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HMRC Clarifies Tax Rules for Online Sellers After Query on Offsetting Losses

The department explains that losses on personal belongings do not reduce income tax, and most items worth £6,000 or less are outside capital gains tax.

Overview

  • HMRC confirmed that capital losses generally offset capital gains only and cannot be set against UK income tax.
  • Gains on non‑exempt personal possessions are liable to capital gains tax, as illustrated by a £1,000 item sold for £10,000.
  • Most personal items worth £6,000 or less are exempt from capital gains tax, and losses on exempt items cannot be claimed.
  • Current guidance states an 18% CGT rate for basic‑rate taxpayers on qualifying gains and 24% for higher or additional‑rate taxpayers.
  • Sellers were directed to the GOV.UK tool to check if their online activity needs reporting or could count as trading, with no change in law announced.