losing my SSDI benefits if i sell on Ebay?

[actionstuff]

I sold stuff on Ebay last year from my comic book collection. My City is Making me Get a Business License & a zoning permit to continue to sell on Ebay .. otherwise they will fine me $5,000.00. Now, I'm afraid I will lose my SSDI & insurance? I only get $900 and I cannot live off of that. I suffer from Severe Depression and Aniexty and cannot work. I have been disabled for over 20 years. This is completely Not right! Does anybody know what I can do so I don't lose my benefits? I don't get food stamps, and food prices have gone way up. Nobody can live off of $900 a month. My Rent is $750, Car Insurance $95, Cell phone $85, Internet $65. Not much left over for food, toilet paper, gas.... Please Help!

[janet9988]

Talk to a tax accountant.

If you are selling items for more than you paid then you are a business and all income from those sales are counted as income. I hope you already knew that since you have been over 35k in feedback as a seller.

[house*of*paws · Accepted solution]

Hi @actionstuff 

You DO NOT lose your Social Security payments if you earn extra income.  You are allowed to make up to a certain amount without any adjustments.  If you make over that amount ... your SS will be reduced somewhat for that calendar year.

Talk to a tax accountant.  It should ease your mind.  Many people have incorrect ideas on this subject.

[actionstuff]

I have been on ebay since 1998, and I my Income situations have changed over those many years. At One time, I did have a business where I did gain a lot Feedback. I also have bought a lot on Ebay and received feedback for that as well. I was set up as a business then, but what I do now is not even a fraction of what i was selling in the 1990s. I just sell off books from my comic collection to get extra money to pay my Vet bills for my 2 cats, food, and gas. Ebay is not the same for everybody. I am in no way making a huge profit on stuff I paid more for many years ago. I know that some people do make a living wage on Ebay, but that's not me. I am just trying to keep myself from being out on the street. I am severely Depressed, and Ebay is kinda my Therapy, or Hobby. If I did not have Ebay, than I don't think I would even be alive right now.  I am a single 55 yr old woman that has nothing else to live for, but my 2 Cats. I have been battling Mental Illness for over 30 yrs. Please have an open mind that not all people on Ebay are having a Wonderfull Life behind the Laptop! 

[janet9988]

Well then since you stated small profit you should be fine.. It still needs to be reported though.

Laws do not care about open minds. YOU asked for advice.

[actionstuff]

I did have a business at one time, many years ago, to get the high feedback. I have been on Ebay since 1996. Since 2016, I am selling my items at a loss, Not a profit. I am a collector of toys, comics, music memborbilia, & Books since age 5. I am in Garage-Sale Mode on Ebay. I have talked to several tax accountants, and they all say something different. Please keep in Mind - Every Situation is different. In many Circumstances, You should not have to have a Business License and Auctioneer License to sell items on Ebay. 

[evry1nositswindy]

We are just fellow buyers and sellers here.  We have no authority and we are not eBay.  Consult a tax professional.