Lohnsteuerhilfe advises sales diary for eBay sales

Lohnsteuerhilfe Bayern advises people who sell goods privately on eBay and similar platforms to keep a sales diary. The reason for this is a new law that obliges the platforms to pass on far-reaching data to tax offices. Those who sell a lot of used goods could soon be suspected of making excessive profits without proof.

Background: platforms tax transparency law

The background to the recommendation is the Platforms Tax Transparency Act, which recently came into force. This law provides the state with deeper insights into private areas: Sales platforms are henceforth obliged to report personal data of all persons who have made more than 30 sales there in a year or who have generated more than 2,000 euros in sales per year to the state. In addition to the name and address of these persons, the state also receives the date of birth, the tax identification number and the bank details used at the respective platform. This puts an end to the privacy of online sales. The state will see even more in the future thanks to the new law, further limiting the possibilities to move away from its access.

Sales diary as a means against false accusations

Lohnsteuerhilfe Bayern thus sees a very practical problem coming for many people who more frequently sell used items via eBay and Co. It assumes that the tax offices will approach affected persons with inquiries or even demands. The reason for this is that the state will assume an intention to make a profit (and profit) if certain sales or activity limits are exceeded. In order to protect oneself from unjustified tax demands, the association advises to keep a sales diary. In this all sales are to be registered together with new and selling price and exact goods designation. Who sells actually primarily used goods of the everyday life, can prove thereby to have obtained under the line no or a negligible profit.

Caution with art objects

The situation is different with art objects. Here, even a sales diary will sometimes not be able to protect against claims by the state. These goods are often sold at large profits – even and especially if they are already older. Anyone who sells art objects online and has not yet registered a business should therefore take a look at their sales history. By registering a business, you can avoid claims for additional fees and penalties. The so-called speculation period of one year must also be observed. Even in the case of private sales, works of art may not be sold tax-free until one year after purchase. The exemption limit is then 600 euros per year.