OnlyFans VAT: The Simple Guide for Creators.

VAT can sound like a daunting prospect, but once you understand the basics, it is much easier than it seems. Here’s the straightforward version.

If You’re NOT VAT Registered
OnlyFans handles VAT for you.
You set your price. OnlyFans adds VAT. OnlyFans pays the VAT to HMRC.

Example:
•     You set your price to £10
•     Subscriber pays £12  (£10 + 20% VAT)
•     You get £8  (£10 less the OnlyFans fee of 20%)
•     OnlyFans keeps £2 (their fee)
•     OnlyFans pays the £2 VAT to HMRC (20% VAT on £10)

You do not need to do anything else.

You must register for VAT if your OnlyFans earnings (your 80% cut) combined with all other income sources exceed £90,000 in any 12 month period.

Only 80% of your OnlyFans revenue counts towards VAT turnover, not the listed subscriber price.

You must register for VAT if your total business income from all sources exceeds £90,000

Once you’re VAT Registered, this is where things change.

•     You now pay the VAT to HMRC on your earnings
•     You can claim VAT back on your business expenses
•     You must tell OnlyFans your VAT number

This is important.

OnlyFans still collects the VAT from your subscribers, NOT YOU.
You owe the VAT to HMRC, and you don’t automatically receive the VAT money.
OnlyFans will return the VAT to you ONLY after you have sent them a VAT-only invoice.

Example for VAT‑Registered Creators
•     You set your price of £10
•     Subscriber pays £12  (£10 + 20% VAT)
•     You get £8 (£10 less the OnlyFans fee of 20%)
•     OF keeps £2 (their fee)

VAT you owe HMRC on your £8 = £1.60
VAT owed by OnlyFans payable to HMRC £0.40 (20% of their £2)
You now owe HMRC £1.60. OnlyFans will reimburse you the £1.60 once you have invoiced them.

You earn the same, just an extra step once you hit the threshold.

How to Receive the VAT Money from OnlyFans

OnlyFans makes this step fairly simple. They create VAT‑only invoices for you right inside your account.

All you need to do is download them, then either send them to your accountant or pop them into your bookkeeping software. After that, OnlyFans sends the VAT money back to you, and you include it when you do your VAT return to HMRC.  We can take care of the whole VAT process for you.

One of the nicest parts of being VAT registered is that you can reclaim VAT on your allowable business expenses.  You keep more of your money.

How to Stop AdultWork Adding VAT to Their Fees

AdultWork automatically adds 20% VAT to their fees unless you prove you are operating as a UK business.

To prevent this, you need to complete the VAT Details section on the AdultWork website.

Go to:
My Details → Credits → Transfer Request Form
Next to the line that says “Are you using AdultWork.com as a business or sole trader?” click “more info.”

In the first box, click “click here” where it says “To find out if you meet the requirements and to supply the relevant documents.”

The page that opens is not very clear, so here’s what you actually need to do:

What to enter
1. Registered Address
Enter your own address.

2. Tax Reference Number
Enter your UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) in the Tax Reference No. box.

3. Upload the required documents
You must upload proof for all three of the following:

•     Proof of your UTR
•     Identity verification (passport or driving licence)
•     Proof of commercial activity (invoices, website, business documents)

VAT Number
The VAT number box is highlighted, but you can leave it blank if you are not VAT registered.

Fansly VAT

Fansly doesn’t handle VAT or take care of taxes for UK creators, so it’s up to you to stay on top of your earnings and register for VAT if you pass the £90,000 threshold. Everything you earn from Fansly must be reported to HMRC.

What you need to know:

• You’re in charge: VAT registration and payments are your responsibility. Fansly doesn’t do this for you.

• The threshold: If your total taxable income from all sources (including Fansly) goes over £90,000 in a 12‑month period, or is expected to within 30 days, you must register.

• Different from OnlyFans: OnlyFans handles VAT for creators; Fansly doesn’t.

• Selling to the EU: If you have EU customers, you may need to follow VAT rules using the OSS system.