According to HMRC local selling groups on Facebook are closely being monitored by officials.
Items for sale groups, known on Facebook are a good way to share an item that needs to be sold, for example a second hand washing machine or a flat screen TV.
Local benefit officers and HMRC are now monitoring sites because people sell on sites that claim benefits or do not disclose their backhand earnings. Whether its candles or delicious cheesecakes, all must be declared by local authorities.
The purpose is – anyone selling business products, catering, bulks of stock must be declared. If you’re selling an old TV, bed etc – you would not have to declare.
It’s important you register as a business or a sole trader if you are selling as a business, you can do this by going to Company House.
It’s also raised concern to the council, as individuals sell household goods that originally came from council funding charities.
Here are some scenarios below.
Example 1: Selling an iPhone 6 and three CDS – exempt from the system
Example 2: Selling cakes and other bakery items – Needs to be declared and registered with the Food Hygiene system.
Example 3: Selling products with third-party, such as candle parties – Needs to be declared