How to Register as Self-Employed for OnlyFans in the UK

If you are earning money from OnlyFans in the UK, you are running a business. That means you need to register as self-employed with HMRC. It sounds more complicated than it is. The actual process takes about 15 minutes online, costs nothing, and once it is done you are set up for your first tax return.

This guide walks you through the whole process step by step.

Important note: This article is for general information only. It is not financial advice. Speak to a qualified accountant if you are unsure about anything related to your tax obligations.

Do you actually need to register?

Yes, with one exception. If your total trading income (from all self-employment, not just OnlyFans) is less than £1,000 in a tax year, it is covered by the trading allowance and you do not need to register or report it.

Once your earnings go above £1,000 in a tax year, you are legally required to register as self-employed and file a Self Assessment tax return. This applies whether OnlyFans is your full-time job or a side project alongside regular employment.

It also does not matter that OnlyFans has already taken its 20% platform fee. Your 80% share is still your taxable income, and HMRC expects you to report it.

When is the deadline?

You must register with HMRC by 5 October in your second tax year of trading.

In practical terms, if you started earning in the 2025/26 tax year (which runs from 6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026), you would need to register by 5 October 2026.

However, there is no benefit to waiting. Registering early means you get your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) sooner, which you need to file your tax return. Registering late can result in penalties. So the best advice is to register as soon as you start earning above the £1,000 threshold.

What you need before you start

Before you begin the registration process, make sure you have:

• Your National Insurance number. This is on your payslip if you are employed, or on any letter from HMRC or DWP. If you do not know it, you can request it from HMRC.
• Your personal details. Full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email address.
• Your business start date. This is the date you first started earning from OnlyFans (or the date you intend to start). It does not have to be exact, but it should be reasonable.
• A description of your business. More on this below.

Step-by-step registration

Step 1: Create a Government Gateway account

If you do not already have one, go to the HMRC website and create a Government Gateway account. This is the login you will use for all your tax dealings, including filing your Self Assessment each year.

You will need to verify your identity, which usually involves answering security questions or using the HMRC app. Keep your Government Gateway user ID and password somewhere safe. You will need them every year.

Step 2: Register for Self Assessment

Once logged in, navigate to the “Register for Self Assessment” section. You will choose the option for self-employment. If you are employed as well as self-employed, select the option that says you have both.

Step 3: Fill in your details

The form asks for your personal information, your business start date, and your business description.

For the business description, you have a few options that work well for content creators:

• “Content creator” or “Digital content creator”
• “Online entertainment services”
• “Freelance media production”

You do not need to mention OnlyFans specifically. The description should broadly reflect what you do. HMRC is not looking for the name of the platform. They want to understand the type of work.

You will also need to choose a SIC code (Standard Industrial Classification). The most commonly used codes for creators include:

• 59112 - Video production activities
• 90030 - Artistic creation
• 74201 - Portrait photographic activities
• 63990 - Other information service activities

Pick the one that best describes your work. If you are unsure, your accountant can advise you.

Step 4: Submit and wait for your UTR

After submitting your registration, HMRC will process it and send you a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number. This is a 10-digit number that identifies you as a taxpayer. It usually arrives by post within 10 working days, though it can sometimes take longer.

Your UTR is important. You will need it to file your Self Assessment tax return, and your accountant will ask for it if you hire one.

What happens after registration

Once you are registered, your main ongoing obligation is to file a Self Assessment tax return each year and pay any tax you owe. The key dates are:

• Tax year end: 5 April each year.
• Online filing deadline: 31 January following the end of the tax year.
• Payment deadline: Also 31 January.

So for the 2025/26 tax year (6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026), you would file and pay by 31 January 2027.

You will also need to keep records of all your income and expenses. Use our tax calculator to get an estimate of what you might owe, and our earnings calculator to model different income scenarios.

Income Tax and National Insurance

Once you are registered, you will be liable for:

• Income Tax on your profits (income minus allowable expenses). The Personal Allowance for 2025/26 is £12,570. Above that, you pay 20% up to £50,270, 40% up to £125,140, and 45% above that.
• Class 2 National Insurance at £3.45 per week if your profits are above £12,570.
• Class 4 National Insurance at 6% on profits between £12,570 and £50,270, and 2% above £50,270.

All of this is calculated and paid through your Self Assessment return.

Common mistakes to avoid

Waiting too long to register. The longer you leave it, the more likely you are to face penalties and the more stressful the catch-up process becomes. Register early.

Not keeping records. Start tracking your income and expenses from day one. Download your OnlyFans earnings statements monthly and keep receipts for every business purchase. You will thank yourself at tax time.

Forgetting about payments on account. If your tax bill exceeds £1,000, HMRC will ask you to make advance payments towards next year’s bill. This catches many first-time filers off guard because you effectively pay 150% of your first year’s bill in that first January (your full bill plus half of next year’s estimated bill).

Not separating business and personal finances. Open a separate bank account for your creator income. It makes tracking expenses, calculating profits, and dealing with HMRC much simpler.

Thinking you do not earn enough to bother. If you are above the £1,000 trading allowance, you need to register. HMRC can see payments from platforms, and it is much better to be registered and compliant than to be contacted about undeclared income.

The trading allowance explained

The £1,000 trading allowance is a tax-free allowance for casual or low-level self-employment income. If your total gross trading income is £1,000 or less in a tax year, you do not need to register as self-employed or declare the income.

If your income is above £1,000 but not by much, you can choose to deduct the £1,000 trading allowance instead of your actual expenses. This is simpler, but for most creators with meaningful income it will not be as beneficial as claiming actual expenses.

Once you are earning consistently, the trading allowance becomes irrelevant and you should focus on proper expense tracking and Self Assessment filing.

Getting set up properly

Registering with HMRC is just the first step. To make your life easier going forward:

• Open a separate business bank account.
• Start using accounting software or a simple spreadsheet to track income and expenses.
• Set aside 25% to 30% of your earnings each month for tax.
• Consider finding an accountant who understands the creator economy.
• Download your OnlyFans earnings statements regularly.

Use our tax calculator to estimate your tax position, and explore our creator kit for more resources to help you grow.

If you want to focus on creating while someone handles the strategy and growth side, find out how we work or apply to work with us. You keep your own account, your own login, and your own earnings. We invoice monthly for the agreed split, with no lock-in.

This article is for general information only and is not financial advice. Tax rules and rates can change. Always speak to a qualified accountant about your specific circumstances.