Do OnlyFans Creators Have to Pay Tax in the UK? (The Answer Most People Don’t Want to Hear)

If you’re making money on OnlyFans — even a little — tax is probably not the part you’re excited about.

In fact, it’s usually the part people avoid thinking about until it becomes stressful, confusing, or urgent.

This blog is the first in our Back to Basics series for OnlyFans creators, where we explain tax and money clearly, without judgement or jargon. If you’re new, unsure, or quietly worried you might be doing something wrong, you’re in the right place.

So let’s start with the question we get asked more than any other:

Do OnlyFans creators have to pay tax in the UK?

Do OnlyFans Creators Have to Pay Tax in the UK?

Affirmative. Yes.

If you earn money from OnlyFans in the UK, it counts as taxable income.

That’s true whether:

• OnlyFans is your full-time income

• It’s a side hustle

• You’re just “trying it out”

• You’ve only made a few thousand pounds

If money is coming in, HMRC considers you self-employed.

The Short Answer

HMRC doesn’t care how the money is made — they care that it is made.

OnlyFans income counts as self-employment because:

• You control your content

• You decide when and how you work

• You’re paid directly for a service

That puts you in the same category as freelancers, influencers, and online creators.

It doesn’t matter if:

• You’re paid in dollars

• OnlyFans takes a cut

• The money goes through PayPal or a bank

Income is income.

Why OnlyFans Income is Taxable

Yes and no.

You usually need to register as self-employed if you earn over £1,000 in a tax year (before expenses).

However, even below that:

• You’re still expected to keep records

• HMRC can still ask questions later

• Problems usually start when income grows and nothing was set up properly

This is where people often get caught out — they wait until they’re earning “proper money”, then realise they should’ve dealt with tax months (or years) ago.

“But I’m Not Making Much” — Does That Matter?

Most people don’t ignore tax because they’re careless — they ignore it because they’re unsure, embarrassed, or hoping it won’t matter.

• But here’s what can happen if you do nothing:

• HMRC can ask for backdated tax returns

• You may owe tax, interest, and penalties

• The longer you wait, the fewer options you have

The good news?

Coming forward early is always better than waiting to be contacted. HMRC is far more reasonable when you act first.

What Happens When You Don't Declare it?

There’s no magic number — but HMRC pays attention when:

• Income becomes regular

• Payments hit your bank consistently

• Platforms and banks start reporting data

• You register late or miss deadlines

Many creators assume they’re “too small to notice”, until suddenly they’re not.

When do HMRC Start Caring?

If you’re earning already — don’t wait.

At a minimum, you should:

• Know whether you need to register as self-employed

• Understand roughly how much tax you’ll owe

• Start keeping basic records

If you’re unsure, that’s normal. This stuff isn’t taught anywhere, and OnlyFans creators face extra worries around privacy and judgement.

That’s exactly why OnlyTax exists. We specialise in tax for OnlyFans creators — discreetly, professionally, and providing advice bespoke to you and your business.

We help you:

• Get registered properly

• Understand what you actually owe

• Avoid penalties

• Stop stressing about HMRC

• No lectures. No awkwardness. Just clear advice.

If you’re earning already, don’t wait. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at your convenience where we'll discuss how to ensure you are tax compliant AND tax efficient, making your money work for you!

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What Should You Do Now?