Income tax on Ebay Sales (again !)

victohorta

Just about to do a self assessment return for the last tax year.  I only sell my own items that I no longer wish to keep OR have replaced with newer versions. (e.g. Technology items).  I'm a private seller on Ebay and do not run any sort of business.  HMRC have asked me to complete a Self Assessment Tax Return.  Not clear why, other than I have more than £5000 Ebay sales for the year.

2024/2025 was 44 sales with sales amount £ 7074.  23 technology items - £4321 and 21 books/CDs - £2753.  Most years are nowhere near as busy/high value.

In only 2 cases (books) did I make a lucky profit (£58 on £452 sales). I have proof of item costs in almost all cases.  (I keep good records).

Question.  How do I avoid being taxed on turnover ?  Include a spreadsheet with the return ?  Include proof of costs ? (Many pages of receipts etc).

Thanks.

soolin

victohorta said:

Just about to do a self assessment return for the last tax year.  I only sell my own items that I no longer wish to keep OR have replaced with newer versions. (e.g. Technology items).  

2024/2025 was 44 sales with sales amount £ 7074.  23 technology items - £4321 and 21 books/CDs - £2753.  Most years are nowhere near as busy/high value.

In only 2 cases (books) did I make a lucky profit (£58 on £452 sales). I have proof of item costs in almost all cases.  (I keep good records).

Question.  How do I avoid being taxed on turnover ?  Include a spreadsheet with the return ?  Include proof of costs ? (Many pages of receipts etc).

Thanks.

You put 'again' in the title - but this is the same question that keeps cropping up and I'll see if you can find the earlier thread.

If you sold your own items you are not liable for income tax- so no need to declare anything.

victohorta

soolin said:

victohorta said:

Just about to do a self assessment return for the last tax year.  I only sell my own items that I no longer wish to keep OR have replaced with newer versions. (e.g. Technology items).  

2024/2025 was 44 sales with sales amount £ 7074.  23 technology items - £4321 and 21 books/CDs - £2753.  Most years are nowhere near as busy/high value.

In only 2 cases (books) did I make a lucky profit (£58 on £452 sales). I have proof of item costs in almost all cases.  (I keep good records).

Question.  How do I avoid being taxed on turnover ?  Include a spreadsheet with the return ?  Include proof of costs ? (Many pages of receipts etc).

Thanks.

You put 'again' in the title - but this is the same question that keeps cropping up and I'll see if you can find the earlier thread.

If you sold your own items you are not liable for income tax- so no need to declare anything.

Unfortunately not true. I received a notice from HMRC to say I needed to complete a Self Assessment return.

RFW

victohorta said:

soolin said:

victohorta said:

Just about to do a self assessment return for the last tax year.  I only sell my own items that I no longer wish to keep OR have replaced with newer versions. (e.g. Technology items).  

2024/2025 was 44 sales with sales amount £ 7074.  23 technology items - £4321 and 21 books/CDs - £2753.  Most years are nowhere near as busy/high value.

In only 2 cases (books) did I make a lucky profit (£58 on £452 sales). I have proof of item costs in almost all cases.  (I keep good records).

Question.  How do I avoid being taxed on turnover ?  Include a spreadsheet with the return ?  Include proof of costs ? (Many pages of receipts etc).

Thanks.

You put 'again' in the title - but this is the same question that keeps cropping up and I'll see if you can find the earlier thread.

If you sold your own items you are not liable for income tax- so no need to declare anything.

Unfortunately not true. I received a notice from HMRC to say I needed to complete a Self Assessment return.

It is true. HMRC don't know what you're selling and why. They may have seen your items but it's mostly automated so they won't have any differential between whether they're your personal possessions being resold or some things you've bought to resell. You've had the notice because HMRC think that you may be a business, if you're not you need to tell them.
Best advice at this point is to contact HMRC and explain and see what they say. 

Dazed_and_C0nfused

victohorta said:

soolin said:

victohorta said:

Just about to do a self assessment return for the last tax year.  I only sell my own items that I no longer wish to keep OR have replaced with newer versions. (e.g. Technology items).  

2024/2025 was 44 sales with sales amount £ 7074.  23 technology items - £4321 and 21 books/CDs - £2753.  Most years are nowhere near as busy/high value.

In only 2 cases (books) did I make a lucky profit (£58 on £452 sales). I have proof of item costs in almost all cases.  (I keep good records).

Question.  How do I avoid being taxed on turnover ?  Include a spreadsheet with the return ?  Include proof of costs ? (Many pages of receipts etc).

Thanks.

You put 'again' in the title - but this is the same question that keeps cropping up and I'll see if you can find the earlier thread.

If you sold your own items you are not liable for income tax- so no need to declare anything.

Unfortunately not true. I received a notice from HMRC to say I needed to complete a Self Assessment return.

What has that got to do with eBay sales though 🤔

I only sell my own items that I no longer wish to keep OR have replaced with newer versions. (e.g. Technology items).  I'm a private seller on Ebay and do not run any sort of business.

Self Assessment returns can be issued for a whole host of reasons, the Self in Self Assessment refers to the fact you need to compete it, not self employment.

victohorta

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

victohorta said:

soolin said:

victohorta said:

Just about to do a self assessment return for the last tax year.  I only sell my own items that I no longer wish to keep OR have replaced with newer versions. (e.g. Technology items).  

2024/2025 was 44 sales with sales amount £ 7074.  23 technology items - £4321 and 21 books/CDs - £2753.  Most years are nowhere near as busy/high value.

In only 2 cases (books) did I make a lucky profit (£58 on £452 sales). I have proof of item costs in almost all cases.  (I keep good records).

Question.  How do I avoid being taxed on turnover ?  Include a spreadsheet with the return ?  Include proof of costs ? (Many pages of receipts etc).

Thanks.

You put 'again' in the title - but this is the same question that keeps cropping up and I'll see if you can find the earlier thread.

If you sold your own items you are not liable for income tax- so no need to declare anything.

Unfortunately not true. I received a notice from HMRC to say I needed to complete a Self Assessment return.

What has that got to do with eBay sales though 🤔

I only sell my own items that I no longer wish to keep OR have replaced with newer versions. (e.g. Technology items).  I'm a private seller on Ebay and do not run any sort of business.

Self Assessment returns can be issued for a whole host of reasons, the Self in Self Assessment refers to the fact you need to compete it, not self employment.

I recall reading that Ebay are now obliged to report sellers to HMRC if their sales are over 30 and/or £2700 in value (or so).  So I expected to be reported for the last tax year

Yes, I know what Self Assessment means - I have previously had to complete them for other reasons but HMRC had informed me that It was no longer neccessary.

Dazed_and_C0nfused

victohorta said:

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

victohorta said:

soolin said:

victohorta said:

Just about to do a self assessment return for the last tax year.  I only sell my own items that I no longer wish to keep OR have replaced with newer versions. (e.g. Technology items).  

2024/2025 was 44 sales with sales amount £ 7074.  23 technology items - £4321 and 21 books/CDs - £2753.  Most years are nowhere near as busy/high value.

In only 2 cases (books) did I make a lucky profit (£58 on £452 sales). I have proof of item costs in almost all cases.  (I keep good records).

Question.  How do I avoid being taxed on turnover ?  Include a spreadsheet with the return ?  Include proof of costs ? (Many pages of receipts etc).

Thanks.

You put 'again' in the title - but this is the same question that keeps cropping up and I'll see if you can find the earlier thread.

If you sold your own items you are not liable for income tax- so no need to declare anything.

Unfortunately not true. I received a notice from HMRC to say I needed to complete a Self Assessment return.

What has that got to do with eBay sales though 🤔

I only sell my own items that I no longer wish to keep OR have replaced with newer versions. (e.g. Technology items).  I'm a private seller on Ebay and do not run any sort of business.

Self Assessment returns can be issued for a whole host of reasons, the Self in Self Assessment refers to the fact you need to compete it, not self employment.

I recall reading that Ebay are now obliged to report sellers to HMRC if their sales are over 30 and/or £2700 in value (or so).  So I expected to be reported for the last tax year

Yes, I know what Self Assessment means - I have previously had to complete them for other reasons.

What does that matter to you though if you have only been selling personal items you no longer need?

All your posts are doing is hinting at there being more to this than you are letting on.

victohorta

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

victohorta said:

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

victohorta said:

soolin said:

victohorta said:

Just about to do a self assessment return for the last tax year.  I only sell my own items that I no longer wish to keep OR have replaced with newer versions. (e.g. Technology items).  

2024/2025 was 44 sales with sales amount £ 7074.  23 technology items - £4321 and 21 books/CDs - £2753.  Most years are nowhere near as busy/high value.

In only 2 cases (books) did I make a lucky profit (£58 on £452 sales). I have proof of item costs in almost all cases.  (I keep good records).

Question.  How do I avoid being taxed on turnover ?  Include a spreadsheet with the return ?  Include proof of costs ? (Many pages of receipts etc).

Thanks.

You put 'again' in the title - but this is the same question that keeps cropping up and I'll see if you can find the earlier thread.

If you sold your own items you are not liable for income tax- so no need to declare anything.

Unfortunately not true. I received a notice from HMRC to say I needed to complete a Self Assessment return.

What has that got to do with eBay sales though 🤔

I only sell my own items that I no longer wish to keep OR have replaced with newer versions. (e.g. Technology items).  I'm a private seller on Ebay and do not run any sort of business.

Self Assessment returns can be issued for a whole host of reasons, the Self in Self Assessment refers to the fact you need to compete it, not self employment.

I recall reading that Ebay are now obliged to report sellers to HMRC if their sales are over 30 and/or £2700 in value (or so).  So I expected to be reported for the last tax year

Yes, I know what Self Assessment means - I have previously had to complete them for other reasons.

What does that matter to you though if you have only been selling personal items you no longer need?

All your posts are doing is hinting at there being more to this than you are letting on.

No. It is as I stated.  No hidden agenda here.  Please elaborate on what gives you that impression.

victohorta

RFW said:

victohorta said:

soolin said:

victohorta said:

Just about to do a self assessment return for the last tax year.  I only sell my own items that I no longer wish to keep OR have replaced with newer versions. (e.g. Technology items).  

2024/2025 was 44 sales with sales amount £ 7074.  23 technology items - £4321 and 21 books/CDs - £2753.  Most years are nowhere near as busy/high value.

In only 2 cases (books) did I make a lucky profit (£58 on £452 sales). I have proof of item costs in almost all cases.  (I keep good records).

Question.  How do I avoid being taxed on turnover ?  Include a spreadsheet with the return ?  Include proof of costs ? (Many pages of receipts etc).

Thanks.

You put 'again' in the title - but this is the same question that keeps cropping up and I'll see if you can find the earlier thread.

If you sold your own items you are not liable for income tax- so no need to declare anything.

Unfortunately not true. I received a notice from HMRC to say I needed to complete a Self Assessment return.

It is true. HMRC don't know what you're selling and why. They may have seen your items but it's mostly automated so they won't have any differential between whether they're your personal possessions being resold or some things you've bought to resell. You've had the notice because HMRC think that you may be a business, if you're not you need to tell them.
Best advice at this point is to contact HMRC and explain and see what they say. 

I'll do just that.  Thanks.  I'd hoped there was some answer to my specific question here on these forums.

Dazed_and_C0nfused

victohorta said:

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

victohorta said:

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

victohorta said:

soolin said:

victohorta said:

Just about to do a self assessment return for the last tax year.  I only sell my own items that I no longer wish to keep OR have replaced with newer versions. (e.g. Technology items).  

2024/2025 was 44 sales with sales amount £ 7074.  23 technology items - £4321 and 21 books/CDs - £2753.  Most years are nowhere near as busy/high value.

In only 2 cases (books) did I make a lucky profit (£58 on £452 sales). I have proof of item costs in almost all cases.  (I keep good records).

Question.  How do I avoid being taxed on turnover ?  Include a spreadsheet with the return ?  Include proof of costs ? (Many pages of receipts etc).

Thanks.

You put 'again' in the title - but this is the same question that keeps cropping up and I'll see if you can find the earlier thread.

If you sold your own items you are not liable for income tax- so no need to declare anything.

Unfortunately not true. I received a notice from HMRC to say I needed to complete a Self Assessment return.

What has that got to do with eBay sales though 🤔

I only sell my own items that I no longer wish to keep OR have replaced with newer versions. (e.g. Technology items).  I'm a private seller on Ebay and do not run any sort of business.

Self Assessment returns can be issued for a whole host of reasons, the Self in Self Assessment refers to the fact you need to compete it, not self employment.

I recall reading that Ebay are now obliged to report sellers to HMRC if their sales are over 30 and/or £2700 in value (or so).  So I expected to be reported for the last tax year

Yes, I know what Self Assessment means - I have previously had to complete them for other reasons.

What does that matter to you though if you have only been selling personal items you no longer need?

All your posts are doing is hinting at there being more to this than you are letting on.

No. It is as I stated.  No hidden agenda here.  Please elaborate on what gives you that impression.

If it is as you stated then what is there for you to enter on a Self Assessment (in respect of your personal, non business, eBay sales)?

victohorta

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

victohorta said:

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

victohorta said:

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

victohorta said:

soolin said:

victohorta said:

Just about to do a self assessment return for the last tax year.  I only sell my own items that I no longer wish to keep OR have replaced with newer versions. (e.g. Technology items).  

2024/2025 was 44 sales with sales amount £ 7074.  23 technology items - £4321 and 21 books/CDs - £2753.  Most years are nowhere near as busy/high value.

In only 2 cases (books) did I make a lucky profit (£58 on £452 sales). I have proof of item costs in almost all cases.  (I keep good records).

Question.  How do I avoid being taxed on turnover ?  Include a spreadsheet with the return ?  Include proof of costs ? (Many pages of receipts etc).

Thanks.

You put 'again' in the title - but this is the same question that keeps cropping up and I'll see if you can find the earlier thread.

If you sold your own items you are not liable for income tax- so no need to declare anything.

Unfortunately not true. I received a notice from HMRC to say I needed to complete a Self Assessment return.

What has that got to do with eBay sales though 🤔

I only sell my own items that I no longer wish to keep OR have replaced with newer versions. (e.g. Technology items).  I'm a private seller on Ebay and do not run any sort of business.

Self Assessment returns can be issued for a whole host of reasons, the Self in Self Assessment refers to the fact you need to compete it, not self employment.

I recall reading that Ebay are now obliged to report sellers to HMRC if their sales are over 30 and/or £2700 in value (or so).  So I expected to be reported for the last tax year

Yes, I know what Self Assessment means - I have previously had to complete them for other reasons.

What does that matter to you though if you have only been selling personal items you no longer need?

All your posts are doing is hinting at there being more to this than you are letting on.

No. It is as I stated.  No hidden agenda here.  Please elaborate on what gives you that impression.

If it is as you stated then what is there for you to enter on a Self Assessment (in respect of your personal, non business, eBay sales)?

Nothing, but where do I enter that on the SA form ?  Under Capital Gains ? Under Other UK Income ?