Can You Write Off the OnlyFans Cut in Your Taxes?

If you're an OnlyFans creator, you've probably had this thought cross your mind after seeing that chunky 20% fee come out of your earnings: Can you write off the OnlyFans cut in your taxes? You’re not alone. This question pops up more than you’d think, especially for creators treating their work like a full-blown business (because it is).

Spoiler alert: Yes, you can write off the OnlyFans fee as a business expense. But before you try to deduct everything including your cat’s laser pointer, let's walk through what actually qualifies, how to keep it clean, and why this deduction matters more than most creators realize.

What Is the OnlyFans Cut?

When you earn money on OnlyFans, the platform takes 20% of your revenue before you ever see a cent. So if a fan tips you $100 or pays for a subscription, OnlyFans pockets $20, and you get $80.

That 20% isn’t some vague platform magic—it’s a real business expense. Just like a shop owner paying rent or a YouTuber investing in editing software, that fee is the cost of doing business on their platform. Since you never actually receive the money, it may seem odd to write it off. But that’s the whole point: You’re taxed on what you earn, not what the platform keeps. If you don’t claim the cut as a deduction, you’re paying taxes on money you didn’t even touch.

Can You Legally Deduct the OnlyFans Fee?

Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Absolutely, and you should.

The IRS (and most tax authorities) allow self-employed individuals to deduct ordinary and necessary expenses from their taxable income. The OnlyFans fee is considered both ordinary and necessary if you’re running your account as a business or side hustle.

So go ahead—note the platform fee in your tax records. It’s no different than PayPal fees, credit card transaction charges, or studio rental costs. If you’re getting taxed as a self-employed creator, deducting this fee is not just allowed. It’s smart.

For more clarity on which taxes you’ll actually need to deal with, read Do You Have To Pay Taxes on OnlyFans?

How To Track the OnlyFans Cut Correctly

Keeping track of deductions isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity if you want to stay out of trouble and maximize your earnings. The OnlyFans fee is automatically subtracted from your payouts, which makes your job easier.

Here’s how to keep it simple:

• Use OnlyFans payout reports to log your total earnings and the platform fees.

• Export statements monthly and highlight the difference between gross income and net payout.

• Track your income and expenses in a spreadsheet, accounting software, or even a basic Google Sheet.

You can read our Ultimate Guide to OnlyFans and Taxes for deeper insights into best practices.

Why This Write-Off Actually Matters

Let’s say you make $80,000 gross on OnlyFans. That’s before the 20% cut. After the platform fee, you’ve got $64,000 in your pocket. If you don’t claim that $16,000 fee as a deduction, you could be overpaying thousands in taxes.

Assuming a 25% tax rate, failing to deduct $16,000 means you’re needlessly handing over $4,000 or more to your tax agency. That’s money you could reinvest into content, studio upgrades, or a vacation you actually deserve.

It’s not just about the OnlyFans cut either. You can also write off expenses like lighting, internet, chat help, costumes, and yes, even part of your home office if it qualifies. What OnlyFans Tax Write-Offs Can I Declare? breaks that down in full detail.

Is This Different From Other Fees Like Tips or PPV Cuts?

Nope, same logic applies. Whether the 20% is taken from a monthly subscription, PPV sale, or tip, the math is the same. That 20% is still a platform fee and it reduces your taxable income. Just be consistent in how you log and report it.

This also includes any fees you pay to agencies or chat services. If you're working with professionals who take a cut (like PhoeniX Creators), their share is also deductible as a business expense—as long as you’re properly invoiced or have a profit share agreement.

Need a better breakdown of PPV earnings and tips? Check out How Much Does OnlyFans Take From Tips?

How To Add This To Your Taxes (Without Losing Your Mind)

You don’t need to be a tax genius. Here’s the process:

1. Keep monthly records of your gross income and deductions.

2. Include platform fees in your Schedule C (if filing in the U.S.) under "Commissions and Fees."

3. Use your OnlyFans reports as backup.

4. File your taxes—or better yet, work with a tax pro who understands creator income.

If you’re based in another country, the logic still applies. Check what counts as deductible for self-employment income under your local tax laws. If your country taxes you as a business, the OnlyFans fee qualifies.

Can You Deduct Agency Fees Too?

Yes—assuming they are legitimate business expenses and you’re not just handing money to your cousin to pretend they manage your chat. Any cut that goes to a verified, contracted agency can also be claimed as a deduction.

Working with PhoeniX Creators? That’s a legit agency agreement, and the percentage we take from your revenue counts as a cost of doing business. Just like the platform fee, it’s part of what it costs to grow, scale, and stay competitive.

If you’re curious about whether it’s worth it to partner with an agency or do everything yourself, read OnlyFans Marketing Agency VS. Doing It Yourself

Final Tip: Don’t Guess, Track Everything

If you’re still winging your taxes, stop now. Treat your OnlyFans like a business, not a gamble. The more detailed your records, the more deductions you can make—and the less tax you’ll owe.

Need help scaling to the point where taxes are your biggest problem? Let’s talk. We work with top creators who take their income seriously and want to grow it smart.

Contact PhoeniX Creators to learn how we can help boost your earnings, simplify your backend, and free up more time to create.