Can I Write Off the 20% OnlyFans Takes?

Is OnlyFans’ 20% cut deductible? 

Filing taxes as an OnlyFans content creator is a new journey for many entrepreneurs. I hate to be the bearer of this news but the answer is no, OnlyFans cut is not a write-off. The 20% cut taken on behalf of OnlyFans is for hosting your content and making it widely available to viewers across the globe. Since the cut is taken out before your 1099-NEC is issued, it’s not part of your earned income. In other words, you’re taxed on your net cash-outs from the platform and not from your gross cash-outs. Since their cut happens before you pay yourself into your bank account you’re not able to deduct it again, it’s already been taken out.

Still a tad confusing? No worries, I’ll break it down a bit further. 

Let’s think of this as a business partnership (which, in reality, it is one). In this partnership, OnlyFans is responsible for hosting a credible website. You are responsible for creating and posting engaging content and additional communication with your fans and your own marketing. 

As you both have a significant role in the business, you share the profits in an 80/20 split. Meaning OnlyFans receive 20% of the earnings for their participation in the business and you receive 80% of the earnings for your portion. 

If you gross $1,000 on the platform then your net is $800 after the platform's 20%. Only $800 is ever available to be deposited into your bank account so you're only taxed on the $800. The $200 is taken by OnlyFans before you're ever able to cash out.


Curious about how write-offs work for your spicy small business? You can book a time to chat about it.