GST for OnlyFans Creators: Understanding Your Obligations in Australia
- Angelina Anderson
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Australian content creators on OnlyFans are earning high income, and the ATO has taken notice. Even though OnlyFans handles part of the GST process for you, creators still have responsibilities that often get overlooked. If you earn through the platform, understanding how GST applies to your business income is essential.
This guide breaks down the rules in simple terms, allowing you to stay compliant and avoid unexpected BAS liabilities.
Do OnlyFans Creators Need to Pay GST?
You do not add GST to subscription income or tips inside the OnlyFans platform because OnlyFans is the merchant of record. They collect any applicable GST from Australian subscribers and send it directly to the ATO.
However, your income still counts toward the GST registration threshold.
You must register for GST if your total business income reaches $75,000 or more in any twelve-month period.
This includes:
OnlyFans payouts
Sponsorship money
Merchandise sales
Affiliate earnings
Coaching or mentoring
Once you hit or expect to hit the threshold, GST registration becomes compulsory.
Why GST Still Matters Even If OnlyFans Handles It
Creators often assume that because OnlyFans deals with GST on subscriptions, they do not need to worry about GST at all. This is not correct.
OnlyFans is treated as a digital platform operator, meaning it acts as the supplier to the subscriber.
It collects GST on:
Subscriptions
PPV content
Paid messaging
Tips
You, however, are treated as earning income from the platform. This income is GST-free for you, but it does contribute to your turnover for the GST threshold.
Once registered, GST applies to all income you earn outside of the platform.
Income Streams Where You Must Charge GST
If you are registered for GST, you must add GST to the price of any service or product you sell independently from the OnlyFans platform, including:
Sponsored posts or shout-outs
Collabs with brands
Coaching calls or mentorship programs
Sale of digital files or presets outside OnlyFans
In-person work or events
Selling physical merchandise
OnlyFans subscription income remains GST-free on your end, but all other income streams may not.
Common GST Pitfalls for Creators
Creators often encounter difficulties because GST rules can seem counterintuitive. Some of the most common issues include:
1. Not tracking business income properly
OnlyFans payouts arrive net of fees and GST, so creators often underestimate their true turnover.
2. Charging GST on OnlyFans earnings
This usually results in incorrect invoices or unnecessary adjustments. Do not charge GST on platform payouts.
3. Forgetting that GST applies to sponsorship income
Brand income is separate from OnlyFans, so GST generally applies if you are registered.
4. Not claiming GST credits
Registered creators can claim credits on business expenses such as cameras, lighting, editing software, costumes, props, advertising, and even part of home-office costs.
5. Assuming foreign currency withdrawals avoid GST
Whether you withdraw in USD, AUD, or via Paxum or Wise, GST rules apply based on what you earn, not the currency used.
What Changes Once You Register for GST
Becoming GST-registered introduces a few key obligations, including:
Lodging quarterly BAS
Adding GST to relevant income
Issuing invoices with GST where required
Keeping proper income and expense records
Claiming GST credits on deductible purchases
Many creators find that GST credits reduce their overall costs, especially when investing heavily in equipment or digital tools.
How GST Links With Your OnlyFans Payouts
Inside the platform, GST is already handled for you. Your OnlyFans income is:
Not subject to GST by you
Still counted in your total turnover
Taxable as business income
Important for ATO reporting and BAS preparation
You are still responsible for managing GST on income earned outside the platform.
A Final Word for Creators
GST for OnlyFans creators is not as complicated as it seems. The platform handles the GST for subscriptions and tips, but you must monitor your total income and ensure you register when required. Once you cross the threshold, GST applies to everything you do outside the platform.
Taking the time to set up your bookkeeping properly now will save you stress, penalties, and messy BAS amendments later.
If you want help setting up your GST registration, reviewing your income streams, or managing your BAS lodgements, we are ready to support you.
Click here to book a meeting with our OnlyFans Specialist Accountant.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is general in nature and does not constitute personal financial, legal or tax advice. All content relates to the current financial year only. Future changes to tax laws, thresholds or administrative requirements may affect the accuracy or relevance of this information, so you should always confirm that the guidance remains current. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, Dolman Bateman accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this information. You should seek professional advice tailored to your circumstances before making any financial or tax decision.
