What OnlyFans Tax Write Offs can I declare?

Creating content on OnlyFans is a business. That means you can absolutely treat it like one during tax season too. The question is: what OnlyFans tax write offs can you declare to legally lower your tax bill? Whether you're posting spicy selfies or running a full production studio in your bedroom, knowing what you can deduct will save you serious money—and stress.

What Counts as a Tax Write-Off for OnlyFans Creators?

If it helps you earn income on OnlyFans, it might qualify as a business expense. The main rule is simple: your costs need to be ordinary and necessary for your work. No, that doesn't mean you can write off your morning croissant. But it does mean that ring light you bought for content shoots probably qualifies.

You’re running a self-employed business, so you should report your income and expenses just like any other freelancer. If you’re unsure how to set that up, check out our Ultimate Guide to OnlyFans and Taxes.

Let’s break down the categories that usually count.

Equipment and Production Expenses

Camera, Lighting, and Audio Gear

Whether you're filming with your iPhone or a $2,000 DSLR, the tech you use to create content is deductible. That includes tripods, microphones, gimbals, ring lights, and softboxes. These are not just nice-to-haves—they're the backbone of professional-quality content. Even accessories like phone holders, selfie sticks, and memory cards fall under this category. If you’re upgrading to better resolution or improved lighting, that upgrade is considered an investment into your brand. The cost of replacing old or broken equipment also qualifies. Don’t forget about wear and tear. If you're using this gear solely for content creation, you may be able to deduct the entire cost. If it's shared with personal use, a percentage based on business use can still be claimed. Keep receipts and note how each item supports your OnlyFans production.

Software and Editing Tools

Subscriptions to editing apps like Adobe Premiere, Canva Pro, or mobile apps that help you improve your posts are valid deductions. File storage like Dropbox or Google Drive? Write-off. Even mobile apps that help schedule posts, add filters, or add branding count as business expenses. These tools help increase the quality of your content, and in many cases, they’re essential for polishing raw footage. Investing in a suite of tools means your content stands out—which directly impacts engagement and earnings. Paid stock image or music libraries used in your content also fall under this category. Most software services operate on monthly or yearly subscriptions, so make sure you include the full cost annually. If you buy premium plug-ins or templates, those too can be included. Again, the rule is simple: if it improves your output or saves you time, it counts.

Props and Set Decor

That inflatable unicorn float or fancy bedsheets you use in shoots? If it helps sell the fantasy, you can count it. This includes backgrounds, costumes, and even holiday decorations if they’re part of themed content. Think seasonal setups for Valentine’s Day or Halloween, or everyday backdrops that create the vibe you’re going for. Fairy lights, candles, artificial plants, rugs, and wall art can all elevate your shoot environment. Even furniture like a unique chair or decorative mirror qualifies if it’s part of your set. These items often blur the line between personal and business use, so documentation is key. Keep photos of your setup and note when they appear in content. If you shop at thrift stores or online for shoot-specific items, keep those receipts too. The more immersive your content, the more you can justify these write-offs.

Content Creation-Related Costs

Clothing and Lingerie

If it appears in your content, it’s likely deductible. Lingerie, cosplay costumes, wigs, heels, or even branded t-shirts count—as long as they’re used exclusively for work. Wearing it to brunch? Then it’s a no. That’s why many creators have a completely separate wardrobe for OnlyFans. The more extravagant or niche the outfit, the more likely it’s work-related. Think latex wear, roleplay costumes, or one-off novelty outfits like a maid or nurse costume. Even if it’s a single use, that purchase supports your business image and content variety. You can also include shipping costs and alterations made to any costume. If you buy matching sets for couples content, that’s included too. Just make sure to store this clothing separately and document its use in your photos or videos.

Makeup, Hair, and Beauty Supplies

Eyelashes, foundation, setting spray—if it’s part of your prep process for a shoot, it’s fair game. Hair extensions, styling products, and even skincare products can qualify. The logic here is simple: these items contribute to your on-camera appearance, which is part of the product you’re selling. If you're investing in high-performance makeup that photographs well or lasts under studio lights, it's clearly a business purchase. The same goes for hair styling tools like curling irons or straighteners used specifically for content creation. Skincare items used to prep for camera appearances or reduce shine and breakouts are also eligible. Just like with clothing, you’ll want to track the business-specific use of these products. Regular shampoo or toothpaste wouldn’t count. But if you’re applying a full beat before every filming session, document it.

Phone, Internet, and Data Plans

You use your phone to film, upload, and chat. That usage is business-related. You can write off a portion of your mobile bill, Wi-Fi plan, and even tech upgrades. This includes your monthly service charges and any overages related to uploading high-resolution videos. If you're using cloud services through your phone, that counts too. Upgrading your phone to get better camera specs or more storage? Yep, that cost is partially deductible. Same for your internet router or increased bandwidth fees. If you livestream regularly or send HD content through messaging platforms, your data costs are absolutely business-related. Just like other shared-use expenses, you’ll need to figure out what percentage of your phone and internet use goes toward business. Many creators calculate this based on hours or usage logs. The goal is to deduct only the work-related portion without triggering any tax red flags.

Administrative and Platform Costs

OnlyFans Fees

OnlyFans takes 20% of your earnings. That’s a platform fee, and it’s fully deductible. If you're on another platform like Fansly, Patreon, or ManyVids, those fees are too. These costs are taken off the top before you even get paid, so make sure you track your gross earnings (before the cut) to calculate total fees. Many creators miss this because they only report net payouts. Don’t be that creator. Download your full payout statements monthly or quarterly and use that for tax filing. If you use premium account features or boosts on other platforms (like Reddit ads), those are valid business expenses too. Platform usage fees are simply part of your operating costs and shouldn’t be overlooked when reducing your tax burden.

Software Subscriptions

We mentioned editing tools earlier, but don’t forget accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, or Wave. These help track your income, categorize your expenses, and prepare for tax filing. Also include email marketing tools, link-in-bio apps, and automation platforms like Make.com if you use them. Anything that supports your workflow counts. Services that protect your content or brand—like watermarking tools, social media schedulers, or link shorteners—should also be tracked. Even cloud backup services like iCloud, Google One, or Dropbox Pro are often overlooked, despite being vital to securing your assets. These subscriptions may not be sexy, but they’re crucial for running a professional content business and absolutely deductible under your annual costs.

Professional Services

Hiring a tax preparer, business coach, or virtual assistant? Those payments count as business write-offs. Same with legal consultations or accounting services. Even consulting a marketing agency (like us) to grow your revenue counts. You can also deduct branding services like logo design or website setup. If you outsource any part of your content workflow—like editing, captions, or thumbnails—include those payments. Use contracts and invoices where possible. If your VA handles DMs or schedules posts for you, track their hours and compensation. Professional help saves time and lets you focus on high-value tasks. Just make sure you're not mixing personal assistant duties (like grocery shopping) with OnlyFans business services. Keep it clean. Keep it documented.

Travel and Collaboration Expenses

Flights, Hotels, and Transportation

Traveling for collabs, content shoots, or fan meetups? Your airfare, hotel stays, ride shares, and per diem costs may be tax-deductible. Even tolls and parking fees for shoot locations count. If you're driving, track your mileage. Keep a travel log with location, date, and purpose. Bonus: if you extend a trip for personal time, you can still deduct the work portion. Just split the costs accordingly. For example, if you shoot for three days and vacation for two, deduct 60% of your hotel bill. If you're driving your personal car, the IRS offers a per-mile rate or allows actual expense reporting (fuel, insurance, depreciation). Choose the method that gives you the larger deduction. Track every Uber, Lyft, or train ride related to content days. And yes—if you're flying to shoot spicy content in a Vegas suite, keep that receipt. It qualifies.

Collaborator Payments

If you're paying another model or content creator to appear in your work, it’s a business transaction. Keep documentation, release forms, and proof of payment. Our OnlyFans Collabs Guide covers this in depth. It’s smart to treat these payments professionally—just like any media production business would. If you’re doing a profit share or paying a flat fee, make sure the terms are in writing. If a collab partner is international, be sure to handle any cross-border tax considerations. You may also need to file 1099s or equivalents depending on your country’s tax law. If you shoot with someone often, they may qualify as a contractor. Work with a tax pro to make sure you’re covered. But bottom line: those payments are expenses, not gifts. Deduct them.

Bonus Deductions You Might Not Know

Home Office Space

If you have a dedicated filming room or editing setup, you may qualify for the home office deduction. You’ll need to calculate the square footage used exclusively for work and apply the percentage to your rent, electricity, heating, and maintenance bills. This adds up. Even a 10% space allocation on a $2,000 rent is $200/month you could be deducting. Make sure the space is used solely for business—your bed doesn’t count unless it’s a prop. Document your setup with photos and keep a log of content sessions. If you rent a co-working studio or book content space at a hotel or AirBnB for shoots, track that too. Some creators rent monthly “studio apartments” just for filming. That’s not a personal home—it’s a business location. Deduct accordingly.

Website Hosting and Domain

Running your own site for fans, bookings, or SEO? Hosting, domain renewals, and custom email plans are deductible. If you’ve hired someone to manage your site, that’s an expense too. Want help launching a creator-friendly site? Talk to us. We build landing pages that convert. But even if you just have a one-page link tree with your OnlyFans, those hosting costs are eligible. Most domains renew annually—track that date and include the invoice. Use professional email services (like G Suite) rather than a free Gmail. Not only does it make your brand look more legit, it turns a basic expense into a deductible one. This is especially useful for creators shifting into a long-term personal brand that includes merch, coaching, or off-platform funnels.

How to Track and File

Use a separate business bank account if possible. Track everything in real time or weekly. Use software or a spreadsheet. Save receipts, take photos, and organize by category. You’ll thank yourself come tax time. If you’re making over $1,000/month, work with an accountant who understands creator businesses. We can help connect you with one. Don’t guess. Don’t risk audits. Be proactive.

Want to take it to the next level? Learn how some creators hide OnlyFans on taxes legally and separate their business identity from their real name.

Final Thoughts: You’re a Business Now

Running an OnlyFans account isn’t just hot—it’s smart. You’re self-employed. You’re producing, editing, marketing, and selling content. You deserve the same tax treatment as any other business owner. Claim your deductions, keep clean records, and don’t leave money on the table.

Need help leveling up your strategy and structure? Talk to us. We’re here to grow your content and your business—legally and profitably.