Good question
I’d also like a definitive answer to this
had a chat with shopify 6th Jan 2024 and here’s what they said
Not sure I’m convinced though to be honest.
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Me
It has recently come to my attention that the Uk govornment HMRC will have access to many online Selling platforms sellers data such as ebay, Esty, Vinted AirBnB etc. Can you please tell me if Shopify is involved in this i.e. Does HMRC UK have access to Shopify Sellers information?
Shopify Agent
I can see from your question that you want to know if the UK government HMRC has access to Shopify Sellers' information.
Me
yes thats correct
Shopify Agent
First time I read a query or a concern like that. Nevertheless, do not worry, I am here to help you as much as I can. I would need to partner up with my support team to check an answer for you 🙂 Do you mind staying online with me for a moment while I look this up?
Me
No Problem
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2024/01/online-platforms-etsy-vinted-airbnb-report-hmrc/
Here is an article about the new legislation
Shopify Agent
Perfect! thank you for your waiting. Let me provide you with the information I researched.
Me
thanks
Shopify Agent
Now, taking a look at the article that you kindly shared, I can see that Shopify is not mentioned there, and of course that is why you reached out to us. Based on the research and updated within our platform, Shopify, there are no updates about this legislation. And if at some point in the future this legislation affects Shopify, we would let all of our merchants know through emails or notifications on your Admin.
This means, so far, it is not applicable here on Shopify yet.
Me
Thanks for that. my worry would be that if say 6 months down the line it does come to light that shopify is to declare this information -- dating back to 1st Jan 2024 then it is too late for sellers to adjust their position or avoid taxation they might otherwise have maybe halted their sales this very week based on that. I would suggest that shopify seek out definitive information on this now so as to let their customers know.
Shopify Agent
That is a really good point. Nevertheless, so far there is no report that this will happen here (the new legislation that we are talking about) and there are only a few very specific e-commerce business that have talked about this or that have implement this (such as eBay in the article you shared) so, no worries, if this ever changes here we would let you know as soon as possible, but all points to a "No" on Shopify for this legislation.
Me
Great Thanks
Shopify Agent
you are more than welcome. Thank you for your attention. Remember that You’ll receive a survey and a transcript of this conversation with a ticket ID at the end of our chat today. You can reply directly to the chat transcript and our Support team will assist you. You can also use our Help Center [https://help.shopify.com/en/) for Support. Have a fantastic day!
