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National insurance number
 

Banned on ebay 4 years ago, just from one category which is what i sell.

Made a account with permission of a friend 2 years ago, let it age for a year and started using this year

A few sales, just one bad feedback

Asked for national insurance number because im already over the limit, which means my friend would have to pay those taxes?

Considering changing details on account, already spoke to customer service, said i was running the account with my friend and that I would be fully taking over.

Thinking of changing the account to a different surname which would work since legally I have 2. However not sure which documents I sent them years ago which I believe could link me.

Especially because I have the same account name as years ago.

What happens if I give my national insurance but leave my friends name, ill get suspended right?

Really need to keep this account so hopeful of a solution and would appreciate any feedback or help, thanks

Re: National insurance number
 

Your situation is far from unique

The jury is out on what, if any, the solution is. If your friend is happy to be liable for any tax due you can give their NI number and pay any tax due your self - but I suspect your friend will not be over the moon with that.

There is anecdotal evidence that using a generated NI number can work - although gender and birth year need to tally with the information already given - but, according to some opinions on this forum this should enable you to carry on trading

If there is a kick back it will come next year when Ebay will upload to HMRC all the details and figures they have for your account.

No one knows what the outcome of that will be - many speculate but the truth is no one knows at this stage what may or may not happen

I wish I could be more positive but so far it appears to be an unsolvable conundrum.

I await other members replies with interest

Re: National insurance number
 

you do not need to mind this as long as you pay taxes and the money goes into your bank

the probability that you friend would be forced to pay taxes on such an account is zero unless they start receiving payments on your behalf

Re: National insurance number
 

bank account is linked to me, but not in my name, its in my friends(since it doesnt need to be)

the ebay account name is my friends

the bank account is linked to me but in my friends name

what do you think?

Re: National insurance number
 

HMRC do not know what a stealth account is and they do not care , if you are registered as business and you pay taxes the worst case scenario is an audit

but that would take some substantial selling activity , if you are a small seller no one cares

Re: National insurance number
 

roughly how much do you think anually will get an audit?

not registered as a business but have been before so dissolved company with the same company name as on ebay. only owner is me with my name. potentially ebay or hrmc will notice names dont match or they dont care?

Im only obliged to start a company and pay tax after 12000 profit right?

Re: National insurance number
 

You're obliged to register as self employed as soon as you purchase something with the intent to resell and make over £1000. Not £12000!

Why not read the many threads on this already, all your questions have been as answered to the best of everyones knowledge at the moment, because no ones knows, those that are offering advice is based on experience with HMRC and speculation, but no ones information will be 100% because it all hasn't happened yet, so we don't know what it will all look like.

Re: National insurance number
 

If I was in your shoes, and your friend agreed. I'd continue using his NIN and ensure the payouts are sent to your bank account, if ever audited it should be simple enough to explain that you are the seller and are liable for tax payments not your friend.

Re: National insurance number
 

make sure you stay below VAT threshold , if you are concerned but do not want to register create reserves to pay fines , in the worst case scenario you will not be charged VAT and the other taxes are manageable

in fact you can run shadow book keeping and create reserves , if you get an audit you will be given an opportunity to file proper tax returns and negotiate the fines

this will certainly be cheaper as the probability you get problems is not that high so it is like gambling but a lot better , you lose you pay the tax owed plus a fine , probably 30%-50% with the opportunity to reduce it if you file quickly and pay fast so that it could eventually become miniscule

and if you win you pay nothing

Re: National insurance number
 

for this I would need to have a company registered though right?

Re: National insurance number
 

update:

gave real name with slightly different matching order, real national insurance

got perma suspended for "being too risky"