posted on April 23, 2005 11:45:07 AM new
Have been up here for 2 weeks and have another week to go. Beautiful country.
Anybody know how much I can take back without paying duty???
posted on April 23, 2005 12:01:11 PM new
I hop this helps. Found this on the Canadian website but I don't know the date of it.
U.S. Customs
Articles acquired abroad and brought back with you into the United States are subject to duty and internal revenue tax. As a returning U.S. resident, you are allowed to bring back $400 worth of merchandise duty free. However, you must have been outside the U.S. for at least 48 hours, and you must not have used this exemption within the preceding 30-day period. The next $1,000 worth of items you bring back with you for personal use or gifts are dutiable at a flat 10 percent rate. Any dollar amount of an article or articles over $1000 is subject to variable duties.
There is no limit on the total amount of money that may be brought into or taken out of the United States, nor is it illegal to do so. However, if you transport or cause to be transported (including by mail or other means) more than $10,000 in monetary instruments on any occasion into or out of the United States, or if you receive more than that amount, you must file a report (Customs form 4790) with U.S. Customs. Failure to comply can result in civil and criminal penalties, including seizure of the currency or monetary instruments. Monetary instruments include U.S. or foreign coin, currency, traveler’s checks, money orders, and negotiable instruments or investment securities in bearer form.
Importation of Food, Plant, and Animal Products Into the U.S.
Citrus products of any origin are prohibited. Most other products produced or grown in Canada are allowed. This includes vegetables, fruits other than black currants; and meat and dressed poultry, if accompanied by proof of origin or labeled as a product of Canada.
posted on April 23, 2005 12:05:30 PM new
We live in Canada, but have also lived in the US and have crossed the border dozens of times. We find that the best thing to do is to write down everything that you have purchased in Canada. Remember to convert it to US dollars, because it is $400 US that you can take back into the US. Also, anything you have purchased and paid GST on, you can have refunded, so keep receipts.
posted on April 23, 2005 10:55:31 PM new
Are you there by yourself, or are you with your spouse? If both of you are there, you can doubel your exemption to $800.00 unless it has changed.
A $75.00 solid state device will always blow first to protect a 25 cent fuse ~ Murphy's Law
posted on April 24, 2005 04:45:34 AM new
niel35: Every province in Canada has 2 taxes! As far as I know, it's just the GST that you can have refunded. My brother from the UK was over here last year, and he got his forms from a major department store, so that would tell you what you can have refunded.
posted on April 24, 2005 08:20:31 AM new
Hi niel35,
Glad to hear that you're enjoying your time in B.C. Only the GST amount will be refunded and you will need the actual store receipt with the merchant's GST # on it as they won't accept a CC receipt for the refund.
Hi Amber,
I think Alberta is the only province that doesn't have a Provincial sales tax. Their economy is always good as they have the largest oil reserves in the entire world.
posted on April 24, 2005 10:38:46 AM new
Maybe I should move kiara, here in Ontario we pay 15% on everything, even our postage is taxed, plus a 2% of total gas tax!
posted on April 24, 2005 10:45:26 AM new
Alberta has no PST, taxes hurt in Canada. It used to be a lot easier to get GST back, when I lived in NY, I even got it back on my hotel stay. They changed the rules in the 1990's, and it is much harder now to qualify. I think one of the changes (and maybe they've changed it back, I only go to Canada about once a year now) is to make a $50 minimum purchase to get a GST rebate. I can't imagine paying 15% sales tax on items. I'm in Oregon, we have 0%, so it is very painful when I visit!
posted on April 24, 2005 11:46:02 AM new
You people are great with your response. I am here alone so $400 US is what I have to declare.
OK, GST it is then. I have the forms to fill out. It says it has to be at least a $50 receipt.
Went garage saling here at Qualicum on Vancouver Island and picked up a few china pieces. Now to pack it to take back to Fla.
Most of the stuff was real junque tho.
