OnlyFans Creator Taxes in West Virginia - 2025 Guide

Updated for 2025 (Filing 2024 Taxes)

Is OnlyFans Creator income taxable in West Virginia?

Yes, income earned as an OnlyFans creator is absolutely taxable, both at the federal and West Virginia state levels. The IRS considers income from OnlyFans as self-employment income. This means you're essentially running your own business, even if it's just you!

Federal Requirements (Schedule C): You'll report your OnlyFans income and expenses on Schedule C, "Profit or Loss From Business (Sole Proprietorship)," which is filed with your Form 1040. This form calculates your net profit (income minus expenses). It's crucial to keep detailed records of all income and expenses related to your OnlyFans work.

West Virginia Specific Rules: West Virginia has a graduated income tax system. This means the tax rate you pay increases as your income increases. You'll report your federal Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on your West Virginia state income tax return (Form WV-1040). West Virginia then applies its tax brackets to determine your state income tax liability. The specific brackets change annually, so be sure to consult the West Virginia Department of Revenue website for the 2024 tax year rates when filing in 2025. Your net profit from Schedule C will be a key component of your AGI.

Top Tax Write-offs for OnlyFans Creators

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

• Software & Subscriptions: Costs for editing software (photo/video), streaming tools, scheduling apps, and any subscription services used specifically for your OnlyFans content creation are deductible.
• Equipment: Cameras, lighting, computers, phones, and other equipment used for creating content are deductible. If the item has a useful life of more than one year, you may need to depreciate it over several years, or potentially use Section 179 expensing (consult a tax professional for details).
• 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 with 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 other home-related expenses. There are specific rules and calculations for this deduction, so research carefully or consult a professional.

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 – a combined 15.3% (12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare).

You'll calculate this tax on Schedule SE, "Self-Employment Tax." The good news is you only pay self-employment tax on 92.35% of your net earnings from Schedule C. Also, you don't pay Social Security tax on earnings above a certain limit (for 2024, it's $168,600). However, the Medicare tax has no income limit.

Closing Tip for West Virginia Residents

Navigating self-employment taxes can be complex. I strongly recommend keeping meticulous records of all income and expenses throughout the year. Consider using accounting software or working with a qualified tax professional, especially one familiar with the unique aspects of the creator economy. Don't hesitate to seek professional guidance to ensure you're maximizing your deductions and complying with both federal and West Virginia tax laws. Filing accurately and on time will help you avoid penalties and potential issues with the IRS and the West Virginia Department of Revenue.