OnlyFans Creator Taxes in Virginia - 2025 Guide

Updated for 2025 (Filing 2024 Taxes)

Is OnlyFans Creator income taxable in Virginia?

Yes, absolutely. Income earned through OnlyFans is considered taxable income by both the federal government and the Commonwealth of Virginia. As an OnlyFans creator, you are generally considered self-employed by the IRS and Virginia Department of Taxation.

Federal Requirements: You'll report your OnlyFans income on Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business) as part of your Form 1040. This form details your income and expenses related to your OnlyFans business. You'll calculate your net profit (income minus expenses) on Schedule C, and that net profit is then transferred to your Form 1040 to determine your adjusted gross income (AGI).

Virginia Requirements: Virginia has a graduated income tax system, meaning the tax rate you pay increases as your income increases. Your net profit from Schedule C will be included in your Virginia taxable income, and you’ll use the Virginia tax rates for the 2024 tax year (filing in 2025) to calculate your state income tax liability. You'll file Form 505, Virginia Individual Income Tax Return. Virginia also allows for many of the same deductions as the federal government, which can help lower your taxable income.

Top Tax Write-offs for OnlyFans Creators

Maximizing your deductions is crucial to minimizing your tax burden. Here are some common write-offs for OnlyFans creators:

• Equipment: This includes cameras, lighting, computers, phones, and any other equipment used specifically for creating content. You can either deduct the full cost in the year of purchase (using Section 179 deduction, subject to limitations) or depreciate the cost over several years.
• Software & Subscriptions: Expenses for editing software (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud), streaming software, website hosting, OnlyFans subscription management tools, and any other software directly related to your content creation are deductible.
• Home Office Deduction: If you use a portion of your home exclusively and regularly for your OnlyFans business (e.g., a dedicated room for filming/editing), you may be able to deduct a portion of your mortgage/rent, utilities, and other home-related expenses. The IRS has a simplified method for calculating this deduction based on square footage.
• Mileage: If you drive for business purposes (e.g., to purchase equipment, attend networking events), you can deduct the business portion of your mileage. For 2024, the standard mileage rate is approximately 67 cents per mile. Keep a detailed mileage log!

The 15.3% Self-Employment Tax Surprise

Many self-employed individuals are surprised by self-employment tax. As 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 up to the annual wage base, and 2.9% for Medicare).

You'll calculate this tax on Schedule SE (Self-Employment Tax). The good news is you can deduct one-half of your self-employment tax from your gross income on Form 1040, which helps reduce your overall tax liability. Remember, self-employment tax applies to net earnings over $400.

Closing Tip for Virginia Residents

Tax laws can be complex, and it's easy to miss deductions or make errors. Consider consulting with a qualified tax professional, especially one familiar with the unique challenges faced by content creators. Keeping meticulous records of your income and expenses throughout the year will make tax time much smoother. The Virginia Department of Taxation website (https://www.virginia.gov/taxes/) is a valuable resource. Don't wait until the last minute – proactive tax planning can save you money and stress!