eBay

bluewebseller · ‎31-01-2026

Ebay sales for me have dropped off a cliff, easily 70% down on 2/3 years ago. I was aware that ebay will notify HMRC once certain levels are achieved if that is the right word. So today I get a message of what will be sent to HMRC, not too worried about that as I would'nt be paying any tax or very little (on my profits?) But I will not be continuing for much longer and have stopped listing items most of which are military and from a private collection amassed over the years which I no longer want to keep.

It all used to be very good and easy but now effort does not = reward so it is time to let my current listings sell and ebb away. It is no longer what it once was, made even worse by a greedy government that wants the last penny it can squeeze.

£1000 and you have to register as a sole trader, £1707 ( or 30 sales) and ebay inform on you. I use my earnings to buy from other ebay sellers selling items that I need or want. Two edged sword really, I wont be selling for much longer so less money for ebay from me and no purchases will be made so even less from that route.

Yes they are upping the £1000 to £3000 in 2029? both numbers are a pittance nowadays I think it should be £5000 in sales.

red_magpie · ‎31-01-2026

You don't become liable for taxes simply because you have attained the sales threshold for notification to HMRC.

What counts is whether you are engaging in a business activity, i.e. buying or making items to resell on eBay. You would still have the opportunity to satisfy HMRC that you are just disposing of a private collection amassed over the year, the proceeds of which should not be taxable.

*vyolla* · ‎31-01-2026

@bluewebseller wrote:

£1000 and you have to register as a sole trader, £1707 ( or 30 sales) and ebay inform on you. I use my earnings to buy from other ebay sellers selling items that I need or want. Two edged sword really, I wont be selling for much longer so less money for ebay from me and no purchases will be made so even less from that route.

Yes they are upping the £1000 to £3000 in 2029? both numbers are a pittance nowadays I think it should be £5000 in sales.

You would only register as a sole trader if you're trading as a business i.e. buying items to resell.

The £1,000 you're mentioning is the Trading Allowance for small business sellers, once they have sales over £1,000 they need to complete a tax return.