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Do I need a tax ID number to sell items on eBay?
I want to sell products that I can get at wholesale on eBay and at yard sales and flea markets. What steps do I need to take?

Asked by frankfrantz
Posted: Friday, December 12, 2008  |  Found in Home Business

More answers by Nina Kaufman
Answer by Nina Kaufman
Based on your question, I'm not sure if you already have access to wholesale items or if you need to know how to get a tax ID number in order to sell them at a higher price elsewhere.

If you're already selling and making small profits off of eBay sales, your social security number is a suitable enough tax ID number. But since eBay has its own policies--and since the IRS's policies change as legislation changes--you'll want to familiarize yourself with eBay and the IRS by going to their websites and reading the fine print.

Also speak to your accountant--as you may have sales tax issues (for which you need a special ID number for that) in connection with the collection of sales tax on the items you're selling.
Nina L. Kaufman is an award-winning business attorney, author and speaker. For more than 15 years, she has successfully navigated thousands of small businesses through the legal hurdles they face in starting and running their companies. Under her AskTheBusinessLawyer.com brand, she reaches thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners with her legal services, professional speaking, information products, and LexAppeal weekly ezine.
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