Selling goods or services? It’s vital to know if HMRC considers this a business. From regular sales to earning commissions, their rules on ‘trading’ impact your tax obligations. Here’s a simple guide to help you stay compliant and avoid pitfalls.
If you are selling goods or services, you need to determine whether this constitutes a business. According to HMRC’s guidance, you are required to establish a business if you 'trade' in goods or services.
While not an exhaustive list, HMRC suggests you are likely to be considered as trading if you:
If you only occasionally sell items then you are probably not trading. However, there is no statutory definition of ‘trade.’ The only statutory clarification is that ‘trade’ encompasses a ‘venture in the nature of trade.’ Consequently, the courts have defined what constitutes a ‘trade’ through their rulings, which serve as guidance when disputes arise.
In complex cases, HMRC may use 'badges of trade' tests to assess whether an activity is a legitimate business or just a money-making by-product of a hobby. While not definitive, these tests will help HMRC make this determination. In most cases, it will be clear if your trade in goods or services is a business.
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A significant amount of online information about companies is available to the public on the Companies House website.
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