Vinted Tax Reporting Guide for UK Sellers Reaching £1,700

Published by Muhammad Asif posted in Resources on 23 October 2025

Selling on Vinted has become a popular way for people across the UK to earn extra income or declutter wardrobes. However, new rules introduced in 2024 mean that online platforms, including Vinted, must now report certain seller information directly to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). With HMRC checking Vinted sales more closely through these new reporting requirements, it’s important for users to understand how their activity may be monitored. At Apex Accountants, we help individuals, freelancers, and small businesses understand Vinted tax reporting changes, assess whether their sales are taxable, and stay fully compliant with UK tax regulations.

When Does Vinted Report to HMRC?

Under the new OECD tax transparency rules, Vinted and similar platforms such as eBay, Etsy, and Depop must report seller information to HMRC when specific thresholds are met.

These thresholds include:

More than 30 transactions of sales in a calendar year, or
Total sales exceeding £1,700 in a year

Once either limit is reached, platforms must share your details — including your name, address, tax identification number, and total sales — with HMRC.

This helps HMRC identify people who may have undeclared trading income.

Does Reporting Mean You Owe Tax?

Being reported to HMRC does not automatically mean you owe tax. HMRC uses the data to check if your sales are casual or part of a trading activity.

You generally don’t pay tax if:

You’re selling personal possessions (like used clothes, books, or household items).
You’re selling for less than what you originally paid.

You may owe tax if:

You buy items with the intention to resell for profit.
You sell frequently or in high volume.
You advertise or brand your selling activity.

HMRC uses the “badges of trade” test to decide if selling counts as a business. Factors include repetition, intention, and method of sale.

Do You Have to Pay Tax on Vinted Sales?

The question “do i have to pay tax on vinted sales?” is one of the most common among UK users earning through online platforms. The answer depends on how often you sell and whether your activity is considered trading.

If you occasionally sell personal belongings for less than their original cost, such as used clothes or household items, you don’t have to pay tax on Vinted sales. These transactions are treated as private sales rather than taxable income.

However, if you regularly buy items to resell for profit, or if selling forms part of your side business, HMRC may treat you as a trader. In that case, your income becomes taxable, and you’ll need to:

Register for Self Assessment.
Report your profits after deducting allowable costs.
Keep proper records of sales and expenses.
Consider the £1,000 trading allowance, which lets you earn up to £1,000 tax-free from casual income.

At Apex Accountants, we review your selling activity to determine whether it falls under casual income or trading. Our experts help you understand your tax obligations, manage digital records, and stay compliant with Vinted HMRC reporting requirements.

Keeping Accurate Records

Keeping good records helps prove your sales are personal rather than business-related.
You should keep:

Details of every sale (date, item, and amount received)
Original purchase receipts
Postage, platform, and transaction fees
Notes on any expenses or returns

At Apex Accountants, we advise clients to keep these records for at least five years after the end of the tax year, in case HMRC asks for evidence.

Read about how HMRC tracks eBay income and sales in the UK

How to Stay Compliant with Vinted HMRC Reporting Rules

If your activity looks like trading, you may need to:

Register for Self Assessment with HMRC.
Declare your income and deduct allowable costs.
Use the £1,000 trading allowance, which lets you earn up to £1,000 tax-free from casual sales.
Keep digital records using cloud-based tools for accuracy.

How Apex Accountants Can Help You With Vinted Tax Reporting

At Apex Accountants, we guide online sellers through every stage of compliance:

Assessing your Vinted income to check if it’s taxable.
Registering you for Self Assessment where required.
Preparing digital records and reports to match HMRC expectations.
Advising on allowable expenses and tax-free allowances.
Supporting influencers, resellers, and casual sellers in staying compliant.

We make digital tax simple, clear, and stress-free — whether you sell occasionally or run a side business.

Common Questions People Ask About Vinted and HMRC Tax Reporting

Do I have to pay tax if I sell second-hand clothes on Vinted?

Not usually. If you sell items for less than what you originally paid, there’s no taxable profit. However, if you buy items specifically to resell at a profit, HMRC may consider this trading income.

Do I need a National Insurance number for Vinted?

If you are earning income from selling items on Vinted, you may need to register with HMRC and provide a National Insurance number for tax reporting purposes, especially if your earnings exceed the personal allowance threshold. It’s important to keep track of any income you make and ensure you’re complying with tax regulations.

Does HMRC track my Vinted account?

Yes. Vinted and other platforms now report seller activity to HMRC once specific sales or income thresholds are reached under new international reporting rules.

Do Vinted report to HMRC?

Vinted does not automatically report all transactions to HMRC, but if you earn above the UK tax thresholds, you are responsible for reporting your income and paying any taxes due.

When does Vinted report to HMRC?

Vinted may report to HMRC if your sales exceed certain thresholds or if they suspect you are making taxable income. Typically, HMRC requires sellers to report earnings through self-assessment.

Does HMRC checking Vinted sales mean I have to pay tax?

No. HMRC checking Vinted sales does not automatically mean you owe tax. Tax only applies if your selling activity counts as trading or you exceed the £1,000 trading allowance.

Will I be fined if I forget to declare income from Vinted?

If HMRC decides you were trading and failed to report income, they may issue penalties for late or missing tax returns, plus interest on unpaid tax.

How does HMRC define “trading”?

HMRC considers factors like frequency of sales, intention to make profit, and how organised your selling activity is. Regular, profit-driven sales may count as trading.

Can I claim expenses against Vinted income?

Yes. If you’re trading, you can deduct allowable costs such as postage, packaging, platform fees, and other direct selling expenses from your income.

What happens if I earn below £1,000?

If your total sales income is under £1,000 in a tax year, you can use the £1,000 trading allowance. In this case, you don’t need to register or file a return for that income.

Do I need to register a business for Vinted sales?

Only if your selling activity is regular, profit-making, and resembles a business. Occasional decluttering does not usually require registration.

Can HMRC look back at previous years?

Yes. HMRC can review up to four years for innocent errors and up to six years if they believe income was deliberately undeclared.

Do Depop and eBay have the same rules?

Yes. All major platforms, including eBay, Etsy, and Depop, report seller data to HMRC under the same OECD international reporting standards.

How can Apex Accountants help me with Vinted and HMRC tax reporting?

At Apex Accountants, we help sellers understand their tax position, claim the right allowances, and stay compliant with HMRC’s new reporting rules. We also assist with: