OnlyFans Creator Taxes in New York - 2025 Guide

Updated for 2025 (Filing 2024 Taxes)

Is OnlyFans Creator income taxable in New York?

Yes, absolutely. Income earned through OnlyFans is considered taxable income by both the federal government and the State of New York. The IRS treats OnlyFans creators as self-employed individuals. This means you're responsible for reporting your earnings and paying all applicable taxes.

Federal Requirements (Schedule C): You will report your OnlyFans income and expenses on Schedule C (Profit or Loss From Business) as part of your Form 1040. This form calculates your net profit (income minus expenses). It's crucial to keep meticulous records of all income received and all business-related expenses. The net profit from Schedule C is then used to calculate your adjusted gross income (AGI) on Form 1040.

New York Specific Rules (Graduated Income Tax): New York State also taxes your net profit from your OnlyFans business. New York utilizes a graduated income tax system. This means the tax rate you pay increases as your income increases. You'll report your federal AGI on your New York State income tax return (Form IT-201). New York will then apply its graduated tax rates to determine your state income tax liability. The specific brackets and rates change annually, so it's important to consult the current New York State tax forms and instructions when filing in 2025.

Top Tax Write-offs for OnlyFans Creators

As a self-employed individual, you can significantly reduce your tax liability by claiming legitimate business expenses. Here are some common deductions for OnlyFans creators:

• Software & Subscriptions: Costs for editing software (photo, video), streaming software, scheduling tools, and any subscription services directly used for creating and promoting your content are deductible.
• Equipment: Expenses for cameras, lighting, computers, phones (portion used for business), backdrops, and other equipment used to create your content are deductible. Larger purchases may need to be depreciated over several years.
• Mileage: If you drive for business purposes (e.g., to meet with collaborators, purchase equipment, attend relevant events), you can deduct mileage. For 2024, the standard mileage rate is approximately 67 cents per mile. Keep a detailed mileage log documenting dates, destinations, and business purpose.
• Home Office Deduction: If you use a portion of your home exclusively and regularly for your OnlyFans business, you may be able to deduct a portion of your rent/mortgage, utilities, and home insurance. There are specific rules and calculations for this deduction; consult IRS Publication 587.

The 15.3% Self-Employment Tax Surprise

Many self-employed individuals are surprised by self-employment tax. When you're an employee, your employer pays half of your Social Security and Medicare taxes. As a self-employed individual, you're responsible for both the employer and employee portions, totaling 15.3% (12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare).

You'll calculate this tax on Schedule SE (Self-Employment Tax). However, you only pay self-employment tax on 92.35% of your net profit. The good news is that you can deduct one-half of your self-employment tax from your gross income on Form 1040, which helps reduce your overall tax liability.

Closing Tip for New York Residents

Navigating taxes as an OnlyFans creator can be complex, especially in a state like New York with its graduated income tax system. I strongly recommend keeping detailed records of all income and expenses throughout the year. Consider using accounting software or working with a qualified tax professional (like myself!) to ensure you're maximizing your deductions and complying with all federal and New York State tax laws. Proactive tax planning can save you significant time, money, and stress when filing time rolls around in 2025.