Your Guide to OnlyFans Taxes in Canada

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As an OnlyFans worker or professional representing OnlyFans creators, knowing your tax obligations can make or break your livelihood. Not filing your taxes or incorrect reporting on your tax returns can quickly add up and cost you exorbitant late-filing fees, interest, and other penalties. 

It doesn’t matter if it’s only a side hustle; as an OnlyFans worker, you must register as a business with the CRA and report all the revenue you earn. It is essential that you work with a tax expert to avoid any critical errors.

Sam Faris is an established OnlyFans tax expert with specialized experience and a successful track record helping OnlyFans models and influencers minimize their tax bills and maximize their returns. As an experienced tax accountant, he will help keep you in legal compliance, remove the stress that comes with filing taxes and protect you from the CRA.

How the CRA Targets OnlyFans Models and Social Media Influencers for Audits

OnlyFans has gained immense popularity in recent years as a platform that allows creators to monetize their content. This hasn’t gone unnoticed by the CRA, and you can’t afford to make a mistake on your tax filings.

The reality is, if you’re making money from OnlyFans, you can rest assured that the CRA is watching. In fact, in 2021, the CRA announced a new program designed to let Only Fans workers and others generating revenue from online content creation know that they were ready with special auditors and data-mining software aimed at gathering evidence of unreported income.

If you’re making money on OnlyFans or other sites or apps, you can really benefit by getting help from tax experts to save you money, keep you in legal compliance, and remove the stress of filing taxes. You don’t need a tax lawyer if you’re facing a CRA audit, and they charge higher fees.

Paying Taxes on Income from OnlyFans

All income earned from OnlyFans, whether in the form of subscriptions or tips, is considered taxable income in Canada. It is crucial to keep accurate records of your earnings, including bank statements, PayPal transactions, or any other payment statements related to your OnlyFans activities. You need this documentation when filing your tax return.

If you don’t include the proper documentation, this can cause significant issues for you in the future. Sam Faris will make sure you have all the information you need properly prepared and submitted to avoid major problems with the CRA.

Besides the big data-driven software they use that can fairly accurately detect unreported and underreported income on tax returns based on demographic info like your address, occupation, assets, etc., the CRA also uses programs that crawl social media pages looking for evidence of a lifestyle and possessions inconsistent with filed tax returns.

In other words, if you haven’t registered as a business or accurately reported your income, don’t take chances; reach out to experienced tax accountants who can help. Unreported income can lead to reassessments, back taxes, interest, and penalties.

How Faris CPA Helps

Imagine you’re a content creator who has been active on OnlyFans for several years, generating a steady stream of income. Unfortunately, due to a lack of understanding about tax obligations or feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of tax reporting business income and deductions, you failed to report your OnlyFans revenue to the CRA. As the years passed, the unreported income grew, along with the interest owing, penalties, and the potential risk of an audit or prosecution for tax evasion.

This is a scenario Sam Faris sees all the time. Don’t let the stress overwhelm you. Once you contact Sam Faris, an experienced CPA and advisor specializing in OnlyFans tax reporting, your stress and worries instantly disappear. Sam has dealt with numerous cases just like this. He’s advised countless OnlyFans content creators and counselled them on how to take advantage of the CRA’s Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP). It allows taxpayers to correct previous tax filings without facing harsh penalties or prosecution, provided they come forward before the CRA initiates any action.

Sam will guide you through the VDP process, completing your VDP application package, organizing your paperwork, accurately disclosing all unreported income, ensuring you’re taking advantage of all credits and deductions, and filling out and filing all of your outstanding tax returns in one go. 

Because he continually works with CRA staff, Sam is often able to negotiate a significant reduction of the financial penalties owed in these situations, and helps his clients successfully avoid further penalties or prosecution. The process may seem daunting, but with Faris CPA handling your returns, your tax issues will be resolved, and you can breathe again, enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a trustworthy CPA managing your tax obligations. Remember, you don’t need to pay the higher costs of a tax lawyer if you’re facing an audit; Sam Faris specializes in tax audit representation – especially for OnlyFans creators.

Registering Your OnlyFans Business

When you register your OnlyFans business with the CRA, you’ll be given a business number for tax reporting purposes. However, when you register, you’ll be asked the type of business structure you’re using and your business name and address.

In a nutshell, there are three types of business structures:

• Sole proprietorships
• Partnerships
• Corporations

Sole Proprietorships

The most commonly used structure for individuals operating their own businesses, such as professionals and contractors, is a sole proprietorship. In this setup, the income earned, and expenses incurred are reported on the individual’s personal tax return. Registering a sole proprietorship is a straightforward and cost-effective process.

Partnerships

A partnership can be seen as a sole proprietorship involving two or more individuals. The partners divide the income and expenses among themselves and report them separately on their personal tax returns. Registering a partnership with the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) is also relatively simple.

Corporations

Corporations offer the highest level of financial and legal protection to their owner(s) and generally have lower tax liabilities. However, establishing and registering a corporation typically requires the services of an accountant or a lawyer.

While many self-employed individuals simply register as a sole proprietorship, it’s always better to get a professional income tax assessment before registering your business, as another structure may be better in your financial situation.

Filing taxes as a corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, or a self-employed individual is complicated. You need to contact Faris CPA to make sure you are correctly filing your taxes. This way, you save yourself the stress of reporting your taxes accurately and on time, and you ensure you’re maximizing your deductions, credits, rebates, and cash-back from applicable government programs.

Tax Obligations for OnlyFans Models and Social Media Influencers

Being up-to-date on current tax rules is crucial to ensure tax compliance and optimize your benefits. It is essential to consult a professional to choose the appropriate business structure and make sure all of your taxes are filed correctly. Sam Faris will make sure you are properly set up, and understand all of your tax responsibilities. 

1. Understanding Your Tax Obligations

Now that your business as an OnlyFans model/influencer is registered with the CRA, it is critical that you report your income, expenses, credits, etc., accurately and on time in your tax return. Here are a few resources to help you with that process. 

Filing Requirements

• Self-Employed, Sole Proprietors & Partners to a Partnership: Must file a T1 General Income-Tax Return by June 15th of the following year. Taxes owed, however, must be paid by April 30th.
• Incorporated Businesses: Must file a T2 Corporation Income-Tax Return within six months of the fiscal year’s end. Taxes owed must be paid within two months, or three months if eligible for the small business deduction. Always check with an experienced corporate tax accountant to ensure you are getting all available credits and deductions, and that you’re filing an accurate return.
• Tax Installments: For those required to make tax installments, the due dates are typically:
  • March 15
  • June 15
  • September 15
  • December 15

Have a professional tax accountant at Faris CPA check your return, as you can’t afford to make a mistake on your tax filings.

2. Deductible Expenses

Social media influencers and OnlyFans models can deduct various business expenses, provided they are reasonable and directly related to the business. Common deductible expenses can include:

• Supplies and Equipment. Condoms, makeup, lingerie, sex toys, feathers, boas, diapers, masks, chains, handcuffs, bananas, bear costumes, and professional tools like cameras and lighting – anything used for content creation.
• Home Office Expenses. A portion of your rent/mortgage, utilities, and property taxes proportional to your home office/studio size.
• Marketing and Advertising. Costs related to promoting services and content on various platforms.
• Professional Services. Legal fees, accounting services, and any professional development costs related to the business.

3. GST/HST Obligations

Registration and Collection

• Self-employed individuals and corporations earning more than $30,000 in four consecutive quarters must register for a GST/HST number, charge GST/HST on services, and remit these taxes to the CRA.
• The choice of reporting periods (monthly, quarterly, or annually) depends on annual revenues:
  • Up to $1.5 million: Annual, quarterly, or monthly.
  • $1.5 million to $6 million: Quarterly or monthly.
  • Over $6 million: Monthly.

GST/HST returns are commonly misfiled, so it is essential to work with a professional to make sure you get it right.

Input Tax Credits (ITCs)

• ITCs can be claimed for GST/HST paid on business expenses, reducing the net amount owed to the CRA. Proper documentation is essential to substantiate ITC claims.

4. Navigating CRA Audits

It’s absolutely vital for OnlyFans models to know that the CRA actively monitors all platforms. They look to identify Canadian creators who appear to be earning substantial income on each platform. Once identified, they parse and analyze their posts for signs of wealth, and compare the findings to the income reported on their tax returns – possibly to prepare for a tax audit. 

Expect CRA scrutiny as an OnlyFans model and social media influencer. At Faris CPA, our specialists will ensure your taxes are filed properly and can assist you if you are facing a CRA audit. You don’t need to hire a tax lawyer if you’ve been notified of an upcoming audit. 

Importance of Record-Keeping

• Maintaining accurate and thorough records of all income and expenses is mandatory for at least 6 years after the tax year. This includes receipts, invoices, and any other documentation that supports your tax filings.
• Use accounting software to track income and expenses, ensuring all data is readily available during an audit.

Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP)

• The CRA’s Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP) allows taxpayers to come forward voluntarily to correct previous omissions or errors in their tax filings. This can help taxpayers avoid penalties and potential prosecution.

5. Seeking Professional Help

Sam Faris is a reputable, certified public accountant who specializes in OnlyFans taxes, and can provide valuable assistance in the following:

• Preparing and filing accurate tax returns.
• Identifying all possible deductions.
• Representing you during CRA audits.
• Advising on GST/HST obligations and ITC claims.

If you get a letter from the CRA, you need to work with Faris CPA, who has the expertise to assist you with these complex tax matters.

In Summary

Self-employed social media influencers, including OnlyFans models, must navigate complex tax regulations to ensure compliance and minimize tax liabilities. By understanding your obligations, maintaining meticulous records, and seeking professional advice, you can successfully manage your tax responsibilities and avoid issues with the CRA.

Insights on Recent Tax Law Changes with Budget 2024 That May Impact OnlyFans Models

There have been a few notable updates to Canadian tax laws with Budget 2024 that may affect self-employed individuals, including OnlyFans models and social media influencers. Here are the key changes and updates relevant to this sector:

Increases to the Capital Gains Inclusion Rate

Individual taxpayers earning capital gains of more than $250,000 in a tax year will see a rise in the inclusion rate from 50% to 66.67% (two-thirds). The two-thirds inclusion rate on capital gains applies to all corporations, regardless of the size of their capital gains. This may have an impact on high-income OnlyFans producers who invest their earnings and make significant capital gains, as well as those who have incorporated their businesses.

Productivity-Enhancing Assets

Currently, business assets categorized in Class 44 (patents or the rights to use patented information for a limited or unlimited period), Class 46 (data network infrastructure equipment and related systems software), and Class 50 (general-purpose electronic data-processing equipment and systems software) are assigned capital cost allowance (CCA) rates of 25%, 30%, and 55%, respectively.

Budget 2024 proposes to allow the immediate expensing of new assets in these three classes, if the property is obtained on or after Budget Day and is available for use before January 1, 2027. This would provide a 100% first-year deduction for the tax year it became available for use.

If you’re considering new equipment or software, call Faris CPA to confirm that it’s eligible for this or any other deductions.

Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Changes

For OnlyFans models and social media influencers who are required to calculate and potentially pay the alternative minimum tax amount (AMT), Budget 2024 proposes that they would be allowed to claim 80% of their charitable donations – up from 50%.

Currently, the AMT threshold is $85,700 for single filers and $133,300 for married couples filing jointly.

Other AMT-related changes proposed by Budget 2024 include:

• Fully allowing deductions for social assistance, workers’ compensation, and the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
• Allowing previously disallowed credits under the AMT regime, e.g., the investment tax credits and the federal political contribution tax credit.

Always consult a professional if your income is around the AMT threshold to know if you need to report your taxes using the AMT framework.

Expansion of the Disability Supports Deduction

The Disability Supports Deduction permits individuals with physical or mental disabilities to deduct specific expenses that help them earn income or attend school.

These expenses must be listed in the Income Tax Act, and prescribed by a medical practitioner (or a medical practitioner certifies in writing that the expense is necessary.)

A proposal in Budget 2024 seeks to broaden the list of qualifying expenses.

Enhanced Audit Compliance Measures

Budget 2024 introduced stronger audit compliance measures, including penalties for non-compliance with information requests and the ability for the CRA to require information under oath. This allows the CRA to gather more evidence in their investigations of OnlyFans models and social media influencers. 

It is essential to always keep meticulous, detailed records and accurately report your income, expenses, and deductions on your tax return, and Sam Faris can help you with this.

Creating content for OnlyFans and other platforms can be a fulfilling and lucrative experience, but not filing taxes correctly can cause long-lasting problems. Contact us today for personalized assistance and expert guidance!