Do You Have to Pay Taxes on OnlyFans?

So, you made money on OnlyFans. Whether it was ten bucks from a loyal fan or ten grand in one weekend, here's the question that stops the scroll: Do you have to pay taxes on OnlyFans? Short answer: yes. But the long answer is where the real damage control starts. If you want to stay off the taxman’s radar and keep more of your hard-earned cash, read on.

Why OnlyFans Earnings Are Considered Taxable Income

OnlyFans doesn’t give you a paycheck. You’re not an employee. You’re a self-employed content creator. And that means the money you make is considered business income. Whether it comes from subscriptions, tips, pay-per-view content, or custom requests, it’s all reportable.

The second you earn over a certain amount (this varies by country), you’re required to report that income to your tax authority. For creators in the U.S., that threshold is $400 in net earnings. In many other countries, it kicks in even earlier.

If you’re getting paid, you’re getting taxed. There’s no platform exemption, no OnlyFans loophole, and no such thing as “off-the-record” unless you want to deal with audits, penalties, or worse.

Want to understand how the platform works in more detail? We cover that here: How Does OnlyFans Work

What Forms Does OnlyFans Send You?

If you’re based in the U.S., OnlyFans (via its payment processors like Paxum or OF Payments) doesn’t actually send a W-2. That’s for employees. You’ll likely get a 1099-NEC or 1099-K depending on how much you made and the processor used.

1099-NEC vs 1099-K: What’s the Difference?

A 1099-NEC is issued when a platform pays you as an independent contractor. If you received payments totaling over $600 during the year, this form gets sent to you and the IRS. A 1099-K is a bit different. It’s used by payment processors, like Paxum, if you have a high number of transactions or hit a minimum earnings threshold. You might receive one or both, depending on how and where your earnings are processed. Either way, the IRS is watching—so act accordingly.

Either way, these forms are also sent to the IRS. So, don’t assume the IRS won’t know if you skip filing.

Need help figuring out where to find these forms? We’ve got you: How To Find Your 1099 on OnlyFans

What If You’re Outside The U.S.?

Taxes still apply. Whether you're in Canada, the UK, Australia, Germany, or anywhere else, your local tax authority considers OnlyFans earnings as self-employed income. Some countries have tax treaties with the U.S. to avoid double taxation, but you still need to declare the income.

Self-Employed? You Bet

No matter where you live, being an OnlyFans creator is considered a business. You’re offering content, engaging fans, and generating income, so governments expect you to file like a small business. That means tracking your income, declaring expenses, and—yes—paying taxes. Don’t let geography fool you. If you earn, you owe.

Tip: Many creators make the mistake of assuming OnlyFans handles tax withholdings. They don’t. That’s on you.

Do You Have To Pay Taxes If You Don’t Withdraw the Money?

Yes. Even if the money is sitting in your OnlyFans wallet, if you earned it, it’s considered income. The IRS (or your local tax office) doesn’t care if it’s in your Paxum account, your bank, or under your mattress.

Earned vs. Withdrawn Income

Here’s where some creators get tripped up: you don’t need to physically transfer money to your personal account for it to be taxable. If it’s credited to your wallet and available to you, it counts as income. The clock starts ticking the moment the funds land in your account—not when you decide to use them. Keep that in mind when estimating what you owe.

It’s about earned income, not withdrawn income. Big difference.

Can You Reduce Your OnlyFans Tax Bill?

Definitely. You can declare business expenses to lower your taxable income. This includes things like:

• Phone and internet bills (percentage based on use)
• Camera, lighting, props, and costumes
• Makeup and beauty treatments (if used for content)
• Software, editing tools, and subscriptions
• A portion of your rent or utilities (if you film at home)

Deduct Like a Pro

Tracking and claiming expenses isn’t just smart—it’s how businesses survive. From your ring light to your Wi-Fi, if it helps you make money on OnlyFans, it could be deductible. But don’t guess. Keep records. Save receipts. Use accounting software or spreadsheets to track every euro, dollar, or peso. And if you’re unsure, get help from a tax expert who understands creators.

We covered this in more detail here: What OnlyFans Tax Write Offs Can I Declare?

Can You Get In Trouble for Not Paying Taxes on OnlyFans?

Yes. And it’s not worth the risk. Failing to report income from OnlyFans can lead to:

• Audits
• Back taxes
• Fines
• Interest charges
• In extreme cases: criminal charges

The bigger your earnings, the more you’re exposed. The IRS and other tax authorities are increasingly cracking down on creators and freelancers. Payment platforms are required to report payouts, so thinking “they won’t notice” is a rookie mistake. If they know what you earned—and you didn’t file—you’re in for a nasty surprise.

Even if you made just a few hundred dollars, it’s safer to file and show you're trying. Don’t ignore your tax obligations. You’re a business now. Treat it like one.

How Much Should You Set Aside for Taxes?

This depends on your country, income bracket, and allowable deductions. A good rule of thumb is to set aside:

• ✅ 20–30% of your earnings in the U.S.
• ✅ 25–35% in most EU countries
• ✅ Up to 40% in high-tax nations like Germany or France

These estimates include income tax and (in most places) self-employment tax or social security contributions. If you earn more, you’ll pay more. And don’t forget: in some countries, you may need to register as self-employed or submit VAT declarations.

Do You Need an Accountant?

Yes—if you’re making real money, get professional help. An accountant can:

• Ensure your taxes are filed correctly
• Help you avoid penalties or audits
• Find deductions you may have missed
• Advise on quarterly payments or business registration

Even better? Find an accountant who understands content creators and OnlyFans income. This isn’t traditional employment, and generic tax help might miss important nuances.

What Happens If You’re Late?

Filing late can result in:

• Late filing penalties
• Interest on unpaid taxes
• Frozen payouts (in rare cases if governments notify platforms)

If you’re already behind, don’t panic. File ASAP. You might still qualify for reduced penalties if you file voluntarily before being contacted by your tax office.

Need Help With Your OnlyFans Finances?

You don’t have to do this alone. At PhoeniX Creators, we help models, influencers, and adult creators not only grow their income—but keep more of it.

Whether you need a branding strategy, content help, or a reliable network of accountants who understand your business, we’ve got you.

Get in touch with us and let’s build your OnlyFans success—without tax drama.