✓Quick Takeaways
- All OnlyFans income is taxable—there is no minimum threshold to start owing taxes
- OnlyFans sends a 1099-NEC if you earn $600+ and reports your income to the IRS
- You're considered self-employed and must pay self-employment tax (15.3%) plus income tax
- Quarterly estimated taxes are required if you expect to owe $1,000+ in taxes for the year
- Legitimate business expenses like equipment, internet, and props are tax deductible
Yes, you have to pay taxes on OnlyFans income. Many creators are caught off guard by tax obligations, leading to unexpected bills, penalties, and stress. Whether you're earning $500 or $50,000 monthly, understanding how OnlyFans taxes work is essential for keeping more of what you earn and staying on the right side of the IRS. This guide covers everything creators need to know about OnlyFans taxes in 2025—from how your income is reported to deductions you can claim.
Yes, OnlyFans Income is Taxable
Let's be clear: all income from OnlyFans is taxable income in the United States. There's no loophole or minimum threshold that exempts you.
Self-Employment Income
OnlyFans income is classified as self-employment income. You're essentially running a business, and the IRS treats you as such.
No Minimum Threshold
Unlike some income types, there's no minimum amount before taxes apply. Even $100 in earnings is technically taxable.
All Revenue Types
Subscriptions, tips, PPV sales, and any other OnlyFans income are all taxable. The source doesn't matter.
Cash vs. Payout
You're taxed on earnings when you receive them, not when they hit your bank. Pending balances still count as income.
Consequences of Not Paying
Failing to report income can result in penalties, interest, and potentially criminal charges for tax evasion.
The IRS receives reports of your OnlyFans income directly from the platform. They know what you earned.
How OnlyFans Reports Your Earnings
OnlyFans reports your earnings to the IRS, so the government already knows how much you made before you file.
1099-NEC Form
If you earn $600 or more, OnlyFans sends you (and the IRS) a 1099-NEC form showing your total earnings for the year.
Gross Income Reported
The 1099 shows your gross earnings before OnlyFans takes their 20% cut. You can deduct their fees as a business expense.
Timing
1099 forms are sent by January 31st for the previous tax year. Check your OnlyFans account and email.
Under $600 Still Taxable
If you earned under $600, you won't get a 1099, but the income is still taxable. Report it anyway.
Multiple Platforms
If you're on multiple platforms (Fansly, etc.), you'll receive separate 1099s from each and must report all income.
The IRS matches 1099 forms to tax returns. Not reporting documented income triggers automatic audits.
Understanding Self-Employment Tax
As a self-employed creator, you pay more than just income tax. Self-employment tax is an additional obligation many creators overlook.
Self-Employment Tax Rate
Self-employment tax is 15.3% on net earnings—12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare.
Plus Income Tax
On top of self-employment tax, you pay regular income tax at your bracket rate (10-37% federally).
Total Tax Burden
Most creators should expect to pay 25-35% of net income in total taxes, depending on their tax bracket.
No Withholding
Unlike W-2 jobs, no taxes are withheld from OnlyFans payments. You're responsible for setting money aside.
Deductible Portion
You can deduct half of self-employment tax from your taxable income, slightly reducing your overall burden.
Set aside 30% of every payout for taxes. This prevents surprises when tax season arrives.
Deductions You Can Claim
The good news: legitimate business expenses reduce your taxable income. Smart deduction tracking can save thousands in taxes.
OnlyFans Platform Fee
The 20% OnlyFans takes is a deductible business expense. This is significant—if you gross $100K, that's $20K in deductions.
Equipment and Props
Cameras, lighting, tripods, costumes, lingerie, toys, and other content-creation items are deductible.
Home Office
If you have dedicated space for content creation, you can deduct a portion of rent, utilities, and internet.
Phone and Internet
The business-use percentage of your phone and internet bills are deductible. Track usage percentages.
Marketing and Promotion
Paid promotions, shoutouts, website costs, and professional photos/editing are deductible business expenses.
Keep receipts for everything. Use a separate business bank account and credit card for easy tracking.
Quarterly Estimated Taxes
The IRS expects self-employed individuals to pay taxes throughout the year, not just at filing time.
Who Must Pay Quarterly
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes for the year, you're required to make quarterly estimated payments.
Due Dates
Quarterly payments are due April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year.
How to Calculate
Estimate your annual income, calculate expected taxes, divide by four. Adjust each quarter based on actual earnings.
Underpayment Penalty
Failing to pay quarterly estimates can result in penalties even if you pay everything at filing time.
How to Pay
Pay online at IRS.gov using Direct Pay or EFTPS. Keep confirmation numbers for your records.
Many new creators skip quarterly payments and face penalties. Start paying quarterly from day one.
When to Hire an Accountant
While basic tax situations can be handled yourself, many creators benefit from professional help.
Income Threshold
Once you're earning $20,000+ annually, a tax professional typically saves more than they cost through optimized deductions.
Complex Situations
Multiple income sources, business entity decisions, state tax complexity, or international earnings warrant professional help.
LLC and S-Corp Questions
An accountant can advise whether forming an LLC or S-Corp would reduce your tax burden.
Finding the Right Accountant
Look for CPAs familiar with self-employment, content creators, or adult industry. They understand your unique situation.
Cost vs. Value
Expect to pay $300-1,000 for professional tax preparation. The savings and peace of mind usually exceed the cost.
B9 can connect you with creator-friendly accountants who understand OnlyFans income. Ask when you apply at /apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
OnlyFans taxes are straightforward once you understand the basics: all income is taxable, you're self-employed, and you need to track expenses and pay quarterly estimates. The key to keeping more of your earnings is diligent expense tracking, understanding your deductions, and setting aside 30% of every payout for taxes. Most creators earning over $20K benefit from professional tax help—the savings typically exceed the cost. Don't let taxes catch you off guard. Start organizing your finances now, and tax season will be stress-free.
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