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Is OnlyFans Legal In India? Are You Self-Employed If Earning From This Site? What About Income Tax?
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OnlyFans creators in India must navigate income tax and GST rules, just like other self-employed individuals.
Earnings from both domestic and foreign subscribers have specific tax implications. (Photo Credit: X)
OnlyFans has become a popular platform for creators worldwide to earn money directly from subscribers. People pay for access to exclusive content, and creators can offer personalised material or receive tips. While the platform is widely associated with adult content, it also hosts artists, educators and hobbyists sharing paid content.
In India, more creators are joining OnlyFans to monetise their skills and interests. Many are curious about whether using the platform is legal, whether earnings make them self-employed, and how taxes apply to their income.
Understanding these points is essential before starting to earn on OnlyFans.
OnlyFans Is Legal In India
Using OnlyFans in India is not illegal. There are no laws prohibiting Indian citizens from creating an account or earning through the platform. Creators must ensure that their content does not violate Indian laws, such as those related to obscenity or child protection.
Sharing explicit content involving minors or other illegal activities is strictly prohibited and punishable under Indian law.
Creators should also be aware that while the platform itself is legal, their income is still subject to Indian taxation rules. The key is reporting earnings correctly and staying compliant with income tax laws.
Creators Are Considered Self-Employed
Earnings from OnlyFans are treated like business income for tax purposes. Creators are considered self-employed individuals, or “sole proprietors,” which means they are responsible for reporting their income and paying taxes.
Income received from subscriptions, tips, paid messages, or personalised content falls under “Profits and Gains from Business and Profession.”
This classification is similar to other social media influencers or freelancers earning online. If a creator earns over Rs 1 crore in gross revenue in a financial year, they may also be subject to a tax audit. Even smaller creators should keep proper records of earnings and expenses to ensure accurate reporting.
Income Tax Rules For OnlyFans Earnings
All money earned on OnlyFans, whether in cash or digital payments, is taxable under Indian law. The income is added to the creator’s total taxable income and taxed according to the applicable slab rates.
Creators can reduce their taxable income by claiming legitimate business expenses, such as cameras, lighting, microphones, software subscriptions, internet bills and workspace costs.
Only expenses that are “ordinary and necessary” for content creation can be deducted.
GST May Also Apply
If a creator’s earnings exceed Rs 20 lakh in a year (or Rs 10 lakh for special category states), they must register for GST. Services provided to Indian subscribers are taxed at 18 per cent under the GST regime.
Earnings from foreign subscribers are considered exports of service and may be zero-rated, meaning no GST is charged, provided the creator follows proper procedures like filing a Letter of Undertaking.
In a nutshell, OnlyFans is legal in India, but creators must follow self-employment and taxation rules. Creators must keep proper records of income and expenses to ensure compliance with income tax and GST rules.
For anyone planning to earn on the platform, understanding tax obligations and keeping good records ensures a safe and sustainable way to monetise online content.
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
Delhi, India, India
September 21, 2025, 10:00 IST
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