selling for someone else

[primfrank]

Hi all I have been asked by a friends widow (he died about 18 months ago) to sell his collection of book tokens/book marks. To obtain the best price I have been selling them in lots of about 6 at a time. There are about 500 plus items so I will clearly pass (already have) sold several lots and now exceed 30 lots for the year but no where near the £1740 limit. How do I stand regarding HMRC.

Many thanks for constructive answers 

[gjalp]

It’s not trading so the most you will need to do is give ebay your NI when asked. Other than that just keep records of what, when and who it was sold on behalf of. When Ive sold for family/friends, they just get a copy of my spreadsheet. 

[papso22]

Whether you are trading depends on whether you are earning any commission from selling your friends stuff.  If you are, that's your trading income.

However the sales may need explaining to HMRC, with documents to support the position. 

[*vyolla*]

Are you giving your friends widow all or part of the payments you're receiving?

[insidethe93]

Good point, and to be on the safe side for you and your friend's widow, keep indisputable documentary evidence such as bank statements showing the identifiable flow of money.