Where is my Social Security Number being kept by eBay and how do I update SSN or delete it?

[mikewoof]

I remember earlier this year, eBay required I submit my SSN to continue selling, which was supposedly necessary for the new way of payment managements directly through eBay. I completely fell for it because I had multiple listings up for sale posted at the time. I later learned that the real reason for such information was for the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, signed into law by President Joe Biden.

'Under current rules, individuals who sell goods or services via online platforms generally only receive a tax form if they engage in at least 200 transactions worth an aggregate $20,000 or more. That form, called a 1099-K, also goes to the IRS. Starting next year, the federal threshold for issuing the 1099-K will drop to $600 with no minimum transaction level.' -CNBC

For this reason, I have chosen to retire as a seller from this major platform who will rat me out to the IRS for a measly $600. I do plan to remain as a buyer, and therefore do not wish to close my account. With that being said, how can I remove my confidential SSN from eBay's data storage?

The only relative option I can find is through Account settings > My eBay > Personal Info > Personal information > Type of ID | Social Security Number (last 4 digits). This does not appear to be the correct course of action to execute such a task, as there is no 'Delete' option, only 'Cancel' or 'Save'. Also, maybe I have forgotten that eBay only requested the last 4 digits of my SSN to continue selling, though my memory tells me otherwise.

If someone can please help me and provide instructions and/or recommendations on how to remove my SSN information from eBay's records to stop selling and keep my account active to continue as just a buyer.

Thank you in advance.

[dq3141]

So you don't want the IRS to know about your income? There's a word for that. It describes a Federal crime.

[soh.maryl]

Pretty sure that the reason for needing your SS # is so that the IRS makes sure all your income is reported.

Can't figure out how it could have anything to do with the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act.  Can you cite where that information is published?  

[jda11121]

You can't delete your SSN. It's a requirement.

[stainlessenginecovers]

You currently have 6 items listed for THOUSANDS of dollars, how do you expect to get paid if they sell with a deleted selling account? 

[mikewoof]

Why is it a requirement if I do not sell?

[forward-motion]

Tax evasion for dummies. Great book.  

[jda11121]

Because there is no such thing as a "buyers" account.

[stainlessenginecovers]

But you have things for sale, so it's a requirement. Once a seller, always a seller. Once you give a SS# the entity keeps it for 7 years just in case the IRS wants info on whatever business you did.

You need to spend some un-learning all that other nonsense. 

A SS# was required to sell on ebay because ebay was taking over the payments, ie. Managed Payments. Before that time (pre 2018); Paypal required it and if you sold here or other places, you gave it to Paypal. 

It's a law- required by any processor to get SS# so they can send a 1099 should that seller pass the requirements. 

The requirements for Reporting Extra Income was this: Report ALL EXTRA MONEY. The 1099 does NOT trigger this, it was just a requirement by the IRS. Just because the threshold changes on the $ amount does NOT change the fact that you need to REPORT ALL EXTRA INCOME. 

I can see on your feedback all the items sold that buyers left feedback, just this past year. Since the average is 20%, have to figure you sold 5x that amount. That is the amount you put on your taxes for the 2021 Tax Year. 

[downunder-61]

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@mikewoof wrote:

Why is it a requirement if I do not sell?

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Beccaue the IRS may want to back check seller accounts for unpaid tax

[mikewoof]

@stainlessenginecovers You're **bleep**ed. I did not sell over $20,000 nor >200 items on eBay this year. The 1099-K threshold reduction is not effective until January 1, 2022.

[mikewoof]

@soh.maryl https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/26/its-going-to-get-harder-to-avoid-telling-the-irs-about-income-from-o...

[stainlessenginecovers]

@mikewoof 

I never said you DID sell over $20k. The $20k is a threshold for the 1099 to be issued; not a threshold for you to file the extra income on your taxes.

In plain english; if you did $2000 in extra sales and obviously would NOT have incurred a 1099 for this coming year or any prior years, you were STILL supposed to Report that extra $$. And because I can see you are selling 'Brand New Bike Frames' which is obviously NOT a used shirt or pair of shoes you had in your closet, this is a business. 

But; you don't have to convince me; it's the auditor you have to convince. 

[soh.maryl]

At the legislative level, lawmakers often tack a completely unrelated law on to another bill.  Have a feeling that's what happened with this particular change.  

[kensgiftshop]

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@mikewoof wrote:

@stainlessenginecovers You're **bleep**ed. I did not sell over $20,000 nor >200 items on eBay this year. The 1099-K threshold reduction is not effective until January 1, 2022.

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That doesn't matter, you're still supposed to claim your income.

That amount is only when they report it to the IRS.