You will then need to pay taxes based on this remaining amount.

Can I write off my OnlyFans subscription fees?

Yes, OnlyFans fees are deductible as a business expense. This includes the 20% fee taken by the platform. As a self-employed content creator, you can also deduct other business expenses such as equipment, marketing, and a portion of your internet bill, which helps lower your taxable income. Deductible expenses must be both ordinary and necessary for the production.

How much should I set aside for taxes as an OnlyFans creator?

It’s recommended to set aside about 30% of your gross income to cover self-employment taxes and federal income taxes. This ensures you’re prepared to pay your taxes throughout the year and avoids surprises when it’s time to file. Also, remember to make quarterly tax payments to stay on top of your obligations. All earnings, regardless of amount, must be reported to the IRS.

Conclusion

While OnlyFans takes a 20% cut from creators’ earnings, understanding the fees and how to maximize revenue is key to achieving financial success. By increasing your subscriber base, offering exclusive content, and properly managing your taxes, you can reduce the impact of the OnlyFans percentage cut and build a sustainable business.

If you need personalized advice on managing your OnlyFans income or taxes, contact an expert accountant who can guide you through the complexities of self-employment taxes and tax compliance. Customer support is crucial for resolving any tax-related issues, ensuring you have the assistance needed to address your concerns effectively.

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.

Need assistance or guidance with completing your OnlyFans taxes? Call us today! Our experts are ready to help you navigate your tax obligations and maximize your deductions.

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