Income tax on Ebay Sales (again !)

Dazed_and_C0nfused

victohorta said:

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 ?

You have completely lost me.  There is no section to enter nothing.

You compete all the sections (if any) which are relevant.

swingaloo

How on earth do manage to get £2753 for only 21 books?

victohorta

swingaloo said:

How on earth do manage to get £2753 for only 21 books?

Easy.  Most of the books are sets of books.  e.g. 4 volumes of an SF author for £150.

victohorta

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

victohorta said:

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 ?

You have completely lost me.  There is no section to enter nothing.

You compete all the sections (if any) which are relevant.

Exactly.  Seems that the Capital Gains section is the only one that fits, even though there is only a £58 gain on sales of £7074.  So no need to report this anyway (under the normal rules) - so why the need for an SA completion ?  I'll pursue this further with HMRC.

Dazed_and_C0nfused

victohorta said:

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

victohorta said:

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 ?

You have completely lost me.  There is no section to enter nothing.

You compete all the sections (if any) which are relevant.

Exactly.  Seems that the Capital Gains section is the only one that fits, even though there is only a £58 gain on sales of £7074.  So no need to report this anyway (under the normal rules) - so why the need for an SA completion ?  I'll pursue this further with HMRC.

What have you sold that falls under the Capital Gains rules?

You seem to be massively overthinking this.

victohorta

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

victohorta said:

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

victohorta said:

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 ?

You have completely lost me.  There is no section to enter nothing.

You compete all the sections (if any) which are relevant.

Exactly.  Seems that the Capital Gains section is the only one that fits, even though there is only a £58 gain on sales of £7074.  So no need to report this anyway (under the normal rules) - so why the need for an SA completion ?  I'll pursue this further with HMRC.

What have you sold that falls under the Capital Gains rules?

You seem to be massively overthinking this.

Find me another section of the SA form that will allow me to enter data.  Yes, under the rules I have no need to submit an SA return for Capital Gains.  I'll ask HMRC why they have requested me to complete a return.

Dazed_and_C0nfused

victohorta said:

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

victohorta said:

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

victohorta said:

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 ?

You have completely lost me.  There is no section to enter nothing.

You compete all the sections (if any) which are relevant.

Exactly.  Seems that the Capital Gains section is the only one that fits, even though there is only a £58 gain on sales of £7074.  So no need to report this anyway (under the normal rules) - so why the need for an SA completion ?  I'll pursue this further with HMRC.

What have you sold that falls under the Capital Gains rules?

You seem to be massively overthinking this.

Find me another section of the SA form that will allow me to enter data.  Yes, under the rules I have no need to submit an SA return for Capital Gains.  I'll ask HMRC why they have requested me to complete a return.

You enter data in any section is relevant.

Your problem is you seem to be wanting to include information that isn't relevant.

If you just want to add non taxable income and make it taxable then just use the other income section.

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. 

Yes, that's what I'll do.

RFW

Capital gains has a much higher earning threshold. It's a complicated set up but it's generally on big ticket stuff and from what I've seen you don't need to worry about it here.

HMRC should be pretty good at helping you out but if not try Citizen's Advice or have a look around for a local accountant who could sort this in an email for you. The accountant would obviously cost, so you'd have to weigh up the value there. 

noitsnotme

victohorta said:

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

victohorta said:

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

victohorta said:

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 ?

You have completely lost me.  There is no section to enter nothing.

You compete all the sections (if any) which are relevant.

Exactly.  Seems that the Capital Gains section is the only one that fits, even though there is only a £58 gain on sales of £7074.  So no need to report this anyway (under the normal rules) - so why the need for an SA completion ?  I'll pursue this further with HMRC.

What have you sold that falls under the Capital Gains rules?

You seem to be massively overthinking this.

Find me another section of the SA form that will allow me to enter data.  Yes, under the rules I have no need to submit an SA return for Capital Gains.  I'll ask HMRC why they have requested me to complete a return.

The point being made is that you do not have to enter any of that eBay sales data in the SA if it is all legitimately personal items that have been sold.

HMRC might be expecting some business related income based on the data they have received from eBay, but it sounds like you don’t have any.  Whether that triggers HMRC to investigate further or not is anyone’s guess.

As suggested above it’s probably safer to phone HMRC up and explain the situation before you submit the SA.