Taxes for OnlyFans Creators: The 10 Tax Questions Everyone Has in 2025 (But Nobody Talks About)

Let’s face it — when you’re running your own page, creating content, and growing a fanbase, the last thing you want to think about is… taxes.

But if you’re earning money on OnlyFans (or any platform like it), HMRC considers you self-employed, and that means you’ve got tax responsibilities. The good news? You can get ahead of the stress with some solid knowledge — and maybe even save some money too.

Here are the top 10 tax questions we get from UK-based creators — answered with real-life examples and zero judgement.

Your Tax Responsibilities

Your Top 10 Questions Answered

1. Do I actually have to pay tax on my OnlyFans income?

Yep, 100%.

If you’re earning over £1,000 in a tax year, you need to register for Self Assessment with HMRC. OnlyFans might not send you a P60 — but that doesn’t mean it’s tax-free.

👉 Example:

Liv made around £600/month from subscribers and tips — that’s £7,200/year, well above the £1,000 limit. She needed to register and file a tax return, even though she also had a part-time café job.

2. When should I register for Self Assessment?

You need to register by 5 October following the end of the tax year in which you earned the income. The UK tax year runs 6 April to 5 April.

👉 Example:

If you earned money between April 2024 and April 2025, register by 5 October 2025.

3. What can I claim as expenses?

You can claim anything that’s “wholly and exclusively” for your business — think:

Lingerie, props, backdrops, ring lights

Phone bills (the business portion)

Camera or editing equipment

Subscription to editing apps or social platforms for promotion

👉 Example:

Jade claimed £200 for lighting and wardrobe, and £50/month for Canva Pro and editing apps.

💡 Tip: Keep receipts! HMRC loves evidence.

4. Do I need to set up a business or go limited?

Not unless you're making big money or need extra legal separation. Most creators register as a sole trader — it’s simple, flexible, and you can always incorporate later.

5. Will I have to pay VAT?

Not unless your taxable turnover hits £90,000/year (as of 2025). But keep an eye on your income — OF takes a cut before paying you, but HMRC looks at your gross income, not what lands in your bank.

6. Do I need a separate bank account?

Not legally — but it makes your life way easier at tax time. Mixing personal and business money is messy and can lead to missed deductions or errors.

7. How much tax will I actually pay?

In general:

You get a £12,570 personal allowance

Income above that is taxed at 20%, 40%, or 45%

Plus Class 2 & Class 4 National Insurance if you earn over thresholds

👉 Example:

Ben earned £25,000 from OnlyFans. After his allowance and expenses, he owed roughly £2,000–£3,000 in tax and NI.

8. What if I have a full-time job too?

Then OnlyFans income is treated as additional self-employed income. Your PAYE job doesn't cover this — so you'll pay separate tax on your OF earnings through Self Assessment.

9. Can I get in trouble if I don’t declare it?

Yes. HMRC is becoming more sophisticated in tracking platform earnings. Even if you’re paid through a third-party (like a US platform), you still owe UK tax.

💡 Don’t wait for a letter. Penalties for late registration, filing or payment can add up fast.

10. Can an accountant really help me?

Absolutely. A tax adviser who understands content creators can:

Help you claim all legit expenses

Ensure you’re not paying too much (or too little)

Keep you out of trouble with HMRC

Final Thoughts: Tax Doesn’t Have to Be Scary

You're a business now — and like any business owner, a bit of knowledge and planning goes a long way. You don’t need to become a tax expert overnight. You just need the right support.

At OnlyTax, we’ve worked with content creators, influencers, and self-employed professionals from all walks of life. We're down-to-earth, discreet, and here to help you get this right — without the stress.

📩 Got questions? We’ll talk to you like a human, not a spreadsheet.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.