Sexual content creators on OnlyFans site causing a headache for Revenue officials over expenses
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Sunday World
16 hours ago
- Sunday World
OnlyFans user tried to write off racy clothing and sex toys as tax expenses
'I'm not sure if the partner can be classed as an employee' Sex workers have been trying to claim their lingerie and video props as tax-deductible items OnlyFans creators tried to claim racy clothing and sex toys as tax-deductible expenses in returns submitted to the Revenue Commissioners. The platform, widely used by sex workers and for pornography, has created headaches for Revenue over what performers can and can't write off as the costs of doing business. Internal emails show discussions over kinky wardrobe items, 'props,' hotel stays, mobile phone costs, and currency exchange from foreign subscriptions In one tax filing, an OnlyFans user tried to claim that purchases of clothing for use in risqué photos or videos should be a deductible expense. An email from one official said: 'We have received all invoices for the purchase of clothing, but we have received no breakdown between personal and business use.' The Revenue staff member asked whether there was any 'agreed consensus' on how much could be claimed. In one message, officials said they were not inclined to allow a deduction for 'clothing, underwear [and] lingerie.' '[Caseworkers] don't want to be getting into deciding whether an item of lingerie or underwear is dual purpose,' the official wrote. A later message said there had been one case involving an exotic dancer who declared 'nurse outfits, and stripper underwear type things.' These were 'essentially 'costumes' that would not be used in everyday life.' There were also discussions over a 'photoshoot hotel' where a performer had filmed material at accommodation. A message between officials said it would be deductible if it was 'wholly and exclusively for the purposes of business.' The email added: 'I think you will need to look at the entirety of the situation, it is definitely a case-by-case situation.' Revenue staff also had queries over how much of a phone bill could be attributed to work for OnlyFans. In many cases, performers will upload material using their mobile or keep in touch with subscribers online. An email said: 'I was going to allow €20 per month. [That would be] €240 per year for both years.' There were question marks too over how OnlyFans stars teaming up for content would be taxed with one performer receiving the money and later splitting it. An email said: 'From what I have read, these types of collaborations can be lucrative.' In the case concerned, the OnlyFans creator was told it was up to them to account for how the money was used and shared. 'I think the partnership approach is a very fair way to look at it,' said an email. 'I'm not sure if the partner could be classed as an employee.' The message said a key problem was that Revenue had 'no proof' of what was involved without subscribing to services. It said: 'We can't view the content and can't really corroborate the story being told.' There were also awkward questions over 'props' which were described as a 'murky area' for Revenue to untangle. 'In [one] case, the customer is claiming a deduction for expenditure incurred on sex toys,' said a message. 'I presume these are 'props' so are allowable.' A colleague responded: 'I don't know if I'd even want to ask this question myself. I would guess materiality would be a factor and invoices would be supplied. Again, I can't see why not.' Sex workers have been trying to claim their lingerie and video props as tax-deductible items News in 90 Seconds - Monday, August 4th It said there were also certain clear cut things like 'spotlights' that were definitely deductible. However, flowers or paintings used as a backdrop for photos or videos could not be claimed as they had a 'duality of purpose.' Asked about the discussions, which have taken place over the past number of years, a spokeswoman said Revenue was 'legally precluded' from talking about the tax affairs of identifiable individuals. She said: 'We are therefore not in a position to comment on any specific taxpayers or on the use of any one platform, such as OnlyFans.' The spokeswoman said Revenue recognised there had been significant growth in the use of digital platforms for earning through content creation and subscriptions. She said: 'Income earned through platforms such as OnlyFans is treated in accordance with existing tax legislation. There is no separate or distinct tax regime for content creators or platform-based earners.'
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Irish Independent
Sexual content creators on OnlyFans site causing a headache for Revenue officials over expenses
Creators of sexually suggestive or explicit content on the site OnlyFans tried to claim racy clothing and other items as tax-deductible expenses in returns submitted to the Revenue Commissioners.
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Irish Independent
OnlyFans creators seek tax deductions for sex toys and kinky outfits
Revenue workers' letters reveal confusion over whether to grant relief for 'props', nurse costumes and 'stripper underwear type things' Creators of sexually suggestive or explicit content on the site OnlyFans tried to claim racy clothing and other items as tax-deductible expenses in returns submitted to the Revenue Commissioners. The platform, widely used by sex workers and for pornography, has created problems for Revenue over what performers can and cannot write off as the costs of doing business.
