To avoid the focus on booze and fags, I will simplify…

3. Hopefully… it will stop benefit cheats.

This is one of the unreported reasons why it has been introduced. They want to cross-reference those making an additional income (avoiding tax) whilst still claiming benefits to clamp down on benefit fraud (and this is the same for all political parties).

They aren't benefit cheats if they sell a bit of tatt on the side. 

With the amount of in-work benefits people are having to claim, and zero hours contracts, and the gig economy surrounding all the alternative delivery companies that are out there at the moment, the whole situation is a disgrace. 

Going after people selling a little bit on the side in order to survive (or buy booze and fags, as you put it) is targeting the wrong people. They are not benefit cheats. They are people struggling to survive. 

Not everyone is as fortunate as you, or me, or others on this site who are able to buy art for our walls. 

The fact that they will have full access to this information, and what they choose do do with it, enforce the tax rules, etc, will define how sensible or draconian this is.

A limit of 30 items is incredibly low. Millions of eBayers will get caught up by that number. But many poor folk will not fancy having the hassle of dealing with HMRC, the threatening letters, etc, whether they're liable for tax or not. They just won't want the additional stress. 

The bottom line is poorer people tend to spend their money, perhaps on things like food, energy, clothing, etc. Even cigarettes and alcohol are highly taxable items. If this scares more people off of ebay, meaning they now chuck out their old unwanted stuff instead, this won't be ideal for the economy or the environment.

And if it results in more folk getting pushed into arrears or debt with energy companies, well that's not great either, because then we all pay for that.

In a time when the average person is frantically peddling to stay afloat, the tone of this new strategy appears mean-spirited and not great for the economy in the whole. We want people shopping and spending, not frightened and clinging to every last penny.

When people abuse and take advantage of the system then it will have a negative effect on those that pay taxes or follow by the rules.

It can be the minority that ruin it for the majority if they are trying to clamp down on tax or benefit fraud.

If that's the case, why are they lowering the threshold to £3000 next year? Anyone who has been collecting for years now can't sell it without a major headache all because the rich must make more and more. Meanwhile most people on £80,000 and up are using loopholes to get out of paying tax, big corporations making billions are avoiding paying their due's, but someone making 3 grand over a whole year of selling shit on ebay (which is no fun) will now have to find receipts and prove they don't owe the gov anything, or possibly have to pay something out of it. I know people on over £100,000 and they couldn't be arsed to sell on ebay but will judge those on a pittance who do.

Genuine question…

I checked my eBay sales for the last year and I’ve sold less than £200. I have more valuable stuff (not art related) that I want to sell, so is it worthwhile me trying to sell £800 before April 2024, then I will have 12 months from April 2024 to sell an extra £1,000?

I’m offended you would think I read that trash. 🤣🤣🤣

Dude - I’m able to think for myself then everyone can gave different perspectives. There are lots of pros and cons / winners and losers for why it is being done.

People are often negative when they feel they are being taxed (and won’t ever think taxation is fair) and that seems to have been the common view so far.

Not everyone has to have the same views, but it looks like I am more open to accept tax as I don’t perceive as tax as evil, but inevitable. Sorry for not joining in and moaning about it.

In fairness who really cares if they inform HMRC, just submit a tax return and keep records of all your costs, I've had to do it for the last 13 years. In reality you could sell £50,000 on ebay but if you only make a gain of say £6,000 on the sale between you and your Mrs you won't even have to pay any tax assuming it's your only gain. If you're trading you probably want to incorporate your sales anyway in which case this won't apply as you'll be on a corporate account. All my companies run quickbooks so my entire bank feed goes straight into my VAT returns and end of year accounts. As much as I think HMRC are c**t, it's actually not that difficult to keep your affairs in order with a bit of tech and good systems.

Can I propose in here, a tax increase for the Government, which would affect the income group under £70,000 a year?
I propose a 70% tax increase.
For those under £30,000 the increase is 90%.
Anyone earning more than £70,000 a year should be helped and facilitated. He shouldn't pay any taxes, because he certainly keeps the country afloat.
I write it, maybe someone reads it and makes my dream of increasing taxes in England come true.

Don't give away the secrets!
Have you gone mad?

The masses have always responded well to these charitable works organized by governments.

When you propose something like this, you create two gangs, one that agrees with the increase and one that doesn't.
While they fight, you can start a new world war. Nobody would notice anything.

Mind your own business!
Otherwise I'll be happy to get you fired, and raise your taxes by 300%.

If you want to pay more we can come to an agreement. :-)))

I am of the opinion that art and culture should not be taxed. If you sell something from your collection from time to time you should not pay us anything. What's very different is that there are dozens of transactions a year and you operate like a gallery.
This is a job.
Like all earnings from work, they must be taxed to guarantee welfare.
Rather, do governments use the money for welfare and to help people, or to organize wars?

Good day.