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moisheh's avatar
moisheh
Explorer
May 06, 2014

New Rules for importing vehicles into Canada

There is a new stick in the wheels for Canadians wishing to import a US MH. These rules became effective in April but there is a sort of period of grace until Oct. This time it is the USA that is creating the problem. Either the buyer or the seller has to file some paperwork electronically before the unit can leave the country. That in itself is no big deal but the seller ( in some cases the buyer) has to have a USA tax identification #. Apparently that can take some time. If buying from a dealer they would have that # but a private seller would not. I would think that if anyone is planning a USA purchase they contact a GOOD customs broker.

Moisheh
  • moisheh wrote:
    There is a new stick in the wheels for Canadians wishing to import a US MH. These rules became effective in April but there is a sort of period of grace until Oct. This time it is the USA that is creating the problem. Either the buyer or the seller has to file some paperwork electronically before the unit can leave the country. That in itself is no big deal but the seller ( in some cases the buyer) has to have a USA tax identification #. Apparently that can take some time. If buying from a dealer they would have that # but a private seller would not. I would think that if anyone is planning a USA purchase they contact a GOOD customs broker.

    Moisheh
    or better yet pick a Canadian dealer to import for you, this is what we did.
  • I did not think about those recalls. Sure is much easier to buy from a dealer. I guess there is also the option to go to a Dealer for the paperwork, some pedler do it here.
  • Kidoo wrote:
    Thanks for the info., I am considering buying a MH in the USA next year. I see many RV in Florida and Texas but many from private sale. I never bought from a private sale and do not know how it works for paperwork, taxes and for a temporary plate.

    I did not know you could get a Brooker to help you out. The new rules will make thing a bit harder especially with a private sale. How do you get in touch with the Broker? What is his job?

    On another note, I never paid US Taxes as I allways had an exemption paper for beign an out of state resident but for Florida for example, they told me I would have to pay the 6% Florida taxes. Any way to get around this, legally?


    Buying from a private sale could be difficult. You MUST have letters from both Chassis manufacturer AND the Coach manufacturer stating that there are NO OUTSTANDING recalls. A dealer has contacts that make this easy. Note too that not all US built vehicles can be imported to Canada. Most can, but may need mods such as daytime running lights etc. We imported our Itasca about 5 years ago without too much difficulty but everything must be in place.

    Hers is the link: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/motorvehiclesafety/safevehicles-importation-usa-index-445.htm
  • If you're going to have to pay sales taxes on it in Canada, you shouldn't have to pay sales tax in the US, but who knows with all the various state laws.
  • Thanks for the info. Some dealers in Florida said they could deliver the vehicle in Georgia. This way you do not pay the Florida Tax as it says in the regulations you provided. I just wonder if this could cause a problem at the border, those custom guy are wierd sometime.
  • Thanks for the info., I am considering buying a MH in the USA next year. I see many RV in Florida and Texas but many from private sale. I never bought from a private sale and do not know how it works for paperwork, taxes and for a temporary plate.

    I did not know you could get a Brooker to help you out. The new rules will make thing a bit harder especially with a private sale. How do you get in touch with the Broker? What is his job?

    On another note, I never paid US Taxes as I allways had an exemption paper for beign an out of state resident but for Florida for example, they told me I would have to pay the 6% Florida taxes. Any way to get around this, legally?
  • You can get a tax payer ID online on the IRS website. Took me about 15 minutes. I got it for my business but it's a good idea to get one anyway if you don't have it as you can use it on a lot of forms instead of your social security number. For example if you ever hit a slot machine jackpot they are going to want you SSN or your Tax Payer ID before giving you the money. I haven't had to use mine in a casino yet, but I'm still hoping!
  • Dutch: Actually they have just changed the requirement for an SSN. But for Canadians they can get the tax # by applying via telephone. No charge. Here is a link to some links: www.riv.ca/ImportantNotices.aspx

    Moisheh
  • Do you have a link to the new regs? Normally, a US citizen's Social Security Number is also their Taxpayer ID number. The government will issue an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to those that do not qualify for an SSN though.