How to Fill Out W9 for OnlyFans

Filling out a W9 form might not be the most glamorous part of your OnlyFans creator life, but it matters if you want to get paid without a hiccup. The W9 is how OnlyFans (or rather, their payment processor) knows where to send your income info for tax season. It's also how you tell Uncle Sam: "Yes, I'm running a business, and I'm reporting my income."

Let’s walk through the W9 process without any tax jargon that makes your head spin. We’re keeping this simple, direct, and relevant to what you need as a creator.

What Is a W9 and Why Do OnlyFans Creators Need It?

The W9 is a U.S. tax form titled "Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification." Sounds fancy, but it's basically a form where you tell OnlyFans your name, your business name (if you use one), your tax ID (like a Social Security Number or EIN), and your tax classification (like sole proprietor).

OnlyFans uses your W9 to report your earnings to the IRS on a 1099 form if you make more than $600 per year. Without submitting it, you’re not getting paid. Yes, seriously.

If you're an international creator, the W9 does not apply to you. You’ll usually be asked to fill out a W-8BEN instead. Different form, same idea—more on that in another post.

Who Should Fill Out the W9 on OnlyFans?

If you are a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien and make money through OnlyFans, this form is for you. Even if you don't consider yourself a business (yet), the IRS does. So congrats, you’re officially a self-employed independent contractor.

This includes:

• Full-time OnlyFans creators
• Side hustlers making extra income
• Anyone earning $600 or more on the platform

You’ll want to fill out the W9 early, ideally when you set up your OnlyFans account. This guide walks you through the full account setup if you're just starting.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out a W9 for OnlyFans

Line 1: Your Full Legal Name

This is where many creators mess up. Your legal name is the one tied to your government-issued ID and tax returns. Do not enter your stage name or social media handle. OnlyFans already knows your creator name—what they need for tax compliance is your real name. If your ID says Jessica Marie Smith, that’s what you enter here.

Line 2: Business Name (if different from above)

If you’ve set up a formal business structure with a different name than your legal name (like "Glow Studios LLC"), then enter it here. This section only applies if you're filing under that business entity. If you're just operating as yourself, you can leave this blank without issue.

Line 3: Federal Tax Classification

This tells the IRS what kind of taxpayer you are. For most OnlyFans creators, the correct selection is "Individual/sole proprietor or single-member LLC." This covers anyone running the account as a solo gig. If you're running an LLC that you've elected to be taxed differently, like an S-Corp, then pick the correct box accordingly.

Line 4: Exemptions

Skip this section unless you know for a fact that you're exempt from backup withholding. Most creators are not. It’s safest to leave this blank unless a tax advisor specifically tells you to complete it.

Line 5 and 6: Address

Enter your current mailing address here. This is where the IRS and OnlyFans will send your tax forms like the 1099. Make sure it’s up-to-date and free of typos. Even if you move, your 1099 will be sent here, so double-check everything.

Line 7: Account Numbers

You can ignore this line. It’s intended for businesses dealing with multiple accounts or contracts. OnlyFans creators don’t need to worry about it.

Part II: Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

This is the most important part of the W9. You need to enter either:

• Your Social Security Number (SSN) – most common for individuals
• Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) – if you have a registered business

If you’re an individual creator using your legal name, just use your SSN. If you’ve registered as an LLC or other business entity, and got an EIN from the IRS, enter that instead. Only enter one—not both.

Part III: Certification

Read the certification paragraph carefully. You are confirming:

• The TIN you gave is correct
• You are not subject to backup withholding
• You are a U.S. citizen or resident

After reading, sign and date the form at the bottom. This makes it legally valid. Typed signatures are usually acceptable when submitted digitally via the OnlyFans portal or payment processor platform.

Where Do You Submit Your W9 for OnlyFans?

OnlyFans typically works with payment providers like OF Payments or third-party systems like Paxum. Depending on who’s processing your payouts, you’ll upload your W9 during account setup or when prompted for tax verification.

If you haven’t done it yet, go to your Bank & Tax section in OnlyFans and follow the instructions. Uploading your W9 ensures you don’t get your payments paused—or worse, taxed at a higher rate due to missing paperwork.

What Happens If You Don’t Submit a W9?

If you don’t submit the W9:

• OnlyFans may pause your payouts
• You may be subject to backup withholding—this means they withhold 24% of your earnings
• You could miss out on receiving your 1099 form during tax season

In short: your money is at risk. This isn’t a step you want to skip or delay. Even if you’re new to OnlyFans, get your tax setup handled early. 

Need Help Navigating OnlyFans Taxes?

At PhoeniX Creators, we help creators do more than just grow—we help them operate like pros. From tax prep advice to maximizing your earnings with less stress, our agency supports every step of your journey.

Apply to work with us and unlock the strategy, support, and security you need as a serious creator.