Asked to provide my NI number.

[ukbanditaddicts]

I received an email today requesting that I update my account and provide my National Insurance number, as I have reached the threshold for either items sold or the selling limit.

My question is this.. I am simply selling some personal items that have accumulated in my garage over time. I am not making a profit, nor do I consider myself a business. I’m happy to close my eBay account and stop selling altogether. What will happen if I choose not to provide my National Insurance number and immediately stop selling?

[cobwebcottage]

Are you saying that you have been asked to change from a private account to a business account?

If this is right, I cannot understand the reasoning behind it unless you have other accounts too?.

At the very least, give them your NI no' as they may freeze your payments ( and your account).

Then it is up to you if you decide to continue to sell and change over or cease selling on Ebay.

[ukbanditaddicts]

I don't fully understand it to be honest. I received this..

We're getting in touch to let you know about the UK digital sales reporting law. This law requires marketplaces like eBay to collect and report seller information if you meet one of these thresholds: 30 or more sales, or sales exceeding £1740 in a calendar year.

Since you've reached this threshold, please update your account by providing your National Insurance number.

I've done some research into what happens if I just close the account but I can't find anything.

Rather than get into all the bother of providing details I'm not comfortable providing and feel i dont have to provide as this is not a business nor am i proffiting from this. I'd rather just close the account and stop selling the items all together. But do you think if I do that they'd be some kind of dispute from ebay or hmrc. I'm just looking for most hassle free solution really.

[cobwebcottage]

They are not saying you have to change to a business account. That is just the standard e mail which all sellers who have reached the reporting limit are sent.

You just have to provide your NI no' and then you can continue as normal.

You look to be a genuine private seller so just because they have asked for your NI no', that doesn't mean that you will have to pay tax.  Just keep records of your sales. Easy to get from Ebay reports.

I don't think you have anything to worry about ( from what I can see on this account).

[papso22]

If you stop selling and refuse to provide your NI number then ebay will still send your data to HMRC, but will probably flag you as non compliant.

[ukbanditaddicts]

I just found this on HMRC website 

Example — selling unwanted items

You’re clearing out your attic and decide to sell your unwanted items using online marketplaces. None of the items you sell are worth more than £6,000.

It’s unlikely that you’ll need to tell us about this income or pay any tax, no matter how many items you sell.

[padanpcparts]

Just give them it and get on with your day. I didn't see it as a choice. 

[papso22]

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@ukbanditaddicts wrote:

I just found this on HMRC website 

Example — selling unwanted items

You’re clearing out your attic and decide to sell your unwanted items using online marketplaces. None of the items you sell are worth more than £6,000.

It’s unlikely that you’ll need to tell us about this income or pay any tax, no matter how many items you sell.

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That is correct.  The £6,000 is in relation to Capital Goods Tax which is the only tax to apply to the selling of unwanted personal possessions.

Although a person doesn't need to tell HMRC directly about these sales they still come under the reporting regulations meaning ebay has to report them.

What point are you making?