Selling your own unwanted clothes on Vinted is usually tax-free, however many items you sell, because HMRC doesn't treat clearing out personal possessions as trading. What changed is reporting: Vinted and similar apps now send HMRC your details if you make 30 or more sales or receive more than about 1,700 pounds in a year, and tax only applies if you're trading.
The "Vinted tax" panic went round TikTok and the news when the reporting rules started, and HMRC itself had to say there's no new tax for online selling. That's true. But there is a rule that decides whether you owe tax, and reporting makes it easier for HMRC to check. So here's the honest version.
Reporting vs paying tax
| Question | Answer from HMRC |
|---|---|
| Is there a Vinted tax? | No. HMRC says it isn't a new tax |
| Does Vinted report me to HMRC? | If you make 30 or more sales of goods, or receive more than about 1,700 pounds (2,000 euros), in a calendar year |
| Does being reported mean I owe tax? | No, not automatically |
| Do I pay tax on my own old clothes? | Unlikely, however many you sell |
| When do I pay tax? | When you're trading: buying or making things to sell at a profit, with trading income over 1,000 pounds |
How the reporting works
The rules started at the beginning of 2024. Platforms like Vinted collect sellers' details and sales each calendar year and send them to HMRC by 31 January the following year. They don't have to report you if you make fewer than 30 sales of goods and receive less than 2,000 euros, about 1,700 pounds. Hit either 30 sales or more than about 1,700 pounds and you'll be reported, and the platform has to give you a copy of what it sent.
Vinted will ask for your tax identification number, which for UK residents is your National Insurance number. The report shows what you earned less any fees or commission, split into quarters. HMRC says it's meant to help you keep track, not replace your own records.
When Vinted sales are taxable
HMRC draws the line at trading. Selling personal possessions, the contents of your loft or wardrobe, is unlikely to be taxed. But if you buy or make goods with the plan of selling them for more, that's trading. HMRC's own example is someone who starts buying from car boot sales and charity shops regularly to sell for more than they paid. That person is trading.
Trading income then falls under the 1,000 pound trading allowance. HMRC's example of a hobby upcycler who receives 900 pounds from selling furniture could be covered by it. Above 1,000 pounds of trading income in a tax year, you register for Self Assessment.
The catch: the 6,000 pound rule
Here's the bit nobody mentions in the TikToks. Even for personal possessions, if a single item (or a set) sells for more than 6,000 pounds, you may need to pay Capital Gains Tax. HMRC's example is a picture bought for 4,600 pounds and sold for 7,000 pounds. Designer bags and watches can cross that line, so keep proof of what you paid.
Check yourself in four steps
- Are you selling your own used things, or items you bought or made to sell?
- If it's trading, add up all your trading and side hustle income for the tax year (6 April to 5 April).
- If that's over 1,000 pounds, register for Self Assessment.
- Did any single personal item or set sell for more than 6,000 pounds? Check Capital Gains Tax.
Your Vinted totals vs the tax year
A practical snag: Vinted's report covers January to December, but UK tax years run April to April. If you do need to tell HMRC, you'll have to work out your figure for the tax year from your own records or app history. HMRC's online checker for income from platforms asks for exactly that.
What reselling looks like to the taxman
HMRC's guidance gives a few telling examples. Someone clearing out an attic, with nothing worth more than 6,000 pounds, is unlikely to need to tell HMRC anything, however many items they sell. Someone who imports cameras to sell online is trading, and adds that income to any other side income. And someone who started by selling their own unwanted clothes, then moved on to buying from charity shops to sell at a profit, has crossed from decluttering into trading.
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If that's you, the good news is the trading allowance. The first 1,000 pounds of trading income in a tax year is covered, and above that you can choose the allowance or your real costs, such as the price you paid for stock, postage you covered and Vinted's own fees. Keep receipts from the charity shop runs. They're your proof of cost.
Keep these records
- What you paid for each item you bought to resell
- What it sold for, and any postage or fees you covered
- Vinted's annual report to you, saved somewhere safe
- A note of any single item sold for a large amount, with proof of what you originally paid
My verdict
If you're just clearing out, keep selling and stop worrying about the headlines. If you've turned it into a reselling business, treat it like one: track what you paid, what you sold for and your costs, and use the trading allowance or expenses at tax time. For the selling side, see my guide to selling on Vinted, what Vinted takes and what Depop takes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay tax on Vinted sales?
Not if you're selling your own unwanted items, according to HMRC. Tax applies if you're trading, buying or making things to sell at a profit, and your trading income is over 1,000 pounds.
Does Vinted report to HMRC?
Yes, if you make 30 or more sales of goods or receive more than about 1,700 pounds (2,000 euros) in a calendar year. Vinted must give you a copy of the report.
Does being reported to HMRC mean I owe tax?
No. HMRC says a platform reporting your details doesn't automatically mean you owe tax.
Is there a limit for selling personal items?
For Capital Gains Tax, HMRC says an item or set sold for more than 6,000 pounds may need looking at.
What number does Vinted ask for?
Your tax identification number, which for UK residents is your National Insurance number.
