Email From Ebay Asking If Private Or Business Seller

kiwi_fruit

Got a strange message from Ebay saying their records show I have undefined account as I'm registered on ebay before 2006. Then they ask to confirm if I have personal or business account? It looks like a message from Ebay, although I only have it in my messages, not email. Is that a real one you reckon? Just asking as every message like that makes me suspicious with the amount of scam around.

salsar12

Yes I have had them in my messages on 2 of my ebay accounts. Just log into your ebay account in the normal way (not by the link on the message) and onto your account profile and update it there. Messages are slow at hitting ebay messages sometimes

soolin

BG NOTE

I have merged two threads here so please read replies in order to enable them to make sense.

It looks like these emails are going out to most people now so I will continue to merge threads to keep all the information and advice in one place

freddysmith

Also worth a note to those that have not received the Email yet that:-

If you do not confirm your account type by 30 April 2008, please note that you will be unable to sell on eBay until you complete the confirmation

So it is the selling aspect of Ebay, don't think it will be long before everyone receives their Tax declaration forms through the post.

Ebay was good while it lasted

salsar12

I have a business account on ebay and keep it separate from my personal account. I am registered with HMRC as like Soolin says it only takes a jealous wannabe to make a call and all your good work could come undone. Its all part of the 'fun' of ebay though. My accountant reckons that Inland Revenue are working closely with eBay to catch the ebayers not declaring their status etc and earning money without paying tax. So please don't think that you have got away with it so far and so you must be ok - it simply isn't worth the risk. Keep records of what you sell and if you sell for profit declare yourself as a business - you have nothing to fear if you have nothing to hide. Good luck. ps wonder if IR are looking into other auction sites and free ad areas?

kiwi_fruit

Thanks soolin, sorry I didn't notice the existing thread, wouldn't have made another one.

rubyx4

Hi,

Could someone please clarify something for me. If you were on Income Support for example does that mean that you can no longer sell your old stuff? For example, I read a book once and then put it on Ebay, I also list old clothes that I no longer want. Would someone in this situation be doing wrong by selling on Ebay under the new ruling?

soolin

ruby, just to make it clear the tax or benefits implications are nothing to do with ebay so the new rules don't actually change the situation one iota. If you are allowed to sell your own personal items on ebay without affecting benefits then you can continue to do so. If you are asked which sort of seller you are you merely state truthfully that you are a private seller who does not trade for profit.

ally67_2

under the new rules on ebay where would i stand i buy books from charity shops and read them then put them on e bay ? if i become a business i wouldnt make any money as i only sell 2 books a week at £1.00 EACH .maybe its time for a change

soolin

ally67 wrote: »

under the new rules on ebay where would i stand i buy books from charity shops and read them then put them on e bay ? if i become a business i wouldnt make any money as i only sell 2 books a week at £1.00 EACH .maybe its time for a change

Once again i can't seem to post anything this morning..I'll try again.

Forget limits and forget amounts that is immaterial. The only thing that HMRC care about is whether you buy to sell on. If you only sell your personal items you are not running a business. However the obvious problem would be if you suddenly 'read' a few dozen books a week..I think HMRC might well question it all a bit then.

However, for 8 books a month it would seem that even HMRC could make no case that you are trading if they were all bought for personal use in the first place.