New 1099 Rules Creators Must Know for Safer Tax Filing

If you’re an OnlyFans creator making serious income, tax season can feel like a full-time job. With all the updates from the IRS, it’s more important than ever to understand the new 1099 rules and how they apply to your business. Whether you’re just getting started or already bringing in $20,000 to $90,000 a month, you’re considered self-employed. That means the way you file your taxes is different, and the stakes are higher.

This guide explains what’s changed with the 1099 forms, how they apply to OnlyFans creators, and what you need to do to avoid penalties and stay on top of your tax game.

What Is a 1099 Form?

A 1099 form is a document that reports income that isn’t from a traditional job. If you’re self-employed or receiving money from platforms like OnlyFans, you probably won’t get a W-2 like an employee would. Instead, you’ll receive a 1099 form showing how much you were paid.

There are multiple types of 1099 forms. Some creators might only get one. Others might get more than one, depending on how they receive payments. Either way, you’re still responsible for reporting all taxable income, even if you don’t receive a form at all.

Which 1099 Forms Matter for OnlyFans Creators?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the 1099 forms you need to know:

Form	What It Reports	Who Sends It
1099-NEC	Nonemployee compensation	OnlyFans (if you earn $600 or more)
1099-K	Third party network transactions	Payment processors like Stripe or PayPal
1099-MISC	Miscellaneous income (rare for OnlyFans)	Brands, partners, or sponsors outside the platform

For most OnlyFans creators, the 1099-NEC is the main form to watch. But depending on how you accept money outside the platform, the 1099-K might show up in your mailbox, too.

Big IRS Changes to the 1099-K Form

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has changed the game with new 1099-K reporting requirements. This is especially important if you accept payments through third-party apps, run side projects, or work with fans directly through alternative platforms.

Here’s how the new 1099-K thresholds are changing:

Tax Year	Reporting Threshold	Trigger
2024	$5,000	Over $5,000 in third-party payments
2025	$2,500	Threshold lowers again
2026+	$600	Permanent change, same as other 1099 forms

If you receive third-party network transactions totaling more than the threshold, expect a 1099-K in the mail. Even if that money came from personal projects or direct fan support, the IRS sees it as reportable payments.

Why These Changes Matter to You

You Might Get More Than One Form

For example, if you get a 1099-NEC from OnlyFans and a 1099-K from a service like Cash App or PayPal, the IRS sees both. That means you’re responsible for reporting everything correctly to avoid getting flagged for underreporting.

Not Getting a Form Doesn’t Mean You’re Off the Hook

Even if you don’t receive a tax form at all, you’re still required to report all gross income. That includes every tip, custom order, or sponsorship payment. If you skip it, it could lead to penalties or worse, an audit.

Everything You Make Is Taxable

If it’s money and it hits your account, it’s business income. That includes:

• Subscription payments
• Private chats
• Tips
• Paid messages
• Sponsorships
• Affiliate commissions
• Direct fan support
• Collab or brand payments
• Digital product sales

Even cash paid by a fan for a custom video counts. The IRS doesn’t care how the money comes in. It just wants you to report transactions and pay your income tax.

What Counts as a Tax Write-Off for Creators?

You’re taxed on your net income, not your gross proceeds. That means you can reduce your taxable amount by subtracting ordinary and necessary business expenses. These are known as tax write-offs.

Common Tax Deductions for OnlyFans Creators:

Expense	Can You Deduct It?
Cameras, lights, props	Yes
Costumes and makeup	Yes
Software and editing tools	Yes
Home office setup	Yes, if used for work
Internet and phone bills	Partial deduction
Travel for shoots	Yes
Professional services	Yes (legal services, tax prep, etc.)
Marketing or paid ads	Yes

Be sure to keep records, receipts, and notes. If you’re ever audited, you’ll need to back it up.

Filing Your Taxes with the New 1099 Rules

Filing taxes means submitting your income tax return with all necessary forms and schedules. As a creator, you’ll need to file as self-employed unless you’ve set up a limited liability company.

Forms You Might Need:

• IRS Form 1040 – main individual tax form
• Schedule C – reports business income and expenses
• Schedule SE – calculates your self-employment tax
• 1099-NEC, 1099-K, or both
• Employer identification number (if you run an LLC)

Filing on time is key. The due date for most creators is April 15 unless you request an extension.

E-Filing vs Paper Filing

Method	Benefits	Downsides
Electronically file	Faster, easier, fewer errors	May require special software
Paper filing	Traditional, no tech needed	Slower, more prone to mistakes

If you file more than 10 forms for your business, the IRS requires you to file electronically using an approved online portal.

What Happens If You Don’t Report Everything?

Skipping income, ignoring your forms, or filing late can lead to penalties and other problems. The IRS has the right to apply backup withholding, charge interest, and delay future refunds.

Other risks include:

• Getting flagged for an audit
• Paying the maximum penalty
• Losing business accounts or platform privileges
• Trouble qualifying for business loans

Reporting honestly and keeping clean books helps you avoid all that.

How to Stay Tax Compliant as a Creator

To stay tax-compliant with the new 1099 rules, you need to:

• Report all income payments, even small ones
• Track gross proceeds paid and cash payments
• Use software to organize income and expenses
• Understand your filing deadlines
• Separate personal and business money
• Avoid mixing business with hobby income
• Work with a professional if things get complex

Keeping your taxes in order is part of running a business. It builds credibility, lowers your stress, and keeps your money working for you.

FAQs

What if I earned money from multiple platforms?

You may get different 1099 forms from each one. Add them all up and report the total as part of your gross income.

Do I still need to file if I didn’t hit $600?

Yes. Even if you didn’t get a form, the IRS still expects you to report all income payments. The form is just a reporting tool. Your responsibility doesn’t go away without it.

Will I get in trouble if I miss the 1099 deadline?

If you miss the filing deadline, the IRS can charge late fees and interest. If it looks intentional, there may be further consequences. If you’re not sure what to do, get help before tax season ends.

How do I track income from fans who pay me directly?

Use a spreadsheet or accounting software to record every payment. Include the date, amount, and payment method. Whether you receive money through a third party, Cash App, or direct bank transfer, it’s your job to report payments accurately.

Conclusion

As an OnlyFans creator, your content is your brand, but your income is your business. The new 1099 rules are just one piece of a bigger system that includes tax laws, tax compliance, and your responsibility to report things like direct sales, broker payments, and royalty payments. Whether you’re paid through Form 1099-NEC, Form 1099-MISC, or you receive personal payments, it all adds up as other income that must be reported on your calendar-year tax return. Skipping this can lead to issues with IRS records, especially if there’s backup withholding or mismatched totals linked to your taxpayer identification number.

Staying compliant means understanding what the business pays, whether it’s for a fire system, a permanent retail establishment, or support from law firms. Even less common items like notional principal contracts, tax-exempt interest, or health care payments can come into play depending on how your business grows. And since you’re considered an independent contractor, your tax process is different. The IRS uses a transmitter control code to process e-filed returns and reviews your average annual gross receipts to determine reporting rules. If it all feels like too much, you’re not alone. Smart creators plan ahead for OnlyFans taxes and build habits that keep them financially secure long term.

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.