People selling unwanted items online can continue to do so without any new tax
obligations, HMRC has confirmed.
The reminder comes as online platforms start sharing sales data with HMRC from
January 2025 – a new process that, when announced last year, generated
inaccurate claims that a new tax was being introduced.
But whether selling last year's festive jumper, getting some money back for a
child's outgrown baby clothes, or quietly offloading an unwanted Christmas
present or two – absolutely nothing has changed for online sellers.
The new reporting requirements for digital platforms came into effect at the
start of 2024. HMRC says that it is not a new tax and whether people are selling
personal items on eBay, renting homes out on Airbnb or delivering takeaways
through Just Eat – no tax rules have changed.
Those who sold at least 30 items or earned roughly £1,700 or provided a paid-for
service, on a website or app in 2024 will be contacted by the digital platform
in January to say their sales data and some personal information will be sent to
HMRC due to new legal obligations.
Angela MacDonald, HMRC's Second Permanent Secretary and Deputy Chief Executive
Officer, said:
'We cannot be clearer – if you are not trading and just occasionally sell
unwanted items online – there is no tax due.
'As has always been the case, some people who are trading through websites or
selling services online may need to be paying tax and registering for self
assessment.'
Internet link: HMRC press release