Answers · UK 2025/26
Do I pay tax on eBay or Vinted income in the UK?
Selling personal items you no longer want is generally NOT taxable. Buying-to-resell or making/selling items for profit IS taxable trading income. £1,000 Trading Allowance covers small earnings. Platforms report seller data to HMRC since 2024.
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UK eBay, Vinted, Etsy, Depop tax 2025/26. Selling vs trading distinction. Selling: clearing out personal possessions you no longer want (old clothes, unwanted gifts, decluttering). NOT taxable as long as you don't profit from buying-to-resell. CGT might apply on personal "chattels" worth over £6,000 each (rare for typical Vinted listings). Trading: buying to resell at profit; making items for sale; selling regularly for income — counts as self-employment trading. Trading Allowance £1,000: covers gross trading income; if you exceed it, must register for Self Assessment and either claim allowance OR deduct actual expenses. HMRC platform reporting: since 1 January 2024, online marketplaces (eBay, Vinted, Etsy, Airbnb, Uber, etc.) must report sellers' annual income and identity details to HMRC if they sell 30+ items OR receive €2,000+ (~£1,700) in a calendar year. This means HMRC sees your activity even if you haven't declared. Practical advice. Casual decluttering: keep records to demonstrate items were personal possessions, not trading stock. Borderline (sell hobby crafts or vintage finds): declare via Self Assessment if over £1,000 gross. Active reseller / dropshipper: definitely register as self-employed. Tax rates: same as employment income — 20%/40%/45% Income Tax + 6%/2% Class 4 NI on profits over £12,570.
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This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.