A new dump of sales data from leading online trading platforms, such as eBay and Airbnb, has been shared with HMRC as it continues to ensure small traders remain tax compliant.
According to a new Freedom of Information request, more than £55 billion worth of side hustle information has been shared by 811 online marketplaces and short-term rental companies.
What side hustle data does HMRC have access to?
The figures disclosed show that the online incomes of 3,988,892 online sellers have been given to the tax authority in the latest wave of disclosures made to HMRC.
The £55 billion in transactions recorded in 2025 is almost twice as many as were shared with HMRC in 2024 (£25.5 billion).
Since January 2024, HMRC has had new powers to compel online platforms to release data, as it attempts to crack down on non-compliance from side hustlers.
Digital platforms must regularly share information with the tax authority where a user makes more than 30 sales in a year and/or earns more than £1,700.
What are the tax rules in relation to side hustles?
You can earn up to £1,000 every tax year in gross income from a side hustle without needing to report it to HMRC.
Known as the Trading Allowance, this is available to all taxpayers, regardless of their wider tax position.
It covers the total income from all side jobs and when exceeded, you must register for Self-Assessment and complete a tax return.
Reporting your side hustle to HMRC
Earlier this year, HMRC conducted a significant compliance campaign, sending letters to side hustlers it believed had exceeded the Trading Allowance.
As the value of potential transactions reported to HMRC has doubled, experts expect further compliance checks in the near future.
HMRC offers an online checker tool for sellers to confirm whether they should be reporting their earnings and paying tax, which can be found here.
If you discover you have exceeded the threshold and or you are contacted by HMRC and you need support, our team are here to help.