Paying duty when re-entering Canada

[Howie3]

So I'm planning our first RV trip to the U.S. since apparently Alberta isn't getting summer again this year (was 4C or 39F when I got up today...brrrr!). Was going to do some dry camping in the mountains of Idaho where hopefully will be much warmer. We need a generator so thought it would be cheaper in the States (about $1000 vs $1500+ here in Canada) however I see that my duty exemption is $800. Obviously I need to declare this purchase, however I have no idea what duty might amount to. Would it negate the difference in savings? Also, the Canada Customs website indicates that the exemption cannot be 'split' with a fellow traveller. Would this also apply to a single joint purchase since my DW would also be the beneficial owner of this appliance?

If someone has experience in this area I would be appreciative of their comments.

Howie

[Mr_Biggles]

In March we bought our first TT ever. After checking prices in Canada, we decided to buy in the US. It was a very big deal to us. But after some research, we bought in Michigan, had it delivered to Sweetgrass, Montana. The importation took less than 30 minutes.
We saved about 4000 CDN. Don't be intimidated by paperwork.Just do the research!

Enjoy!

[Howie3]

Thanks Mr Biggles. That is what I plan on doing. Leaving tomorrow...can't wait.

[Mr_Biggles]

Howie ,buy the generator in the U.S. and declare it at the border. GST on $1000 USD is a lot less that GST on $1500 CDN.

Paying GST is quite easy.It should take less than 15 minutes.

Enjoy your new generator..and enjoy the savings.

[Canadian_Rainbi]

garyhaupt wrote:

Jagtech wrote:


Just declare it and pay the 5%. If you get caught smuggling something into the country, they can confiscate not only the items, but possibly your RV as well, plus levy a hefty fine. For a measly few dollars in import tax, it just isn't worth the stress.

x227....stop being so foolish. For a few bucks, you risk loosing so much.


Gary Haupt

You will be in the Canada Custom data bank for 7 YEARS if caught. You may or may not get a fine. Since we travel outside of Canada at least once a year and sometimes twice we would not want the officials waiting for us. We always declare everything.

If you cross at a province that charges HST you will pay that at the Federal Government collects that tax. If your province does not have their Provincial Sales Tax combined with the GST then you will pay only the GST for items under NAFTA, ie made in USA, Canada or Mexico. Some items may be subject to luxury taxes etc.

[bigred1cav]

Why would I be asked to prove I bought a generator in my RV? I just do not understand the problem.

I keep receipts for the duration of warranty, then toss. Why would I want a room full of receipts?

Gadget Guy wrote:

bigred1cav wrote:

Gadget Guy wrote:

bigred1cav wrote:

Howie3 wrote:
So I'm planning our first RV trip to the U.S. since apparently Alberta isn't getting summer again this year (was 4C or 39F when I got up today...brrrr!). Was going to do some dry camping in the mountains of Idaho where hopefully will be much warmer. We need a generator so thought it would be cheaper in the States (about $1000 vs $1500+ here in Canada) however I see that my duty exemption is $800. Obviously I need to declare this purchase, however I have no idea what duty might amount to. Would it negate the difference in savings? Also, the Canada Customs website indicates that the exemption cannot be 'split' with a fellow traveller. Would this also apply to a single joint purchase since my DW would also be the beneficial owner of this appliance?

If someone has experience in this area I would be appreciative of their comments.



Howie

How do they know where you bought it?

They do not know where you purchased something but if asked you have the responsibility to prove to them where you purchased something and if you can not provide a reciept they have every right to throw the book at you. I know this from experience. I just don't understand why people want to be dishonest for a few dollars, it is just not worth it.

Are you required to keep receipts for all purchases made in Canada?

How else are you going to prove what you paid for something if you don't save the receipts if asked?

[Jarlaxle]

iberick_s wrote:

msmith1199 wrote:
How will they know you didn't already have it when you went in to the US?

The lack of warning and caution labels in french on an american model.

I recall my Eu3000 has labels in English, French, and Spanish. It was sold originally in Massachusetts.

[Gadget_Guy1]

bigred1cav wrote:

Gadget Guy wrote:

bigred1cav wrote:

Howie3 wrote:
So I'm planning our first RV trip to the U.S. since apparently Alberta isn't getting summer again this year (was 4C or 39F when I got up today...brrrr!). Was going to do some dry camping in the mountains of Idaho where hopefully will be much warmer. We need a generator so thought it would be cheaper in the States (about $1000 vs $1500+ here in Canada) however I see that my duty exemption is $800. Obviously I need to declare this purchase, however I have no idea what duty might amount to. Would it negate the difference in savings? Also, the Canada Customs website indicates that the exemption cannot be 'split' with a fellow traveller. Would this also apply to a single joint purchase since my DW would also be the beneficial owner of this appliance?

If someone has experience in this area I would be appreciative of their comments.



Howie

How do they know where you bought it?

They do not know where you purchased something but if asked you have the responsibility to prove to them where you purchased something and if you can not provide a reciept they have every right to throw the book at you. I know this from experience. I just don't understand why people want to be dishonest for a few dollars, it is just not worth it.

Are you required to keep receipts for all purchases made in Canada?

How else are you going to prove what you paid for something if you don't save the receipts if asked?

[bigred1cav]

Gadget Guy wrote:

bigred1cav wrote:

Howie3 wrote:
So I'm planning our first RV trip to the U.S. since apparently Alberta isn't getting summer again this year (was 4C or 39F when I got up today...brrrr!). Was going to do some dry camping in the mountains of Idaho where hopefully will be much warmer. We need a generator so thought it would be cheaper in the States (about $1000 vs $1500+ here in Canada) however I see that my duty exemption is $800. Obviously I need to declare this purchase, however I have no idea what duty might amount to. Would it negate the difference in savings? Also, the Canada Customs website indicates that the exemption cannot be 'split' with a fellow traveller. Would this also apply to a single joint purchase since my DW would also be the beneficial owner of this appliance?

If someone has experience in this area I would be appreciative of their comments.



Howie

How do they know where you bought it?

They do not know where you purchased something but if asked you have the responsibility to prove to them where you purchased something and if you can not provide a reciept they have every right to throw the book at you. I know this from experience. I just don't understand why people want to be dishonest for a few dollars, it is just not worth it.

Are you required to keep receipts for all purchases made in Canada?

[Little_Kopit]

vic46 wrote:

msmith1199 wrote:
How will they know you didn't already have it when you went in to the US? Not that I would advocate cheating or anything, but I recall back in my Air Force days when we bought things like cameras and watches in Japan we'd simply get rid of the original packaging and just bring it back through customs. I can confess that now since the statute of limitations has long since expired.

Lack of proof of purchase could be a stickey wicket!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Register it. Let's say you have an expensive item, camera, tv,.....ring, this can be registered before you exit Canada. Just stop at Canada Customs at the border. Having a receipt from purchase makes this process easiest.

:C

[Gadget_Guy1]

bigred1cav wrote:

Howie3 wrote:
So I'm planning our first RV trip to the U.S. since apparently Alberta isn't getting summer again this year (was 4C or 39F when I got up today...brrrr!). Was going to do some dry camping in the mountains of Idaho where hopefully will be much warmer. We need a generator so thought it would be cheaper in the States (about $1000 vs $1500+ here in Canada) however I see that my duty exemption is $800. Obviously I need to declare this purchase, however I have no idea what duty might amount to. Would it negate the difference in savings? Also, the Canada Customs website indicates that the exemption cannot be 'split' with a fellow traveller. Would this also apply to a single joint purchase since my DW would also be the beneficial owner of this appliance?

If someone has experience in this area I would be appreciative of their comments.

Howie

How do they know where you bought it?

They do not know where you purchased something but if asked you have the responsibility to prove to them where you purchased something and if you can not provide a reciept they have every right to throw the book at you. I know this from experience. I just don't understand why people want to be dishonest for a few dollars, it is just not worth it.

[bigred1cav]

Howie3 wrote:
So I'm planning our first RV trip to the U.S. since apparently Alberta isn't getting summer again this year (was 4C or 39F when I got up today...brrrr!). Was going to do some dry camping in the mountains of Idaho where hopefully will be much warmer. We need a generator so thought it would be cheaper in the States (about $1000 vs $1500+ here in Canada) however I see that my duty exemption is $800. Obviously I need to declare this purchase, however I have no idea what duty might amount to. Would it negate the difference in savings? Also, the Canada Customs website indicates that the exemption cannot be 'split' with a fellow traveller. Would this also apply to a single joint purchase since my DW would also be the beneficial owner of this appliance?

If someone has experience in this area I would be appreciative of their comments.

Howie

How do they know where you bought it?

[vic46]

msmith1199 wrote:
How will they know you didn't already have it when you went in to the US? Not that I would advocate cheating or anything, but I recall back in my Air Force days when we bought things like cameras and watches in Japan we'd simply get rid of the original packaging and just bring it back through customs. I can confess that now since the statute of limitations has long since expired.

Lack of proof of purchase could be a stickey wicket!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[iberick_s]

msmith1199 wrote:
How will they know you didn't already have it when you went in to the US?

The lack of warning and caution labels in french on an american model.

[wilber1]

Fizz wrote:
It's not duty you pay it's taxes, GST.
It will be on the total amount on the bill including taxes minus your $800.

You payed $1000 + 100 tax = 1100 minus 800. You owe tax on $300.

You cannot combine deductions.

Mostly true. Most people don't run into it very often but there is duty on some things that aren't covered by the free trade agreement. Depends on what it is and where it was manufactured.