NI Number sharing at ebay request

[gsdjo13]

Hi, I have sold 30 items, Ebay asked for my NI number and indicated it was a requirement to continue selling.

I was concerned about sharing my NI Number as I understand it is meant to be kept safe and not handed out.

I emailed eBay with my concerns and I am still waiting for a response, so I read forums, community, etc and then thought I would go direct to HMRC.....

I phoned HMRC and emailed them, as can you, although the phone wait was long, HMRC told me NOT to share my NI number.

I did explain it was an eBay requirement and HMRC said I must NOT share my NI number and explained why it should be kept confidential.

I enjoy eBay and would like to continue but it seems like they won't let me without my NI Number eBay please can you assist with this query ?  or can anyone else advise how to continue selling on eBay without giving NI number ?

[tommystrezures]

If you don’t give those details you won’t be able to sell and eBay will hold your money and funds.

what hmrc said is technically incorrect. They and the oecd are the organisations driving this.

[papso22]

I am afraid the person you spoke to at HMRC got it wrong. 

Both Ebay's and HMRC's own published guidance make it clear that ebay legally has to provide your NI number to HMRC with your sales data.  In order to do this they need you to give them your number.

[jckl1957]

As advised, you won't be able to sell unless you give Ebay your NI number - their request is legitimate.

This from Gov.UK:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/selling-goods-or-services-on-a-digital-platform

Information you must give

Digital platform operators will ask you for certain details.

If you’re an individual seller, they’ll ask for your:

• full name
• address where you normally live
• date of birth
• tax identification number (National Insurance number if you live in the UK)