How tax on selling actually works (60-second version)
If you're just clearing out your own wardrobe or loft, you almost certainly owe nothing — selling your own used belongings isn't taxable, no matter how much it adds up to. The rules only bite if you're trading: buying or making things specifically to sell on for a profit.
If you are trading, HMRC gives everyone a £1,000 tax-free Trading Allowance each tax year. It's measured on what you sell (your total sales), not your profit. Stay under £1,000 and you usually have nothing to report. Go over it and you'll likely need to register for Self Assessment and declare your profit.
One thing people mix up: the £1,700 / 30-items figure you may have heard about is just when the platform automatically passes your details to HMRC. It's a heads-up, not a tax bill — the number that decides whether you owe tax is the £1,000 above.
Frequently asked
Do I have to pay tax on Vinted?
Only if you're selling for profit and your total sales pass £1,000 in a tax year. Selling your own old clothes you no longer wear — even a lot of them — generally isn't taxable.
What is the £1,000 trading allowance?
A tax-free amount everyone gets for casual trading or side income. If your gross trading income (total sales) is £1,000 or less, you usually don't need to tell HMRC. Above it, you may need to register for Self Assessment.
I got a message that my data was shared with HMRC — am I in trouble?
Not necessarily. Platforms must report sellers who pass 30 items or about £1,700 in a year. That's a reporting threshold, not the point at which you owe tax. Whether you actually owe anything depends on the £1,000 trading allowance and whether you're trading for profit.
Can I subtract what I paid for my stock?
Yes. If you're trading, you can either deduct the flat £1,000 allowance or your real costs (what you paid, postage, selling fees) — whichever leaves you paying less. You can't use both. The calculator above picks the better one for you.
Is this calculator official tax advice?
No. FlipSorted is a free estimate to help you understand where you stand. It isn't tax advice and isn't affiliated with HMRC. For your exact position, check the GOV.UK link above or speak to an accountant.