Tax on nudes as OnlyFans subcribers hit with new VAT charge

Some performers claim they can make £30,000 per month from the UK-based site

Subscribers to popular adult platform OnlyFans were dealt a blow on Wednesday after being informed they must now pay VAT to see their favourite contributors.

The UK-based site, allows sex workers, pornstars, influencers and ordinary members of the public to share pictures and videos directly with subscribers. The company says it has 44 million users worldwide.

OnlyFans already takes 20% in commission and fees from performers' earnings.

The potential for huge income has encouraged some people to leave their jobs to become full-time content creators, with some performers claiming they can make up to £30,000 per month. The company says that its official figures show that higher earners on the platform can make $250-500k a month.

“Starting on 1 July 2020, OnlyFans will begin collecting and remitting VAT in your country on your active subscription,” the site wrote in a message to users on Wednesday.

“By collecting and remitting tax on behalf of the creators that you generously support, we are helping our creators stay compliant with the current laws. Thank you!”

Contributors set their own prices, but the tax change means a $10-per-month subscription now costs $12.

The site has been likened to a 'farmer's market' for adult content, with many subscribers communicating directly with contributors.

Earlier this year, a huge cache of allegedly stolen photos and videos from the website was leaked online.