Vinted Accountants

Selling your old clothes online might feel like pocket money… until HMRC gets involved.

In the UK, more people than ever are turning to platforms like Vinted to declutter wardrobes and make extra income. What begins as an innocent clear-out often turns into a regular side hustle — with consistent sales, repeat buyers, and yes, a potential tax obligation.

Vinted makes it easy to sell pre-loved items, but it doesn’t remind you about the legal financial responsibilities that come with earning money. That’s where Vinted accountants come in. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Do I need to report my Vinted income?” or “What if I made over £1,000 this year?”, you’re not alone.

In this guide, we’ll break down when Vinted sales become taxable, what the rules are, and how a dedicated accountant can save you from expensive mistakes — and maybe even save you money.

Do I Have to Pay Tax on Vinted Sales in the UK?

Yes — if your income from Vinted goes over £1,000 in a tax year, HMRC may expect you to report and pay tax on it.

That might sound surprising, especially if you’re just clearing out your wardrobe. But here’s the catch: once you start making regular sales or earning more than £1,000 a year, HMRC no longer sees you as a casual seller. You’re potentially trading — and that comes with Tax responsibilities.

So, what is the £1,000 tax-free limit?

It’s called the trading allowance. As of now, anyone in the UK can earn up to £1,000 per year from occasional trading (including Vinted) without needing to declare it or file a tax return. But once you cross that threshold — even by £1 — you’re legally required to:

• Register for self-assessment
• Submit a tax return
• Pay tax on any profits above your personal allowance

If you’re selling handmade items, flipping charity shop finds, or even buying clothes in bulk to resell, HMRC is more likely to view you as a trader — not just someone getting rid of old stuff.

❓ Do I have to pay tax on Vinted sales?
Only if you earn over £1,000 per year or sell regularly with intent to make a profit.

Is Selling on Vinted Considered a Business or a Hobby?

If you sell regularly on Vinted with the goal of making a profit, HMRC may consider it a business — not just a hobby.

It’s one thing to sell a few dresses you no longer wear. But if you’re buying items to resell, creating a regular income stream, or running your Vinted profile like a mini shop, then it’s likely to be classified as a business activity.

The key factor HMRC looks at is intention. Are you selling just to declutter? Or are you actively trying to earn? If it’s the latter, even if it’s part-time or occasional, you may need to register as self-employed and file a tax return.

Here’s a quick way to understand the difference:

What is the “Badges of Trade” Test?

HMRC uses something called the “Badges of Trade” to assess whether your selling activity counts as a business. It’s not a strict test — more like a checklist. The more badges you tick, the more likely you’re trading.

Here are the main badges:

• Profit motive: Are you aiming to make a profit from your sales?
• Repetition: Do you sell frequently or on a regular basis?
• Nature of goods: Are you selling new or bought-for-resale items?
• Changes to the items: Do you repair, alter, or package goods before selling?
• Marketing & promotion: Do you advertise your Vinted items or build a following?
• Financing: Did you borrow money or invest specifically to buy items to sell?
• Organisation: Do you keep records, stock, or follow a structured selling process?

HMRC may treat you as a business if your Vinted activity shows profit intent, regularity, or organized selling. 

If you match several of these criteria, it’s wise to speak with a Vinted-savvy accountant to avoid surprises down the line.

When Do You Need to Register as Self-Employed for Vinted?

You need to register as self-employed if your Vinted income exceeds £1,000 in a tax year or if you’re selling regularly for profit.

This is where many UK sellers get confused. You might think, “I’m just selling clothes I don’t wear anymore — does that count?” If you’re simply clearing out your wardrobe once in a while, you likely don’t need to worry.

But if your Vinted account is active month after month, your items are priced for profit, and you’re sourcing or flipping to make money — that’s a different story.

Here’s when you must register for self-employment:

• Your total Vinted income exceeds £1,000 in a tax year (6 April to 5 April).
• You sell with the intention of making a profit — not just getting rid of old stuff.
• You buy items to resell, such as vintage or branded clothing.
• You sell frequently, especially with regular listings and repeat customers.

Registration is done through HMRC, and the deadline is 5 October following the end of the tax year when you went over the threshold. So, if you crossed £1,000 during the 2024/25 tax year, you’d need to register by 5 October 2025.

Real-World Example:

Let’s say Emily made £1,250 on Vinted last year selling high-street clothes. She also has a full-time job. Since her Vinted income is over £1,000, she must register for self-employment and submit a Self Assessment tax return, even if her day job already pays through PAYE.

Register as self-employed if your Vinted earnings go over £1,000 or if you’re actively selling for profit.

What Are the Tax-Free Allowances for Vinted Sellers?

Vinted sellers in the UK can earn up to £1,000 tax-free under the trading allowance, plus a separate personal tax-free allowance on all income.

Understanding your allowances is key to knowing whether you owe tax. Even if you earn more than £1,000 on Vinted, you may not pay tax immediately — it depends on how much you earn overall and your personal situation.

Trading Allowance (£1,000 Rule)

The trading allowance is a tax-free amount available to anyone who earns a small amount from self-employment or side hustles like Vinted, Etsy, Depop, etc.

Here’s how it works:

• You can earn £1,000 per tax year without registering or declaring anything to HMRC.
• This applies to your gross income (not profit).
• If you earn more than £1,000, you must either:
  • Register for self-assessment, or
  • Deduct the £1,000 allowance from your total income and pay tax on the rest

📌 Example:
If you earned £1,600 selling on Vinted and had no other business expenses, you could deduct the £1,000 trading allowance and be taxed on the remaining £600.

Personal Allowance and Income Limits

Everyone in the UK gets a personal allowance, which is the amount of total income you can earn tax-free across the board.

• For the 2024/25 tax year, the standard personal allowance is £12,570.
• This includes all income: salary, self-employment, side hustles, etc.
• If your total income (including Vinted) stays below this, you may not owe tax, even if you’re over the £1,000 trading allowance.

Key Point:
You must still file a tax return if you’re over the £1,000 trading income — even if you don’t owe tax after allowances.

Tax-Free Thresholds Summary Table:

You can earn up to £1,000 tax-free on Vinted under the trading allowance, plus £12,570 total tax-free if within your personal allowance.

Can an Accountant Help You as a Vinted Seller?

Yes — a qualified accountant can help you stay tax-compliant, save money, and avoid HMRC penalties as a Vinted seller.

Many Vinted users wait too long before asking for help. They assume selling online is too small or too casual to involve an accountant. But once you pass the £1,000 trading allowance or start selling with consistency, things can get complicated fast.

A good Vinted accountant doesn’t just do your tax return — they help you:

• Know when to register as self-employed
• Track income and allowable expenses
• Use the trading or personal allowance efficiently
• Avoid unnecessary taxes or fines
• Keep clean records in case of a tax investigation

Whether you’re making a few hundred pounds or a few thousand, an accountant gives peace of mind — and often helps you keep more of your earnings legally.

What Does a Vinted Accountant Actually Do?

Here are the practical ways an accountant can support your Vinted selling journey:

Self-Assessment Filing
They’ll prepare and submit your return to HMRC, ensuring all income and expenses are correctly reported.

Business Registration
Help you register as self-employed (or even set up a limited company, if needed).

Tax Planning
Advise whether to use the trading allowance or claim actual expenses.

Record-Keeping Systems
Set you up with simple tools like spreadsheets or apps to track your income and costs.

Expense Claiming
Identify allowable costs — like packaging, postage, business mileage, or Vinted fees.

VAT Advice (for higher earners)
If your sales ever approach the £90,000 VAT threshold, they’ll guide you through registration and compliance.

📌 Pro Tip:
Even a single consultation with a tax-savvy accountant can prevent hundreds in errors or missed claims — especially if Vinted is just one part of your income.

A Vinted accountant helps with self-assessment, tax-saving strategies, registration, and keeping your finances HMRC-compliant.

How to Report Vinted Income to HMRC

If you earn over £1,000 from Vinted, you must report your income to HMRC using a Self Assessment tax return.

Reporting your income may sound daunting, but it’s straightforward once you know the steps. HMRC expects sellers making a profit to declare earnings honestly and on time.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Register for Self Assessment

• If it’s your first time, register online at the HMRC website as self-employed.
• You must register by 5 October following the end of the tax year you need to report.
• Once registered, you’ll get a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number.

Keep Accurate Records

• Track all your Vinted sales income and any related expenses (like shipping or packaging).
• Use simple spreadsheets or accounting apps to stay organised.

Complete the Tax Return

• Fill out the Self Assessment tax return (SA100) online or on paper.
• Report your Vinted income under the self-employment section or additional income section depending on your circumstances.
• Deduct any allowable expenses or apply the £1,000 trading allowance.

Submit by Deadline

• The deadline for online submission is 31 January after the tax year ends (e.g., 31 January 2026 for 2024/25 tax year).
• Paper returns are due earlier, by 31 October.

Pay Any Tax Due

• After submission, HMRC will calculate your tax bill or you can calculate it yourself.
• Payment is also due by 31 January, alongside your return.

Helpful Tools Accountants Use

• Accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, or HMRC’s own free tools help automate income tracking.
• Many accountants offer packages to manage your tax returns fully, removing the hassle.

Quick Summary :

Register for Self Assessment by 5 Oct. Keep clear records of sales & costs. File tax return by 31 Jan. Pay any tax owed promptly

Following these steps helps you avoid fines or investigations and keeps your Vinted side hustle stress-free.

What If I Only Sell Occasionally — Do I Still Need an Accountant?

If you only sell a few items on Vinted now and then, you probably don’t need an accountant or to declare your income—provided you earn under £1,000 per year.

Many casual sellers clear out their wardrobes once or twice a year, selling old clothes without any real profit motive. HMRC understands this and usually treats occasional sales as hobby selling, which doesn’t require self-assessment or tax registration.

When you likely DON’T need an accountant:

• You sold fewer than £1,000 in a tax year.
• Your sales are one-off or infrequent.
• You’re not buying items to resell for profit.
• You don’t keep formal business records.

When you SHOULD consider an accountant:

• Your sales regularly exceed £1,000 annually.
• You treat selling as a side business or full-time hustle.
• You want to ensure you’re claiming expenses correctly.
• You want to plan taxes and avoid penalties.

Even if you don’t need an accountant now, it’s good to keep basic records and save receipts. If your selling grows, consulting an accountant early can save time and money later.

Pro Tip:
Use simple apps like Excel or free bookkeeping tools to track income — this makes the jump to professional help easier if needed.

Best Accountant Options for Vinted Sellers in the UK

Choosing the right accountant can make managing your Vinted income easy, stress-free, and even save you money.

Not all accountants understand the unique challenges of selling on online marketplaces like Vinted. When searching for one, keep these factors in mind:

What to look for in a Vinted accountant:

Experience with online sellers: They should understand the tax rules for casual sales, side hustles, and small online businesses.

Clear, upfront pricing: Avoid surprise fees by choosing accountants who offer transparent packages.

Good communication: Your accountant should explain tax rules in plain English, without jargon.

Flexible support: Whether you just need annual tax filing or ongoing advice, find someone who fits your needs.

Tech-savvy: Look for accountants who use cloud accounting software and digital tools to simplify bookkeeping.

Online vs Local Accountants

Online Accountants:
Great for flexibility, affordability, and quick digital communication. Many specialise in freelancers and side hustlers.

Local Accountants:
If you prefer face-to-face meetings or have more complex tax needs, a local accountant might suit you better.

Pro Tip:

Search for accountants that mention experience with platforms like Vinted, Depop, or Etsy on their websites or reviews — they’ll be more familiar with your situation.

Look for online seller experience, clear pricing, and good communication.

Decide if you prefer digital or face-to-face support.

Vinted Tax FAQs

Do I need to declare Vinted income under £1,000?

No, if your total income from Vinted sales is under £1,000 in a tax year, you don’t need to declare it to HMRC or register for self-assessment.

Will HMRC know if I sell on Vinted?

HMRC can access data from online platforms and payment services. While casual sales under £1,000 are usually overlooked, regular trading income must be reported to avoid penalties.

Can I offset expenses if I run a Vinted side hustle?

Yes, if you’re registered as self-employed, you can claim allowable expenses like postage, packaging, and platform fees to reduce your taxable profit.

How do I prove my sales are just a hobby?

Keep records showing infrequent sales and no profit motive. Evidence like occasional listings, selling personal items without buying to resell, supports a hobby classification.

What happens if I don’t report my Vinted income?

Failing to report taxable income can lead to fines, interest on unpaid tax, and even investigation by HMRC. It’s best to be honest and seek help if unsure.

Do I need to register as self-employed for casual Vinted sales?

You only need to register if your income from Vinted exceeds £1,000 or if you sell regularly with the intent to make a profit.

Are Vinted sales subject to VAT?

Generally, casual sellers don’t need to worry about VAT. However, if your total taxable turnover exceeds £90,000, you must register for VAT.

Can I use the trading allowance for Vinted sales?

Yes, the £1,000 trading allowance means you can earn up to £1,000 tax-free from Vinted without declaring it.

How do I pay tax on Vinted income?

You pay tax through the Self Assessment system by filing an annual tax return and paying any tax owed by 31 January following the tax year.

Is selling on Vinted considered a business?

It depends on factors like frequency, profit motive, and how you run your sales. Regular sellers with profit intent are usually classed as businesses by HMRC.

You don’t need to declare Vinted income under £1,000. Above this, register for self-assessment, report your earnings, and claim expenses to reduce tax. Failure to declare can lead to penalties.

Final Thoughts: When to Hire a Vinted Accountant and Why It’s Worth It

Selling on Vinted can be a great way to make extra money, but once your sales become regular or exceed the £1,000 trading allowance, it’s important to get your tax right. Hiring a Vinted accountant can save you time, reduce stress, and help you avoid costly mistakes.

An experienced accountant understands the unique rules for online sellers and can guide you through registration, record keeping, and tax filing. They’ll also help you claim the right expenses and plan your taxes so you keep more of your hard-earned cash.

If you’re serious about growing your Vinted side hustle or want peace of mind knowing you’re compliant with HMRC, it’s well worth booking a consultation. Don’t wait for a tax notice to arrive—be proactive.

Ready to get started?

Contact a Vinted accountant today to discuss your situation and get tailored advice. Whether you’re just over the threshold or a seasoned seller, professional help makes all the difference.