Forum

Ni number
 

I’m sure this has probably been asked but been away from eBay for over and just started selling again on my old stealth account but have just received the add NI Number email.

Is there anyway around this at all? I’m guessing they match the NI with name and address?
If so how long do I have before I’m restricted?

😭

Re: Ni number
 

Are you physically located in the UK? Put your flag up firstly to clarify

Re: Ni number
 

Yea I’m in U.K. and I don’t know how to get into profile details I also don’t know why my profile name has changed from what I set it up as.

Re: Ni number
 

Nicely fixed - flag showing :thumb: Now let's see what other UK members say about NI

Re: Ni number
 

The OP is just a lazy person as the UK members have already written a plethora of info about NI already.

Re: Ni number
 

I’ve looked through it all actually and it’s conflicting answers from months ago!

Re: Ni number
 

Forum searched - there is a quite a bit of info about NI

It can be conflicting but sometimes the only way is to test and experiment yourself OP...

Re: Ni number
 

There's likely no way to avoid providing your NI number if eBay is requesting it. They probably do match the NI number to your name and address to verify your identity.

Re: Ni number
 

There is no way to get around entering a national insurance number. It is a government legislature requirement.

However, there is no current database, government or otherwise, that ties your national insurance number to an address.

Re: Ni number
 

The N.I information is at a request from the HMRC and they have a database with your address, N.I number etc to cross reference- This is all driven by HMRC so that people declare and pay the correct level of taxation
all ebay do is pass the information to them, they arent bothered if its correct or made up

Re: Ni number
 

This. They don't have the means to check. Find a real NI number as a template and change a few numbers around. That's it.

Re: Ni number
 

Here is your answer.

Just Type in AB381023B for example. They don't give a toss. Nobody cares about checking them.

Re: Ni number
 

That's right ;)

Re: Ni number
 

Do all these numbers ended up with your government tax authority and what would they do with them?

Re: Ni number
 

The UK gov are pathetic honestly, nothing happens that should concern you.

Re: Ni number
 

if so,why use them?

Re: Ni number
 

If they have your bank details they can find out who you are easily enough anyway.

Re: Ni number
 

Regulations imposed onto eBay that aren't regulated at all. UK gov love a good fear mongering. Neither have the means to validate. So long as a number is put down that's all that matters. No need to question it.

Re: Ni number
 

Incorrect.

Re: Ni number
 

Completely CORRECT.

If HMRC suspect tax evasion or identity theft is taking place then banks will readily hand over the names and addresses of the account holder when requested.

Re: Ni number
 

It's a question of whether they want to pursue you or not. The government can do anything they want if they think you are worth locking up in a cage.

Re: Ni number
 

I've never had any issues, never used my real NI, for nearly a decade.

Re: Ni number
 

UK Ebay only started requesting NI information at the start of 2024.

And this has nothing to do with HMRC's ability to obtain the bank account holder's real name and address - something which you have said isn't possible.......

Re: Ni number
 

Now every marketplace is sending the sales data to HMRC annually perhaps you will....

Re: Ni number
 

Is your NI a legit one which belongs to someone else?

Re: Ni number
 

I sell on both UK/US never had any problems

Anything is possible, in reality its not that deep as your making it out to be

Re: Ni number
 

As I said, I've never used my real NI with any stealth account and never had a problem. Take from that what you want that's my experience.

Re: Ni number
 

The digital reporting only came into effect last year. You can't exactly base your experience on decades of knowledge.

Re: Ni number
 

I use both UK/US platforms the same way, my point being, throughout my entire stealth career, i've never used my real NI or T details, never had an issue.

That is my personal account to answer OP's question.