Hey there! If you’re a content creator on OnlyFans or just curious about taxes, this news might catch your eye. The IRS is stepping up to check what’s posted on the platform. Why? To see if those tips you get count as tax-free under a new U.S. law. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What’s the Deal with “No Tax on Tips”?
Picture this: Last year, President Trump’s economic plan rolled out a big change. It’s called “No Tax on Tips.” The idea is to help folks in tough financial spots by cutting federal taxes on tips. Think waiters, bartenders, or even gig workers – they can now deduct up to $25,000 in “qualified tips” each year from 2025 to 2028.
But there’s a catch. Not all tips qualify. The law skips over tips from “pornographic activities.” OnlyFans is famous for adult content, but it also has stuff like cooking tips, fitness routines, and more. So, creators might need to prove their work isn’t in that excluded zone to skip taxes.
This rule comes from the “One Big, Beautiful Bill.” It’s meant to support everyday workers, but now it’s stirring up questions for online creators.
How Will the IRS Check Your Content?
Here’s the tricky part. The IRS plans to review OnlyFans posts during tax audits. That means someone from the agency might watch videos or look at photos to decide if your tips are eligible. Privacy worries? You bet. And it could take a lot of time and effort.
Experts say this setup feels unfair and hard to pull off. Jessica Goedtel, a financial advisor for sex workers, shared her thoughts: “This could feel like a ban on porn or something softer, but it’s scaring my clients. The IRS might turn into a tool for control.”
Conservative groups pushed for this exclusion. Back in September, they wrote to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. They didn’t want tax breaks going to industries they see as harmful to families and youth.
OnlyFans by the Numbers: A Booming Platform
OnlyFans isn’t small potatoes. In 2024, it had 4.6 million creator accounts and over 377 million fan accounts. Fans shelled out a whopping $7.2 billion on the site, according to Forbes.
Creators paid about $1.6 billion in U.S. taxes last year alone. One X user, Sav Shawz, put it plainly: “OnlyFans creators handed over $1.6 billion in taxes to the U.S. system in 2024.”
But not everyone benefits. Big earners like Macy Hilt, who makes nearly $2 million a year from explicit content (even foot pics!), say the porn exclusion is biased. “I’ve made tons from tips, but calling it out as ‘pornographic’ feels wrong and impossible to enforce,” she noted.
What’s Next for Creators?
The IRS hasn’t spelled out exactly how reviews will work or what counts as “porn.” Tax pros and creators are waiting for clear rules. This mix of admin headaches, privacy issues, and debates on sex work could change how many folks earn online.
If you’re on OnlyFans, keep good records of your content and talk to a tax expert soon. Stay tuned – this story’s just heating up. Got questions? Drop them below!
(This article is based on recent reports and aims to keep things straightforward. Always check official IRS updates for your taxes.)