The UK tax rules for creators changed in 2026. Here is what's new, the dates that matter, and what HMRC can already see, in plain English.
Jump to the key dates ↓If you live in the UK and earn on OnlyFans, it's usually self-employed income, and HMRC can likely already see it: online platforms now report what their sellers earn every year. Since 6 April 2026, creators with income over £50,000 must use Making Tax Digital: digital records and a short update to HMRC every 3 months. The line drops to £30,000 in April 2027 and £20,000 in April 2028.
This is general information, not tax advice. Talk to an accountant about your own situation.
Since 1 January 2024, UK digital platforms have had to collect details about the people who sell through them, and report what they earned to HMRC once a year, by 31 January.
The safe way to think about it: assume HMRC can see what you earned on OnlyFans, and make sure your tax return matches.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax changes how you report, not how much tax you pay.
You keep your income and costs in software that works with HMRC, not on paper or in your head.
You send HMRC a short summary 4 times a year. It's not a tax return, just your totals so far.
After the tax year ends, you still confirm your final numbers and pay by 31 January.
Anyone whose self-employment and property income, before costs, is over the line for that year.
| Your income (before costs) | In tax year | You start |
|---|---|---|
| Over £50,000 | 2024 to 2025 | 6 April 2026 |
| Over £30,000 | 2025 to 2026 | 6 April 2027 |
| Over £20,000 | 2026 to 2027 | 6 April 2028 |
Source: HMRC, "Find out if and when you need to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax".
For the standard tax year, 6 April to 5 April.
Add up your self-employment income for last tax year, before costs. That tells you when Making Tax Digital starts for you.
Download your payout statements every month. Keep receipts for anything you buy for your work.
Move a share of every payout to a separate account, so the January bill isn't a shock.
If Making Tax Digital applies to you, you need software that works with HMRC, or an accountant who uses it.
Add 7 November, 31 January and 7 February to your calendar now, with a reminder a week before each.
If you haven't declared income before, talk to an accountant now. Coming forward yourself usually goes better than waiting for a letter.
We don't do your taxes. But we keep your money side clean: OnlyFans pays you directly, and we send one invoice for our share, so your records are simple for you and your accountant. Most of our creators are in the UK.
More on working with us as a UK creator on our UK agency page.
Yes, if you live in the UK. For most creators it counts as self-employed income. If your trading income is over £1,000 in a tax year, you need to tell HMRC, usually through Self Assessment.
Assume it does. Since January 2024, UK digital platforms must collect their sellers' details and report what they earned to HMRC every year by 31 January. HMRC received reports on almost 4 million online sellers for 2025.
Yes, once your self-employment and property income goes over the line. It started on 6 April 2026 for income over £50,000. From 6 April 2027 the line is £30,000, and from 6 April 2028 it is £20,000.
A short summary of your income and costs that you send to HMRC every 3 months, using approved software. It is not a tax return. You still file a final return for the year.
In the first year (2026 to 2027), HMRC will not give penalty points for late quarterly updates. Late tax returns and late payments can still be penalised. After the first year, late updates earn points, and 4 points means a £200 penalty.
Speak to an accountant soon. HMRC has a way to tell them about past income yourself, and coming forward before HMRC contacts you usually goes better than waiting.
Not by law. But once Making Tax Digital applies to you, you'll need approved software and quarterly updates, and many creators find an accountant who knows online creators worth it.
General information only, correct as of 29 October 2026. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. Rules can change; check GOV.UK or speak to a qualified accountant.
You send us a little content. We do the rest. It takes about two minutes to apply.
Apply now