Accounting and Tax

Urgent: Can You File a Second Tax Extension? OnlyFans Guide

By Matt Cohen March 7, 2025

For many OnlyFans creators, tax season can be stressful. Can you file a second tax extension if you’re struggling to track income, manage expenses, and set aside enough money for taxes? Deadlines can sneak up fast, and if you have already filed a tax extension but still are not ready to submit your return, you may be wondering what to do next.

One of the most common questions people ask is, can you file a second tax extension to get even more time? After all, six months might not have been enough, and life happens. The IRS is strict about deadlines, but does that mean you are completely out of options?

Let’s break down what the IRS allows, what happens if you miss your extended deadline, and what steps you can take to avoid penalties.

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What Is a Tax Extension and How Does It Work?

A tax extension is extra time granted by the IRS to file your tax return. It does not give you extra time to pay your taxes, only to file your paperwork. This is a common misunderstanding that catches many self-employed individuals off guard.

The IRS automatically grants a six-month extension if you file Form 4868 by the regular tax deadline, which is usually April 15. If you do this, your new filing deadline becomes October 15. However, any taxes owed are still due by April 15, and if you do not pay on time, you may face penalties and interest.

For OnlyFans creators and other self-employed individuals, this extension can be useful. It gives you more time to organize receipts, claim business deductions, and ensure that your return is accurate. But what if October 15 comes and you still are not ready?

Can You File a Second Tax Extension?

The IRS does not allow a second tax extension for federal income taxes. Once you have used your first extension, you do not get another one. The deadline to file remains October 15, and missing it can lead to serious consequences.

However, while the IRS does not offer a second extension for everyone, there are a few exceptions that may give you extra time.

Situations Where You May Qualify for Additional Time

Even though the IRS does not allow a standard second extension, you might be able to get extra time under certain circumstances:

  • If you live outside the United States
    Taxpayers living and working outside the U.S. automatically get an extra two months to file, moving their deadline to June 15 instead of April 15. If you still need more time, you can request an additional four-month extension, which brings the final filing deadline to October 15. After that, no further extensions are available.
  • If you are facing serious financial hardship
    If you can prove that paying your taxes on time would cause extreme financial difficulty, you might be able to request more time to pay what you owe. This is done by filing Form 1127 and submitting financial documents to the IRS. However, even if approved, this does not extend your time to file, it only extends your time to pay.

If none of these situations apply to you, then October 15 is your final deadline.

What Happens If You Miss the Tax Extension Deadline?

If you still have not filed your return after your extension expires, what happens next depends on whether or not you owe money.

  • If you are owed a refund
    The good news is that the IRS does not penalize you for filing late if you do not owe any money. However, you will not receive your refund until you file your return, so it is in your best interest to do so as soon as possible.
  • If you owe the IRS money
    This is where things get serious. If you have not filed your return and owe taxes, you may face two types of penalties:

    • Late filing penalty
      The IRS charges a 5 percent penalty per month on any unpaid taxes, up to a maximum of 25 percent of your total balance. If you file more than 60 days late, the minimum penalty is $485 or 100 percent of what you owe, whichever is smaller.
    • Late payment penalty and interest
      Even if you filed an extension, the IRS expects you to pay your taxes by April 15. If you did not, you will be charged a 0.5 percent penalty per month on your unpaid balance. Interest will also continue to grow over time.

Ignoring your tax obligations for too long can result in serious collection actions from the IRS. They may freeze your bank accounts, garnish your wages, or place a lien on your property. The best thing to do is file your return as soon as possible, even if you cannot afford to pay the full amount.

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How to Reduce Your Tax Bill and Avoid Future Extensions

One of the biggest reasons OnlyFans creators file for tax extensions is because they do not have their financial records organized. If you often find yourself scrambling at tax time, here are some ways to make the process easier.

1. Track and Deduct Business Expenses

As a self-employed content creator, you can lower your tax bill by deducting expenses related to your work. Some of the most common OnlyFans tax deductions include:

  • Wi-Fi and phone bills (used for business)
  • Cameras, lighting, and recording equipment
  • OnlyFans subscription fees (if used for business purposes)
  • Marketing and advertising expenses
  • Home office deductions (if you have a dedicated workspace)

2. Pay Estimated Taxes on Time

If you make more than $400 a year from OnlyFans, you owe self-employment tax on top of your regular income tax. Instead of paying everything at once, the IRS expects you to make quarterly tax payments on these dates:

  • April 15
  • June 15
  • September 15
  • January 15

Making these payments on time helps avoid tax surprises and may even eliminate the need for a tax extension.

3. Work With a Tax Professional

Tax laws can be tricky, especially for OnlyFans creators and self-employed workers who need to manage both business income and potential hobby income. A tax professional can provide valuable tax advice, helping you determine which tax write-offs you qualify for and ensuring that you are paying the correct amount.

If you owe more than expected, a tax professional can also assist in setting up a payment plan to avoid penalties. Whether you are navigating self-employment taxes or unsure if your OnlyFans income qualifies as a business, professional guidance can help keep you tax compliant and stress-free.

FAQs

What should I do if I forgot to file my first tax extension?

You may already be accruing penalties if you missed the April 15 deadline and did not file an extension. The best thing to do is file your return as soon as possible to minimize additional fees.

Can I file a second extension for state taxes?

Some states allow a second extension for state income taxes, even though the IRS does not. Check with your state tax agency to see if additional time is available.

What if I cannot pay my taxes by the deadline?

If you cannot afford to pay your taxes in full, you should still file your return to avoid the late filing penalty. The IRS offers payment plans that allow you to pay your balance over time.

How can I avoid tax extension problems in the future?

The best way to avoid needing an extension is to stay organized throughout the year, pay estimated taxes, and work with a tax professional who understands self-employment taxes.

Conclusion

The IRS only allows one tax extension per tax year, making October 15 the final deadline for OnlyFans creators who have already received an extension. If you have not filed your tax return, penalties and interest on your remaining balance can grow quickly. Since self-employed creators must report OnlyFans income as business income, staying on top of tax compliance is crucial. Properly tracking gross income, net income, and tax write-offs ensures that you file the right tax forms and avoid unnecessary fees.

Since the IRS does not allow a second tax extension, missing the calendar year deadline can result in late tax payments and added interest. If you are struggling to pay taxes, options like installment plans may be available, especially if you can show undue hardship. To prevent last-minute stress, making estimated tax payments, using electronic filing, and working with a tax professional can help you stay ahead of OnlyFans taxes and keep your OnlyFans account running smoothly.

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.