Running an OnlyFans account can be a great source of income, but it also comes with real tax obligations that many creators overlook. The IRS views your content creation as a business, not a hobby, which means you’re expected to report all income, manage business expenses, and stay compliant with federal and state tax laws. Whether you earn a few hundred dollars a month or make consistent five-figure income, your OnlyFans earnings count as self-employment income. Understanding this early helps you avoid common tax mistakes, reduce penalties, and keep more of what you earn. Staying compliant helps you avoid penalties and maximize your earnings.
Treating your content like a real business gives you control over your finances and the chance to benefit from legal tax write-offs. You’ll need to track expenses, set aside funds for quarterly estimated taxes, and organize receipts for everything related to your work, from equipment and software to marketing costs. With the right structure, such as forming an LLC or even electing S Corporation status, you can protect your income, lower your tax liability, and grow your brand with confidence.
How the IRS Sees Your OnlyFans Income
The IRS considers OnlyFans creators to be self-employed individuals. The IRS treats OnlyFans income just like any other business income earned from self-employment. Whether your earnings come from subscriptions, tips, or pay-per-view content, they’re considered taxable income for federal and state income tax purposes. This means you’re responsible for reporting every dollar you earn, tracking your expenses, and making quarterly estimated tax payments. Treating your content creation like a real business not only keeps you compliant but also helps you claim valuable tax write-offs and manage your overall tax liability more effectively.
You’re Considered Self-Employed
If you receive payment through OnlyFans, you’re earning self-employment income. That means you’re not an employee, and taxes aren’t being withheld for you. You’re considered a sole proprietor in the eyes of the IRS, which comes with both responsibilities and benefits. Self-employed individuals are responsible for paying their own taxes, including self-employment taxes.
As a self-employed creator, you’re required to:
- Report your total income on a Schedule C form
- Pay self-employment taxes, including Social Security and Medicare
- File your tax return using the appropriate filing status
This is similar to how other small business owners operate. You’re running a business, which means tracking gross income, expenses, and profit.
Now that you know how the IRS classifies your OnlyFans income, let’s explore what counts as taxable income.
What Counts as Taxable Income?
Your OnlyFans income includes everything you receive from:
- Subscriptions
- Tips
- Pay-per-view content
- Bonuses and referral programs
Self-employed individuals must report all income earned from platforms like OnlyFans to the IRS. Even if you don’t receive a 1099 form, this money still counts as taxable income. OnlyFans provides a 1099-NEC form to creators who earn more than $600 in a year. The IRS requires you to report all income earned during the tax year, regardless of whether a form was issued.
Tip: Keep a monthly log of everything you earn and spend. This will make filing your taxes much easier and more accurate.
With a clear understanding of what income you need to report, let’s move on to your federal and state tax obligations.
Federal and State Tax Obligations
When it comes to taxes, your OnlyFans income is subject to both federal and state reporting requirements. At the federal level, your taxable income determines how much you owe in federal income tax and self-employment taxes. Your adjusted gross income (AGI), which factors in deductions like business expenses and creator-related costs, plays a key role in calculating your tax bill. Taxable income is calculated by subtracting deductions from adjusted gross income (AGI). On the state side, most small business owners must also report their earnings and pay state income taxes, though the rates and rules vary depending on where you live.
How Federal Taxes Work
At the federal level, you’ll likely owe:
- Federal income taxes are based on your tax bracket
- Self-employment taxes (currently 15.3%)
Your adjusted gross income (AGI) is used to calculate how much you owe. AGI is your total income minus allowable deductions, like OnlyFans tax write-offs.
How State and Local Taxes Work
Each state has different taxation laws. Some don’t collect income tax, while others do. You may also owe taxes to local governments depending on where you live or run your business.
Be sure to check with a local tax agency or professional to understand your responsibilities in your state.
Now that you understand your tax obligations, let’s look at how to make estimated tax payments throughout the year.
Making Estimated Tax Payments
Since no one is withholding taxes for you, you’re expected to make estimated tax payments throughout the year, not just at tax time. The IRS expects payments in April, June, September, and January.
Failing to do this can result in a penalty and a bigger tax bill than you expected.
Estimated Tax Payment Schedule
| Quarter | Income Period | Payment Due |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | April 15 |
| Q2 | Apr 1 – May 31 | June 15 |
| Q3 | Jun 1 – Aug 31 | Sept 15 |
| Q4 | Sep 1 – Dec 31 | Jan 15 |
Staying on top of estimated payments helps you avoid penalties and manage your cash flow. Next, let’s see how you can reduce your tax bill with business deductions.
What Can You Deduct as Business Expenses?
Here’s where being self-employed can work in your favor. The IRS allows you to deduct ordinary and necessary business expenses related to running your OnlyFans business. These reduce your taxable income and lower your tax liability.
Common Deductible Expenses
- Camera, lighting, tripods, microphones
- Editing software and online tools
- Costumes, makeup, hair styling
- Props and content supplies
- Home studio space (if used regularly and exclusively)
- Phone, laptop, and accessories
- Portion of your wi-fi and utility bills
- Website hosting or domain fees
- Professional services (legal, accounting, coaching)
How to Qualify Deductions
To qualify, expenses must be directly related to your OnlyFans business and not personal use.
By maximizing your deductions, you can significantly lower your taxable income. Now, let’s break down how to file your tax return as an OnlyFans creator.
Understanding Your Tax Return
When tax season rolls around, you’ll file a Form 1040 with a Schedule C to report your income and expenses. You’ll also attach a Schedule SE to calculate and pay self-employment taxes.
Depending on your filing status, income level, and deductions, you may also be eligible for certain tax credits or personal exemptions that lower your overall tax obligation. Tax credits apply to your tax liability, reducing the amount of tax owed.
Reminder: Always keep receipts, invoices, and statements for at least 3 years in case the IRS requests documentation.
Once you understand how to file your taxes, you may wonder if you should remain a sole proprietor or form an LLC. Let’s explore your options.
LLC or Sole Proprietor: What’s Better?
Most creators start out as sole proprietors. It’s simple, free, and doesn’t require formal registration.
But once your OnlyFans account starts pulling in more income, you might want to form an LLC for added legal protection and potential tax benefits.
An LLC doesn’t change how you file taxes by default. It can:
- Separate your business and personal finances
- Reduce personal debt risk if legal issues arise
- Allow you to choose S-Corp status to lower payroll taxes if your income is high enough
Talk to a tax pro to determine what’s right for your business.
Now that you know your options for structuring your business, let’s discuss what happens if you don’t pay your taxes.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay Taxes?
Avoiding your tax obligation can lead to real consequences:
- Penalties and interest
- Audits
- Wage garnishment
- Tax liens
Creators who don’t pay taxes or file on time can end up owing more than their original tax bill. If you’re feeling behind, it’s better to reach out to a tax professional early.
Let’s answer some of the most common questions OnlyFans creators have about taxes.
FAQs
Do I have to pay taxes if I make under $600 on OnlyFans?
Yes, you still have to pay taxes even if you make less than $600. The IRS requires you to report all self-employment income, regardless of whether you receive a 1099 form. Every dollar earned on your OnlyFans account counts as taxable income. OnlyFans provides a 1099-NEC form to creators who earn more than $600 in a year.
Can I deduct personal items used in my content?
You can deduct items that are used directly for your OnlyFans business, but only the portion tied to content creation. For example, if you buy makeup for both personal and filming use, you can only deduct the business-related part. Keeping a record of how each item supports your content helps justify your tax write-offs.
What if I didn’t make estimated tax payments this year?
If you missed your quarterly estimated taxes, you might owe penalties when filing your income tax return. It’s best to calculate and make your payments now to reduce what you owe later. Going forward, plan to pay quarterly to stay on top of your tax obligations.
Do I need to keep receipts for everything?
Yes, keeping detailed receipts and statements is essential for your business expenses. They act as proof if the IRS ever questions your deductions or tax return. Digital copies are fine, as long as they clearly show the date, amount, and business purpose.
Conclusion
Understanding your tax obligation as an OnlyFans creator can feel like a lot, but once you treat your account like a real business, it becomes much easier to manage. The key is to stay organized, make quarterly payments, track everything, and work with someone who actually understands the industry. You’re not just a content creator. You’re a business owner. And that comes with responsibilities, but also real opportunities to lower your tax liability, protect your income, and keep growing.
At The OnlyFans Accountant, we specialize in maximizing tax refunds for OnlyFans creators. Let us help you navigate the complexities of tax season and make sure you get the most out of your filing. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and start optimizing your tax strategy for the tax season.