Vinted Tax Rules UK

Do you sell your unwanted clothes or household items on Vinted?

If so, you might be wondering whether you’re doing it as a hobby, or whether HMRC would consider you a business (a trader). The difference really matters — especially when it comes to tax.

You might also have noticed that Vinted sometimes asks for your National Insurance Number (NINO).
Don’t panic — here’s what that actually means.

👗 Hobby Selling vs. Trading — What’s the Difference?

Selling as a hobby

If you’re simply clearing out your wardrobe and selling items for less than you originally paid, then you’re not making a profit.
That means you’re automatically making a loss, and this kind of income is not taxable.

So if Vinted is just your way of decluttering, you’re usually in the clear.

🧾 Why Is Vinted Asking for Your NINO?

Platforms like Vinted are required to report certain seller information to HMRC.
This applies if, in a year, you have:

• More than 30 transactions, or

• Total earnings over £1,700

If you meet either of these thresholds, Vinted must automatically report your activity to HMRC.

This does not mean you owe tax.

For example, if your profit from online selling is under £1,000 per tax year, this falls under the trading allowance, and you may not have to report it to HMRC at all.

💼 When You Are a Trader

You’re considered a trader if you:

• Buy items with the intention of selling them for profit

• Make or upcycle items specifically to sell

• Regularly sell with the expectation of making money

If this is you, then your profits are taxable — as long as your trading income exceeds £1,000 per tax year.

⚠️ Platform Reporting — What’s Changing?

Online marketplaces, including Vinted, now share seller data with HMRC.
This means:

• Even casual sellers should keep basic records

• HMRC can cross-check reported information

• Reporting doesn’t automatically mean you owe tax — it simply gives HMRC visibility

✅ Good Practices for Anyone Selling on Vinted (UK)

• Be honest with yourself: Are you just clearing out, or are you running a small resale business?

• Keep simple records of:

  • Purchases made to resell

  • Sale prices

  • Fees

  • Packaging and postage costs

• If your total trading income goes above £1,000 in a tax year, register for Self Assessment and declare it.

🔗 Check If You Need to Tell HMRC About Additional Income

You can use the official HMRC tool here:

https://www.gov.uk/check-additional-income-tax

💬 Need Support?

If you’re unsure about your situation or need help understanding your Vinted income, feel free to contact us