Ebay asking for my Nat Ins Number

[lights-camera-actionuk]

I have had a e mail for E Bay asking for my national Insurance number so i can contiunue to sell on e bay

 I am a registered business and have been for over 20 years

 I am VAT registered and have been for over 15 years with my VAT number oin my  e bay account

I pay an accountant to do my accounts of my sales on ebay  every 3 month and now this 

I AM NOT HAPPY ABOUT GIVING MY NAT INSURANCE NUMBER TO E BAY, and there is no mention of it being safe   wit E Bay   im furious

[its-a-small-world]

If private people are not selling , they are not buying too , that’s the
main issue

[therenewalworkshopltd]

In itself, that is true.

But as regards this particular issue, it doesn't matter where you sell, you have to provide the information.

So if they are not selling here, they are not selling anywhere else.

And don't forget that what you see on a forum, is not necessarily how everyone else sees things.

It is very minor portion of the sellers/buyers that post on here.  And generally those that do, have a reason for doing so.  ie. If they are not happy, they post.

How many people post how well things are going for them?

They tend to be the silent majority.

But aside from anything else, the entire country is struggling at the moment, which really does explain why sales are depressed, as it's most certainly not just Ebay!

[shopping-ferret]

I wish there was an option on here to respond with different emojis.  Lately, I'd be hitting the laughing one... often! 

The number of PRIVATE sellers on the business sellers' board complaining about having to provide their NI details is very telling.  They indignantly (wrongly) proclaim it is an infringement on their rights, declare Ebay are breaking laws and stamp their feet when it dawns on their thick skulls there might be consequences (at last!!)  Then, in a panic, hide/remove their listings, come on here to condemn Ebay, then declare they are taking their - ahem - 'business' elsewhere (but there is nowhere left to run!) and blah blah! 🤣

These sellers who are quick to condemn Ebay or HMRC have NO qualms they knowingly trade illegally as well as committing fraud - especially all those claiming certain benefits or not paying taxes or NI.  These things don't bother them at all.  They refuse to provide NI numbers or register as a business and so their only option is to depart from this particular gravy train. 

I suppose next, the charity shops will be full of their unsold goods.  Or there are always the car boot sales for the time being... still breaking the law by not declaring certain figures, though.

Also, the number of private sellers here asking the same old questions... instead of simply reading the copious material covering the topic?  Do they think the answers are going to be any different??  Seems to me these types of private sellers are not only cheats, but are lazy and not too bright in their interpretation of the new laws. 😏

[therenewalworkshopltd]

"Or there are always the car boot sales for the time being... still breaking the law by not declaring certain figures, though."

Car boots/Markets have always been like that.  Cash is king in those places.
Though how long will cash actually still exist?  It most definitely has a use before date, just not sure when that will be.

Though I really wouldn't be surprised that they keep an eye on this kind of thing, as the traders are generally quite easy to spot.  Particularly when they keep turning up every single week!  

It really is about time that this sort of thing was cracked down on.  And it makes me laugh watching some of these posters squirming....  🙂

[shopping-ferret]

Not sure how HMRC will monitor the above, but they could make it mandatory for all traders/organisers and attendees to be registered and hold a licence number, rather like market traders must.  That further means receipts for purchases will have to be issued under the registered details of legal traders and the activity of buyers and will then be treated the same way as the new laws about selling platforms.

Who knows?  I am sure that as in time it becomes a larger problem - especially with all the ex cons escaping to their only means of freedom to sell incognito; there will be a way of controlling these things to a large extent.  So in order to buy and sell, in the future, all activity will all be registered.  Those who refuse, can no longer do neither.  Crazy as it may sound, this could be the future!

[kelseryn]

Yes, well I am squirming.  I am 80 years old and having been selling on eBay for 20 years.  At first I kept all the receipts of stuff I bought in charity shops to resell but after a few years and a house move, I just kept a notebook of the totals in and out. so, have no real evience of  my costs and profit margins.  For the last year,  apparently I turned over £1700 but my   bank account says I netted £800.  I don't use that account for anything else.  So, if I am asked to fill in a return do you all think I would be charged tax on the turnover amount or would the amount in  in my bank be the taxable one.  Also, I do favours for friends and sell things for them taking no comission and i sell some of my own redundant belongings.  How on earth do I complete a return being fair to myself.  I know, I have been an idiot not keeping receipts.  Do you think I could claim a part of my car expense as I certainly could not do  any of it without the car.  I see the end in sight of what has beern a fun hobby.  Trying to contact HMRC for some simple guidance has eaten up a whole sunny afternoon of my life, to no avail. 

[therenewalworkshopltd]

Ok, well you pay tax on your profits and not your turnover.

And even then, it will depend on your total income as to whether or not you pay tax on it.

So if you have done £1700 last year, then this will be reported to HMRC.

But it's up to you to actually report what you have made/lost over the year.  All that is reported, is that you sold x amount.  And frankly, in the scale of things, you are very much small fry for HMRC.

But I would suggest that you speak to an accountant.  The first conversation is usually free.

They however will be able to direct you a hell of a lot better than anyone on these boards can.

That is the problem with a lot of people, they view this as a hobby and not a business.  When in fact it actually is a business.  But I wouldn't worry too much about it.

What would concern me, is that if you are earning extra on Ebay and you are claiming any kind of benefits etc, then you could have an issue.

[shopping-ferret]

Is that turnover before or after Ebay fees? Also, does the £800 funds you received including Ebay purchases you've made deducted from your Ebay balance? Do your figures cover a whole 12 months from Jan to Dec?

I wouldn't worry unnecessarily. I'm sure HMRC will start by going after the big sellers. That figure of £1700 is just around the limit (after seller fees) for being reported to HMRC possibly being liable for tax though it'll depend on your total income how much tax you'd be liable for.

But I'm no expert. Just how I understand the system. Don't give up your hobby. Just be aware of the rules and decide if you want to keep to your tax free limits allowance or if trading makes you liable, it's still worth paying the 20% if its something you enjoy? With your earnings, put some aside for tax and if not requested, it's a little bonus for you!

Is it worth registering as a business seller?  Have a think.

 A lot of sellers have to periodically reinvent themselves or just make adjustments as rules dictate. You'll know now to keep receipts.

Best wishes.