kavitykid Loc: Maryland

I just sold an item on eBay and got a notification that they needed my full social security number to report to the IRS because I had sold more than $600 for the year. I reviewed my transactions on their site and I had not approached $600 in sales. They have recently instituted a policy of paying through your bank account. I was very unhappy with that but had no choice at the time. In previous years I used PayPal. Never a problem. I chatted with 2 of their reps - first one hung up on me - the second said I did not need to supply my social. Now that item has sold I get a red letter message that they want my social again. These companies are so big and so arrogant that they can do what ever they want. I just want my payment. Be careful.

cliff Hilbert Loc: Plano, TX

I think you want to put this in the Chit Chat, non-Photography section.
(I beat you to it, Paul! lol )

one_eyed_pete Loc: Colonie NY

You're blaming the wrong group. EBAY/Paypal has no interest or desire to collect this sales data. They are being forced to collect this information by the current Washington DC administration's IRS reform initiative because they fear people may make some income that may not get taxed.

Bohica Loc: SE Coast of NC

I never use PAYPAL! Hacked 5 times for recurring $10 payments to Microsoft by 13-14 yr old kids

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

And you’re trying to get it moved to the attic with your right-wing rant.

rwww80a Loc: Hampton, NH

Don't you listen to the news? The new law requires reporting to the IRS if you sell more than $600 per year. Businesses get to take their cost into account lowering their net profit. No so for the sale of things by the little guy, income based on the "sold" price. I wonder if the site fees and shipping costs come off the "sold" price?

kavitykid Loc: Maryland

My main beef with eBay is that I have not crossed the $600 threshold no matter how they calculate it. There is no reason for them to hold my money. I certainly will NOT be selling anything additional this year.

jbk224 Loc: Long Island, NY

I certainly understand where you are coming from. I recently had the same experience. But the law is the law. They now want this information from the get go regardless of your current status. Makes sense from running a business.
Before the change, one had to do $20,000 in sales--not $600.
I don't use eBay for this reason.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Again, yet another dirty laundry post.
I like the fact that eBay does a direct deposit to my banking account. And the Feds have passed legislation requiring companies to report sales, yes, the feds discovered that their was a lot of tax money on the net and they wanted their share, and the states too, they wanted sales taxes and the feds wanted to see that you claimed the money you made so they could get their cut. Blame the government, not eBay, they are just complying with government regulations.
Do not blame eBay, I have used them from day one and have sold nearly $60,000.00 on it over the years. Yes, there are cheaters out there and they exist on most internet sites.
As far as customer service goes, I would, if I were you, just ignore their request for your SS number because you have not sold over $600.00. Instead of coming hear and bitching about a great company, why not just take care of business YOURSELF and keep your trap shut!
And please, do not buy anything from me on eBay. Well, since your not there anymore I won't have to deal with your negativity. Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

They combine the sales tax, shipping costs, and how much you sold.

chrisg-optical Loc: New York, NY

Ebay has just become evil over the years with their draconian sellers policies. They will hold your money, AND take a hefty fee of 12-15% off the top. Once the tracking says the seller received the item, they will release the money after 3-5 days, sometimes longer if you are "under review". Ebay is now acting more like a virtual consignment shop, rather than a direct buyer-seller ecommerce platform.

Regarding the taxes, for 2022 I sold over $4500 photo gear, but they did not issue a 1099. At least 2 items were >$600. All items were sold for less than originally purchased, SO it is very important to save purchase receipts to back up your capital loss claim. When buying new or used gear, SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS.

pj81156 Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

We do love to hate don’t we? I have sold nearly 2,000 items on eBay, mostly photo stuff, bought probably as much and I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM! Lighten up.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I have had the same experience. Folks here love to air their negativity don't they.

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

Just show you sold for less than you paid and deduct taxes claiming a loss!

MountainDave

This is a new law. It was supposed to take effect in 2022 but got put off to 2023 because of logistical issues I believe. If you sell 600. or more on ebay or any number of other sites, you will receive form 1099 and you will have to report it on your tax return. How they plan to verify what Grandma claims she paid for her used dishes, I don't know.

There was a similar measure in Obamacare that would have required businesses to collect SS #s or EINs from any person or business they did 600. or more of business a year and issue 1099s! I had my own business at the time. Compliance would have been impossible. Can you imagine how it would go when I asked an airline clerk for their EIN so I could give them a 1099? Even the IRS was opposed. When it was discovered, the outcry was big enough that even democrats wanted that section repealed but Obama refused. It was supposed to raise X number of dollars to pay for Obamacare. After the 2010 election where dems got creamed, Obama relented.

In either case, you can bet the estimated amount of tax to be collected is greatly exaggerated and does not take into account the increased paperwork burden on businesses and individuals.