Accounting and Tax

Partnership Tax Return Form for OnlyFans Creators: What You Need to Know

By Matt Cohen November 13, 2025

Managing taxes is one of the less exciting parts of running a business as an OnlyFans creator. However, it’s crucial for keeping your financial house in order and avoiding issues down the line. If you’re working with other creators, sharing profits, or splitting expenses, you may need to file a partnership tax return form.

This guide will break down what the partnership tax return form is, who needs to file it, how to fill it out, and the common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re new to partnerships or just looking for clearer guidance, you’ll find everything you need to know to stay compliant and keep your business running smoothly.

Woman filling out partnership tax return form.

What is a Partnership Tax Return Form?

A partnership tax return form (Form 1065) is the official document used by partnerships to report income, deductions, and profits to the IRS. It is required for businesses with multiple owners or partners, which applies to many OnlyFans creators who collaborate with other content creators, share profits, or work under a business structure like an LLC or LLP.

The partnership doesn’t pay taxes directly. Instead, profits and losses are passed through to the individual partners, who report them on their personal tax returns. This structure is known as pass-through taxation, and it is one of the main benefits of partnerships: the business itself isn’t taxed, but each partner reports their share of income.

Who Needs to File a Partnership Tax Return Form?

If you’re running a business with at least one other person and you’re sharing profits or losses, you’ll likely need to file a partnership tax return form. Here’s a breakdown:

Multi-Member LLCs

If you’ve set up a multi-member LLC for your OnlyFans business, it will typically be treated as a partnership for tax purposes, and you’ll need to file Form 1065.

General Partnerships

A general partnership is one where two or more people share ownership and control of the business. If you’re working with another creator and sharing profits, you fall under this category.

Limited Partnerships (LPs) and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)

These business structures are also required to file Form 1065. The key is that the income and losses flow through to individual partners, who report them on their personal tax returns.

Collaborative Content Creators

If you’re collaborating with other creators on projects, the partnership structure may apply, and Form 1065 will be necessary to report the financial details.

Key Components of the Partnership Tax Return Form

Understanding the sections of Form 1065 is essential to filing your taxes correctly. Here’s a breakdown of the main sections:

Income (Lines 1-5)

In this section, you’ll report all of the business’s income for the year. For OnlyFans creators, this could include:

  • Subscription fees received from fans.
  • Tips or donations from followers.
  • Payments from sponsored content or brand deals.

Accurate reporting of income is crucial for avoiding audits or penalties.

Deductions (Lines 6-21)

The deductions section allows you to subtract business expenses from your total income. Common deductions for OnlyFans creators might include:

  • Content production costs, such as cameras, lighting, and video editing software.
  • Platform fees (OnlyFans takes a percentage of your earnings).
  • Marketing expenses, like social media ads or website costs.
  • Home office deductions if you work from home.

Deductions reduce your taxable income, which could result in a lower tax bill.

Schedule K-1 (Line 22)

Schedule K-1 is where each partner’s share of the business’s income, deductions, and credits are reported. You must prepare a K-1 for each partner, who will then use it to report their share of profits and losses on their individual tax return.

Net Income or Loss (Line 22)

This section calculates your net income or net loss after considering income and deductions. The net amount is distributed among the partners based on their share of the business.

How to Fill Out the Partnership Tax Return Form: Step-by-Step

Filing your partnership tax return form doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s walk through the steps to ensure you’re on the right track.

Step 1: Gather Your Financial Records

Before you start filling out the form, collect the following:

  • Income statements from OnlyFans, brand deals, and tips.
  • Expense receipts for content creation, platform fees, and marketing costs.
  • Bank statements to verify your income.

Having organized records will make the process much easier.

Step 2: Complete Form 1065

Now, it’s time to fill out Form 1065, beginning with the income and deductions sections. This is where you report everything that has come in and all expenses that can be deducted.

Step 3: Fill Out Schedule K-1 for Each Partner

For each partner, you’ll need to complete a Schedule K-1. This document shows their share of income, deductions, and credits, and they will use this information when filing their personal tax returns.

Step 4: Submit the Form

Once everything is completed, submit the form to the IRS by the appropriate deadline. Don’t forget to provide each partner with a copy of their Schedule K-1.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Partnership Tax Return

Filing a partnership tax return can get tricky, but avoiding these common mistakes will help you stay on track:

Missing Deadlines

The IRS requires Form 1065 to be filed by March 15 of the following year. Missing this deadline can lead to penalties and interest charges.

Incorrectly Reporting Income

Make sure to report all sources of income no matter how small. For OnlyFans creators, this includes not only subscription fees but also tips, brand deals, and any other form of payment.

Not Filing Schedule K-1

Every partner in the business must receive a Schedule K-1 so they can report their share of income and deductions. If you forget to file or distribute the K-1s, it could cause problems for your partners.

Mixing Personal and Business Expenses

Keep your business expenses separate from personal expenses. Mixing the two can complicate your deductions and may trigger an audit.

Tax Planning Strategies for OnlyFans Creator Partnerships

Tax planning is crucial to keeping more of what you earn. Here are some tips to optimize your taxes as an OnlyFans creator:

Choose the Right Business Structure

While partnerships offer certain benefits, you may want to consider other business structures, such as an LLC or S-corp, to reduce your tax liability. A tax professional can help you determine the best structure for your business.

Maximize Your Deductions

Keep track of every business expense, no matter how small. The more expenses you can deduct, the lower your taxable income will be. Don’t forget about expenses like equipment, software subscriptions, and home office costs.

Track Your Income Regularly

Use accounting software to track your income and expenses throughout the year. This will make it easier when it’s time to file and help ensure that nothing gets missed.

Pay Estimated Taxes

As a partner in a business, you’ll likely be responsible for self-employment taxes on your share of the profits. Be sure to set aside money for these payments and avoid a big tax bill at the end of the year.

OnlyFans creator discussing partnership tax return form with a tax professional.

FAQs

What tax form do you file for OnlyFans?

If you’re part of a partnership, you’ll file Form 1065. If you’re a sole proprietor, you’ll file Schedule C with your personal tax return. This form is part of your tax compliance, ensuring that you meet the IRS regulations for reporting your OnlyFans taxes accurately.

Does OnlyFans show up on tax returns?

Yes, all your OnlyFans income should be reported on your tax return. This includes subscriptions, tips, and any other business-related income. The IRS considers this income taxable, and failing to report it can lead to penalties. Be sure to log every source of income to comply with tax law and avoid any tax issues.

How to show OnlyFans as proof of income?

You can show your OnlyFans income by providing bank statements, payment reports, or financial data from your OnlyFans account. These documents will serve as proof of your earnings. If needed, you may also include details of any tax year payments made to confirm your income.

What is a W9 form for OnlyFans?

A W9 form is required when you receive payments from businesses or individuals for services. It provides your taxpayer identification number (TIN) to the payer. You’re legally liable to send the form upon request, and it’s necessary for tax compliance when creating content or receiving payments from outside sources.

Conclusion

Filing your partnership tax return form is a crucial step for ensuring tax compliance as an OnlyFans creator. By maintaining an organized log of income and expenses throughout the tax year, you can comply with tax regulations and avoid failure to meet IRS requirements. Whether you’re creating content on your own or with partners, it’s essential to accurately report your income and deductions. Following the proper guidelines helps reduce the impact of taxes on your business and ensures you’re not liable for any penalties. With careful calculation of deductions and timely filing, you can register your business, send the necessary forms, and avoid mistakes that could cost you. Staying updated on changes to the law ensures that you can agree with ordinary tax practices and maintain compliance with the world’s tax system.

At The OnlyFans Accountant, we specialize in helping OnlyFans creators navigate the complexities of tax compliance. Whether you’re tackling OnlyFans taxes for the first time or optimizing your current strategy, our expertise ensures that you stay on track and maximize your deductions. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and let us help you build a strong, tax-efficient strategy for the upcoming tax season.