NET sales less than $600 due to refund. Why do I need to provide my SSN to ebay?

[watchingwatching]

I sold about $650 this year, but $500 of that was refunded as the seller did not see the Local Pickup Only line. So my actual sales this year are only $150. . . well below the $600 threshold.

Is the requirement to provide SSN for GROSS sales (that do NOT take into account refunds) an eBay requirement? Or is it the IRS itself that is requiring that if gross sales are over $600, but net sales are less than $600 (where refunds are subtracted out) then SSN must be provided?

I do not see any logic to giving the IRS info to tax me when my total net sales are not taxable (ie <$600) . . . according to what eBay would send to them, I'd owe taxes on money that I refunded.

[laura*s-locker]

It is my understanding that no 1099 is required for transactions under $600.-  now maybe this has changed in recent years or maybe they are doing more picking and choosing as to whom they will charge with separate rule.  However - I had not sold in a while and now they want my SS number to release my $31.16. Which after costs is about a negative $12.- but means I have to file a schedule C .  While I don’t trust E-Bay to have my SS#.  I don’t believe they need it. And I don’t want to file a schedule C - so I guess the crooks can keep my $31.16 because I’m totally done with buying or selling on e-bay….. everyone looses.