HMRC’s Tax Defaulters List: Why OnlyFans Creators Are Being Named – And How to Avoid It

HMRC’s ‘Name and Shame’ list is growing – and a surprising number of OnlyFans content creators are now appearing on it. As digital platforms continue to empower creators to earn significant income online, the taxman is paying closer attention.

While traditional businesses are typically well-versed in tax obligations, many online earners — particularly those in newer spaces like OnlyFans — may be unaware that their income is fully taxable. This knowledge gap, combined with the informal nature of content creation and the rapid growth in earnings, is leaving some creators exposed to serious consequences.

From backdated tax bills and financial penalties to public exposure on HMRC’s Tax Defaulters List, the risks of non-compliance are real — and growing. But what exactly is the Tax Defaulters List? Why are content creators more likely to end up on it? And more importantly, what steps can be taken to stay compliant and protect both your income and your reputation?

In this blog, we’ll break down everything OnlyFans creators — and anyone earning online — need to know to stay on the right side of HMRC.

What Is HMRC’s Tax Defaulters List?

HMRC publishes the Tax Defaulters List to publicly name individuals and businesses that have:

• Deliberately defaulted on their tax obligations, and

• Accumulated tax debts exceeding £25,000.

The list includes names, business details, the tax owed, penalties charged, and the period of default. It's part of HMRC’s effort to deter tax evasion and increase transparency.

Key Criteria for Appearing on the List:

• A tax default of over £25,000

• Proven deliberate wrongdoing (e.g., intentionally underreporting income)

• Failure to correct the issue or engage with HMRC

Why Are OnlyFans Creators Being Named?

OnlyFans has surged in popularity as a platform for content creators to earn income directly from subscribers. But with great earning potential comes great tax responsibility.

Here's why OnlyFans creators are especially vulnerable:

Sudden or Unexpected Income

Many creators start as hobbyists and are unaware that their income is taxable – especially if it grows quickly.

Lack of Financial Advice

Without accountants or tax advisers, creators may unintentionally underreport income, miss deadlines, or fail to register as self-employed.

Misunderstanding of Tax Obligations

Income from digital platforms like OnlyFans is self-employment income and must be declared through a Self-Assessment tax return.

HMRC’s Focus on Digital Platforms

HMRC now has greater access to platform data, including from payment processors and social media platforms. It's using data analytics to identify unreported income.

What Happens If You Don’t Report Income?

If HMRC discovers undeclared income and believes the non-compliance was deliberate, they may issue:

• Backdated tax assessments

• Hefty penalties (up to 100% of the unpaid tax)

• Interest charges

• Inclusion on the Tax Defaulters List, published online for 12 months

Once you're on the list, your name is just a Google search away – a serious reputational risk for public-facing creators.

How to Stay Off the Tax Defaulters List

Whether you're just starting out or earning six figures on OnlyFans, tax compliance is crucial. Here's how to protect yourself:

1. Register with HMRC

If you’re earning over £1,000 a year from OnlyFans (or any self-employment), you must register for Self-Assessment.

2. Keep Detailed Records

Track income, tips, subscription fees, and expenses like equipment, marketing, or platform fees.

3. File Your Tax Return On Time

The deadline for the online Self-Assessment tax return is 31 January following the tax year.

4. Set Money Aside for Tax

Put aside 20–30% of your income throughout the year to avoid cash flow issues when your tax bill arrives.

5. Work With a Tax Adviser

A professional can help ensure you’re claiming allowable expenses, calculating your tax correctly, and staying compliant with HMRC.

Final Thoughts

Earning on platforms like OnlyFans opens up exciting financial opportunities — but it also comes with tax responsibilities that can’t be ignored. With HMRC increasingly targeting digital creators and leveraging advanced data tools to uncover undeclared income, staying compliant is more important than ever.

Ending up on the Tax Defaulters List can damage both your finances and your reputation. The good news? It’s completely avoidable — with the right support.

That’s where OnlyTax comes in.

We specialise in helping content creators like you stay on top of your tax obligations. From registering with HMRC and filing Self-Assessment tax returns, to advising on allowable expenses and handling HMRC enquiries — we make tax simple, stress-free, and discreet.

Whether you’re just starting out or managing six-figure earnings, we’re here to make sure you stay compliant, avoid penalties, and keep more of what you earn.

Need help navigating your OnlyFans taxes?

Get in touch with OnlyTax today — your trusted partner for digital creator tax advice.