Figures: 2026/27 tax year. Reviewed by Noman Abbasi, ACCA.
Made a bit of money on the side, selling on Vinted or eBay, reselling, crafting, or picking up the odd gig? The big question is usually the same: do I need to tell HMRC, and will I have to pay tax? This checker gives you a plain answer from a few details. It is a guide, not a full tax calculation.
Am I trading, or just selling my own stuff?
This is the most important distinction, and where most worry comes from. Selling your own used personal belongings is generally not taxable trading, even if the total is fairly large, as long as you are clearing out things you owned rather than buying stock to sell on. So selling old clothes, furniture or a games console you no longer want usually means nothing to report.
You are likely trading if you are buying things specifically to sell them on, making items to sell, or providing a service for money. That is when the tax rules below apply.
The £1,000 trading allowance
If you are trading, the first £1,000 of income from it in a tax year is covered by the trading allowance. Below that, you generally do not need to register for Self Assessment or pay tax. Go over £1,000 and you will usually need to register and report it, though you are only taxed on your profit, not the whole amount.
Why platforms report you to HMRC
Since 2024, online platforms such as Vinted, eBay, Etsy and Airbnb pass information about their sellers to HMRC once a year. This does not change any of the rules above, and it does not mean casual sellers suddenly owe tax. It does mean HMRC may contact people whose activity looks like trading, so it is worth understanding where you stand. If you get a letter and you were only selling personal items, you usually have nothing to worry about.
What should I do next?
If the checker says you likely need to register, our Self Assessment service can set it up and file it for you. If it looks like you are trading and you want to see what you would actually keep after tax, use the online seller take-home calculator. And if you are close to £90,000 of sales, check the VAT registration threshold tracker. Still unsure? Book a free call and we will tell you honestly whether you need to do anything.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay tax on my side hustle?
It depends on whether you are trading and how much you make. If you are buying to resell, making things to sell, or providing a service, the first £1,000 of income a year is covered by the trading allowance. Over £1,000 you usually need to register for Self Assessment and pay tax on your profit. Selling your own used personal items is generally not taxable at all.
Do I pay tax on selling on Vinted or eBay?
If you are selling your own used personal belongings, generally no, that is not taxable trading, even for larger amounts. If you are buying items specifically to resell for profit, that is trading, and the £1,000 trading allowance and Self Assessment rules apply. The checker asks which one you are doing and gives you the answer.
What is the £1,000 trading allowance?
The trading allowance means the first £1,000 of trading or miscellaneous income in a tax year is tax-free and usually does not need to be reported. If your side-hustle income is above £1,000, you typically need to register for Self Assessment, but you are only taxed on your profit above the allowance or after costs.
Will HMRC know about my side hustle?
Possibly. Since 2024, platforms like Vinted, eBay, Etsy and Airbnb report seller information to HMRC once a year. This does not change the tax rules or mean casual sellers owe tax, but HMRC may contact people whose selling looks like a business. If you were only selling personal items, you generally have nothing to report.