SSN or ITIN # update for 2026
If I do not want to give my SSN to sell something on eBay, what is an alternate option. Is there a max amount that you can sell without using your SSN, like $100 or less or something like that?
If a SSN number needs to be given to sell, when is the last date that it must be added?
10 comments
mtgraves7984
·8 months ago@brucentonya
It's splitting hairs, but others have alluded to it. You can sell all you want... you can't be paid until you onboard with Managed Payments. That process does require your SSN and a valid bank account. You've already listed items to sell without the SSN, so that answers your last question. Good luck and good golly...
marchair
·8 months agoYou can get an EIN from the IRS relatively easy, and quickly, and should be able to use that instead of your SSN.
caldreamer
·8 months agoIRS requires all online marketplaces to get your social security# (for tax purposes).
tobadger
·8 months ago[Disrespectful tone removed by Moderator] You have two options: give them your SSN to get paid for your $20 sale or pack your bags and get off eBay and lose the payment from your sale.
jonathanbrightlight
·8 months ago20 years ago it wasn't required. If they weren't selling during most of that time, it's understandable they might not know the current laws.
lotzofuniquegoodies
·8 months agoCanadian couriers have been asking for that info from US buyers (the public and businesses) for years. Even if the shipment was below de minimus. If you left it blank the courier would not take parcel (olden day of manual bills), now with shipping systems there is no way to bypass that field. Even more required if item was higher value before all this tariff gobblygook kicked in. What happened with e-commerce is anyones guess. That's wayyy above my paygrade. Just not enforced with the mail for some reason. Oh right...I keep forgetting eBay is just B2C and bypasses are allowed.
Yes, international shipments almost always need some form of tax identification number (TIN) or unique identifier for customs clearance, often for the recipient (like an EIN/SSN in the US, VAT/EORI in the EU, or other national IDs) to clear customs, avoid delays, and comply with duties/taxes, with requirements varying significantly by country and shipment value. Missing or incorrect IDs lead to significant delays, fines, or returned packages.
https://www.goglobalpost.com/blog/understanding-tax-id-requirements-for-cross-border-shipping/#:~:text=Many%20countries%20require%20these%20numbers,taxation%2C%20and%20verify%20legal%20compliance.
Lotzofuniquegoodies (Canadian seller)
Can anyone imagine if it did become a mandatory requirement for Intl shipping with eBay?
luckythewinner
·8 months agoYou will not lose the payment from your sale.
In six months, it will be sent to your state's unclaimed property division.
But to get that money from your state, you will need to provide your SSN.
1786davycrockett
·8 months ago@brucentonya
To comply with Internal Revenue Services rules, you are required to provide your Social Security number if you wish to sell on eBay.
tarotfindsandmore
·8 months agoYour only alternative is an EIN (employer ID number), and there is no max/min. Everyone who sells is required to provide one. You will not get paid without it.
funfactorychannel
·8 months agoYou need your ssn to get paid, theres no way around that.