TL;DR:

If you’re making money on OnlyFans, you are self-employed—and that means taxes are your responsibility. You must report all income, pay self-employment and income taxes, and file quarterly estimated payments to avoid penalties. The good news? You can lower your tax bill by deducting legitimate business expenses like home office costs, equipment, marketing, and more. If you’re earning $60K+ in profit, it might be worth forming an LLC and electing S Corp status to save on self-employment taxes. The IRS sees your income—so don’t skip out. Stay organized, pay on time, and consider getting help from a tax professional to maximize savings and stay compliant.

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Think making money on OnlyFans is tax-free? Think again.

If you’re not handling your taxes the right way, the IRS could come knocking—and it won’t be fun.

If you’re an OnlyFans creator, you’re technically self-employed, which means tax season can get complicated. Unlike a regular job, there’s no boss automatically withholding your taxes.

So, do you have to pay taxes on your OnlyFans income? How much do you owe? What can you write off? And how do you avoid overpaying—or worse, underpaying?

In this guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about OnlyFans taxes—how they work, the best deductions to lower your bill, and how to keep more of your money.

Do You Have to Pay Taxes on OnlyFans Income?

Yes. The IRS considers any money you make on OnlyFans as taxable self-employment income. Whether you earn $500 or $500,000, you’re required to report it.

Why OnlyFans Creators Are Considered Self-Employed

OnlyFans doesn’t hire you as an employee. Instead, you’re treated as an independent contractor. That means:

• You’re responsible for managing your own business.
• You pay your own taxes.
• You cover your own expenses.

OnlyFans does not withhold taxes from your payments—so it’s up to you to set that money aside.

How Much Tax Do You Owe on OnlyFans Income?

Your tax bill depends on your profit—the amount left after business expenses. But here’s the general breakdown:

• Self-Employment Tax (15.3%) – This covers Social Security and Medicare. Normally, an employer would pay half, but as a self-employed creator, you pay the full amount.
• Federal Income Tax (10% to 37%) – Based on your income and tax bracket.
• State Income Tax – Varies depending on where you live. States like Texas and Florida have no income tax.

Example: If you earn $100,000 in profit from OnlyFans:

• Self-employment tax: ~$15,300
• Plus: Federal and state income taxes (based on your specific situation)

OnlyFans Tax Deductions – What Can You Write Off?

As a self-employed creator, you can deduct legitimate business expenses to lower your taxable income. Less taxable income = less tax owed.

Top Tax Write-Offs for OnlyFans Creators:

• Home Office Deduction – A portion of your rent, utilities, and internet if you create content at home.
• Camera & Equipment – Laptops, tripods, ring lights, microphones—if you use it for content, it’s deductible.
• Costumes & Props – Outfits, lingerie, makeup, wigs—business use only.
• Editing Software & Subscriptions – Adobe Premiere, Canva, Photoshop, etc.
• Breast Implants – Can be deductible if directly related to your business and proven necessary.
• Education & Classes – Pole dancing, acting, aerial arts—if used to improve your content.
• Marketing & Promotions – Paid ads, website hosting, Linktree, social media tools.
• Phone & Internet Bill – A percentage based on business use.
• Travel Expenses – Flights, hotels, and mileage if you travel for content.
• Business Meals – 50% deductible when meeting collaborators.

Common Expenses That Are Not Deductible:

• Cosmetic Surgery – Not deductible unless proven medically necessary for business.
• Health Club Memberships – Considered personal expenses.
• MedSpa Treatments – Typically not deductible.
• Manicures/Nail Care – Grooming expenses are not allowed, even if they’re part of your brand.

Pro Tip: Always keep your receipts. Use accounting software like QuickBooks or simple spreadsheets to stay organized.

How to Pay Your OnlyFans Taxes

Since OnlyFans doesn’t withhold taxes, you’ll need to make estimated tax payments to avoid penalties.

Estimated Taxes: What You Need to Know

• The IRS expects quarterly payments from self-employed individuals.
• Key dates: April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15
• Pay online via IRS Direct Pay
• Check your state’s website for state tax payment options

If you don’t pay quarterly, you could face penalties and a big bill come tax time.

Should You Form an LLC or S Corp for Your OnlyFans Business?

If you’re making serious money, setting up a business entity can protect your assets and save on taxes.

LLC (Limited Liability Company)

• Adds legal protection by separating personal and business assets
• Does not reduce self-employment taxes by default

S Corp (S Corporation)

• A tax election you can make as an LLC
• Allows you to split income into salary and distributions
• Only the salary is subject to self-employment taxes

When to Consider an S Corp:

• You’re earning $60,000+ in profit per year
• You want to reduce your self-employment tax liability
• You’re comfortable managing payroll and formal bookkeeping

Talk to a tax professional to see if an LLC or S Corp is right for your situation.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay Taxes on OnlyFans Income?

Failing to pay taxes can lead to serious consequences:

• IRS Audits – OnlyFans sends 1099-NEC forms to the IRS. They know how much you made.
• Penalties & Interest – You’ll owe more the longer you wait.
• Legal Trouble – In rare cases, unpaid taxes can lead to liens or criminal charges.

Bottom line? Don’t ignore your tax obligations. Stay ahead of it.

FAQ: OnlyFans Taxes

Q. Do I really have to pay taxes if I only made a few hundred dollars?
A. Yes. Any self-employment income over $400 must be reported and taxed.

Q. What forms will I get from OnlyFans?
A. OnlyFans typically sends you a 1099-NEC if you earned $600 or more in a year.

Q. Can I deduct part of my rent if I shoot content at home?
A. Yes. If you have a dedicated workspace used exclusively for business, you may qualify for a home office deduction.

Q. Is it worth forming an LLC or S Corp if I’m just starting out?
A. If you’re making less than $50K, it might not be worth the cost yet. But talk to a pro to evaluate your situation.

Q. What happens if I forget to pay quarterly estimated taxes?
A. You may owe penalties and interest when you file your return. It’s best to catch up as soon as possible.

Q. Can I file my taxes myself or do I need an accountant?
A. If your situation is simple, you can file using tax software. But if you’re earning serious money or have lots of deductions, it’s worth hiring a tax professional.

Final Thoughts

Taxes don’t have to be scary. As an OnlyFans creator, you just need to be proactive. Keep good records, make quarterly payments, take all the deductions you qualify for, and consider a business entity if you’re scaling. That way, you keep more of what you earn—and stay out of trouble with the IRS.