What Is the Tax Form for OnlyFans? Avoid IRS Penalties Now

If you’re making money on OnlyFans, you might be wondering, what is the tax form for OnlyFans? The short answer: It depends on how much you earn. OnlyFans creators are considered self-employed by the IRS, meaning their earnings are taxable income and subject to income taxes.

Failing to report your OnlyFans income can lead to penalties, fines, and unnecessary headaches. This guide breaks down the tax obligations for OnlyFans creators, the forms you need to file, and how to avoid IRS trouble.

Do OnlyFans Creators Need to Pay Taxes?

Yes. If you make money on OnlyFans, you are required to pay income tax, self-employment tax, and possibly state taxes. Paying taxes is a crucial responsibility for OnlyFans creators. Since OnlyFans does not withhold taxes from your earnings, you are responsible for paying them yourself.

Types of Taxes You Owe:

• Income Tax – Paid on all taxable income, including OnlyFans earnings.
• Self-Employment Tax – Covers Social Security and Medicare (15.3%). OnlyFans creators must pay self-employment taxes based on their total earnings, reporting their income on specific tax forms like Schedule C and Schedule SE.
• State Taxes – Varies by location; some states have no income tax.

Tax Forms You Need as an OnlyFans Creator

Since OnlyFans content creators are considered independent contractors, your earnings are reported using tax forms typically associated with self-employment.

Gross business income refers to the total earnings reported on a 1099-NEC form received by OnlyFans creators at the end of the year. This figure helps creators understand their income before deducting any business expenses when filing their taxes, as it is essential for completing tax-related documents like Schedule C.

Form 1099-NEC (Nonemployee Compensation)

• OnlyFans issues this form if you earned $600 or more in a tax year.
• It reports your total earnings from the platform.
• You use this form when filing your tax return.

Even with the correct form, creators still need to understand how OnlyFans taxes work overall, including self-employment tax and deductions.

Form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification)

• OnlyFans may request this form before issuing payments.
• You provide your Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Form 1040 + Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business)

• Used to report self-employment income and expenses.
• Schedule C allows you to deduct business expenses from gross income.
• Helps determine net income, which is the income after deducting expenses and commissions, and is crucial for filing accurate tax returns and determining the amount owed in taxes.

Schedule SE (Self-Employment Tax)

• Calculates Social Security and Medicare taxes owed.
• Required for those earning $400 or more from self-employment.

How to File OnlyFans Taxes Correctly

Step 1: Track Your OnlyFans Income and Expenses

You must report all income, even if you don’t receive a 1099 form. This includes payments from:

• OnlyFans earnings
• Tips
• Paid collaborations
• Money received through third-party payment platforms (CashApp, Venmo, PayPal)

Step 2: Deduct Business Expenses to Reduce Your Tax Bill

One of the biggest advantages of being self-employed is claiming tax deductions. These expenses reduce your adjusted gross income and lower the amount of self-employment tax you owe.

This table shows the common OnlyFans tax write-offs:

Expense Category	Examples
Equipment and Supplies	Cameras, lighting, microphones
Home Office Deduction	A portion of rent/mortgage and utilities
Internet and Phone Bills	Business-related costs only
Costumes and Props	Outfits, accessories used for content
Marketing and Ads	Paid promotions, website hosting
Software and Apps	Editing tools, cloud storage, security apps

Step 3: Pay Estimated Taxes Every Quarter

If you expect to owe more than $1,000 in taxes, you must pay estimated taxes quarterly to avoid penalties.

Here are the quarterly estimated tax deadlines:

• April 15 – Q1 Payment (January – March earnings)
• June 15 – Q2 Payment (April – June earnings)
• September 15 – Q3 Payment (July – September earnings)
• January 15 – Q4 Payment (October – December earnings)

Common OnlyFans Tax Mistakes to Avoid

Many OnlyFans creators make the same tax mistakes, especially in their first year earning income. The sections below cover the most common issues we see and how to avoid them before they turn into penalties or overpaid taxes.

Not Reporting Income

Some creators assume OnlyFans’ income isn’t taxable if they don’t get a 1099. This is false. All income must be reported to the IRS.

Forgetting to Deduct Business Expenses

Failing to claim all your business expenses results in overpaying taxes. Keep track of every eligible expense.

Missing Quarterly Tax Payments

Self-employed individuals must pay estimated taxes throughout the year. Late payments result in IRS penalties.

Mixing Business and Personal Finances

Separate your OnlyFans earnings from personal accounts. Open a business bank account to simplify tax filing.

FAQs

What if I don’t get a 1099 from OnlyFans?

You still need to report all income. If you earned under $600, OnlyFans won’t send a 1099, but the IRS still expects you to file taxes.

How much taxes do I need to pay on OnlyFans income?

It depends on your filing status, tax bracket, and business deductions. On average, self-employed individuals set aside 25-30% of earnings for taxes.

Can I deduct OnlyFans-related expenses?

Yes! OnlyFans tax write-offs include equipment, internet bills, marketing costs, and more. These reduce taxable income and lower your tax liability.

Should I hire a tax professional?

If you’re earning serious money, a tax preparer can ensure you file OnlyFans taxes correctly and maximize tax credits.

Conclusion

Understanding your tax responsibilities as an OnlyFans creator is crucial to avoid penalties. The IRS treats OnlyFans earnings as self-employment income, meaning you must report income, pay self-employment tax, and file tax returns. By keeping good records, deducting business-related expenses, and paying estimated taxes, you can lower your tax bill and stay compliant. If you’re unsure how to handle OnlyFans taxes, consider working with a tax professional to get expert guidance. Staying informed about OnlyFans tax regulations will save you money and keep your business running smoothly!

At The OnlyFans Accountant, we work exclusively with creators who want to stay compliant and avoid IRS penalties. We help OnlyFans creators file the correct tax forms, report income properly, claim legitimate deductions, and stay on top of quarterly tax payments. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get clear guidance on handling your OnlyFans taxes correctly.