HMRC (UK) New Powers To Obtain Online Sales Data

Shopify Discussion
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Topic summary

Issue: From 1 Jan 2024, HMRC (UK tax authority) can require online platforms to report sellers’ income data, shifting from targeted requests to routine reporting. The question is whether Shopify is included and if sellers must still record/submit taxes as usual.

Evidence/sources: Shared articles name eBay, Etsy, Vinted, Airbnb; Shopify is not explicitly mentioned.

Shopify position (per 6 Jan 2024 support chat): No internal updates indicating applicability; “not applicable on Shopify yet.” Merchants would be notified via email/Admin if this changes.

Concerns raised: Possible retroactive reporting back to 1 Jan 2024. Support acknowledged the concern but reiterated there is no current indication of inclusion; “all points to a ‘No’” for Shopify at that time.

Follow-up/latest: Subsequent requests for an update reported “no discussions” and no change in stance. Low community engagement; some may assume HMRC won’t receive Shopify data.

Outcome/status: No definitive, official confirmation that Shopify is or isn’t in scope. No concrete action items beyond awaiting an official Shopify update or notification. The thread remains open and the key question is unresolved.

Summarized with AI on January 2. AI used: gpt-5.
1

I read that from 1st Jan 2024 the HMRC (in the UK) require online selling platforms such as eBay to send all seller data to the organisation. This is a step-change from previous where they would ask for data on specific sellers.

I wanted to know what the situation with Shopify is. Do we still need to carry on collecting our own sales data for tax purposes and submit in the usual way, or is Shopify part of the new system where they have to send data about each customer direct to the HMRC?

Here’s the article if anyone is interested:

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2024/jan/01/selling-goods-online-be-warned-hmrc-will-soon-know-about-it

1 Like
2

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 :slightly_smiling_face: 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!

3

Useful thread - Can i check whether there have been any discussions internally at Shopify regarding this ever since? And whether the stance has changed?

4

No discussions and surprisingly only yourself responding. Fingers crossed it transpires as per the above :crossed_fingers:

5

I’m surprised there isn’t more activity here as well…I guess people are assuming the HMRC won’t be informed by Shopify!