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Cross-border Shopping Guide / FAQ for Canadians
What’s the personal tax exemption when I come back to Canada from shopping?
In the most concise form, the personal exemption limits are:
| Time out of country | Exemption Limits |
| Out of country within 24 hours | CA$0 |
| More than 24 hours, but less than 48 hours | CA$50 |
| More than 48 hours, but less than 7 days. | CA$400 |
| More than 7 days | CA$750 |
If you bring goods over the exempted value, after being absent from Canada over 48 hours, the value for duty of the goods shall be reduced by an amount equal to that maximum specified value and, in the case of alcoholic beverages and tobacco, the quantity of those goods shall be reduced by the quantity of alcoholic beverages and tobacco up to the maximum quantities allowed.
If you are only absent from Canada less than 48 hours and you bring back goods over $50, you’ll have to pay duty/tax on the full value.
There are many details and exceptions to the personal exemption limits. Please read our article for more details.
How many bottles of wine/liquor can I bring back to Canada?
None, if you’re out of the country for less than 48 hours. But if you’re willing to pay duty and tax, there’s no limit.
If you have been outside Canada for at least 48 hours and are of legal age, you can bring back only one the following free of duty and tax as part of your personal exemption:
- 1.14 L (40 oz.) of liquor; or
- 1.5 L of wine; or
- 24 X 355 ml (12 oz.) containers of beer.
How many cigars/cigarettes can I bring back to Canada?
If you’re out of country less then 48 hours, you have to pay the applicable duty and sales tax. Otherwise, you can bring back all or any the following if you’re over the legal age.
- 200 cigarettes;
- 50 cigars or cigarillos;
- 200 tobacco sticks; and
- 200 g (7 oz.) of manufactured tobacco.
What is the tax exemption applied to mail order items?
If you don’t have time making a trip to USA, online shopping is a good alternative. Be sure to read our article on Canadian duty and NAFTA and mail order.
You don’t have to pay duties and taxes if your mail ordered item is:
- a gift worth $60 or less; or
- worth $20 or less.
This exemption applies on a per item basis. Items sent to a Canadian as a gift by another person must include a card or notice indicating it is a gift. Clearly identified gifts worth CDN$60 or less are not subject to duties or taxes; however,gifts greater than CDN$60 are subject to duties and taxes. This CDN$60 exemption does not apply to tobacco, alcohol, advertising material, or items sent by a business or association.
Are children’s clothes duty free? How much duty do I pay?
This depends on where the cloth were made. If the children’s clothes are not made in US or Mexico, you will need to pay 17% duty plus taxes. Thankfully, you don’t pay PST for children’s clothes. Please read our article on Canadian duty and NAFTA.
How bad is the wait at the USA-Canada border crossings?
USA shopping is a rewarding pastime to Canadians, as long as it’s not all spent at the border crossing. Canadian Border Services Agency offers an up to the minute estimate of the wait time at all border crossings (Canadian side). Check it out before leaving home.
US Customs & Border Protection has a counterpart wait time estimate at the US side. Check it out when returning.
Where can I find Canadian $ exchange rate in the last few days?
Yahoo Finance has those rates and charts. Find out 3 month CA$ to US$ exchange rate chart here.
What’s the closest US factory outlets to Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Kingston and Montreal?
Please read our article on US factory outlets.
Can I pay taxes at the border with a credit card?
Yes, you can pay with all major credit cards, i.e. Visa, Mastercard, American Express.
Is there an annual limit to your times crossing the border and making the duty free claims or are you allowed to cross the and make the $750 claim as long as you meet the stay criteria?
No, there is no limit on the exemption amount regarding border crossing frequency.
Please read our disclaimers for the use of information presented here.
81 responses so far. Leave a comment
Hi, I am planning a trip to the US for 8 nights. I know a few things that I do not have to pay taxes on but I do not know what they are. I heard that electronics and children clothing is exempted but I am not sure. Could you give me a list of what is exempted if possible.
Thanks
Christina Ferris
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The answer is that everything you want to buy. But you’ll have to pay the US taxes (varies from state to state). The good thing is that you don’t have to pay Canadian duty, GST and PST for upto $750 per person.
Happy shopping.
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I am ordering a log home kit from the US. Do i have to pay duty on it?
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If it’s made in US, it’s likely there’s no duty, based on NAFTA. You may want to check out the details at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/trade-commerce/tariff-tarif/
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Hi!
I just want to clarify my plan to make sure I do understand. I hope to order approx $300.00 US of wedding centerpeices from CB2 (Crate and Barrel) and get them shipped to a courier service near the Montana-Alberta border. If I stay more than 48hrs and less than 7days, i do not have to pay duty on them? What exactly would I have to pay extra?
Thank you for your help!
J.
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Hi Jessica,
If you do stay out of the country over 48 hours and can prove it (e.g. hotel receipt), you can bring back the goods for free. The only extra would be hotel room cost and gas.
Have fun,
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I travel to US everyday and I would like to purchase a TV from Costco in the US, how much duty or pst or gst do I have to pay?
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If I bring over (2) cases of beer, do I pay 18% duty on the 2nd case since the first one would be free? Average cost of a case of beer is 20.00+.
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If you bring 2 cases of beer, I believe you’ll have to pay for the duty on the 2nd case over your quota (assuming you’re qualified for bringing alcohol home, i.e. over legal drinking age and stayed over 48 hours)
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Hi there,
I will be in US for 5 days and I am getting a laptop gift worth about $500.00. Would I have to pay duties and taxes when I come back to Canada?
Thanks in advance
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BoB
Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Josh,
If you’re outside Canada more than 48 hours and less than 7 days, you’re only entitled CA$400 worth of good free of duty and tax. If you’re over the limit, especially on one item, I’m not sure whether you can pay duty/tax on the amount exceeded the limit.
If you find out, please let us know.
Bob
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dale casselman
Reply:
December 25th, 2009 at 9:54 am
you would pay 7% tax on 300.00 as you exceed your limit by 100 . i know that it seems wrong. but, they simplify all transactions that exceed limit with a generic number of 300
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Hello,
I’ve been out of canada for the last 2 months and will be returning shortly, if i get 400 cigarettes (2 cartons) any idea on how much would i have to pay approximately for the second carton?
Jason
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BoB
Reply:
August 30th, 2009 at 8:13 am
Jason,
There’s a new Excise Duty Rate – effective January 1, 2008 on cigarettes. This is $0.425 per five or fraction of five cigarettes. If you have 200 cigarettes over the personal exemption limit, you’re looking at $17.
More details see http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/em/edn17/edn17-e.pdf
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Hi,
Does anyone know if Canadian residents can claim the US taxes they paid on goods.
We paid 12% tax in the US (Buffalo) and then we had to pay the GST and PST on top of everything as well.
I have heard that US citizens can clain GST and PST that they pay in Canada but do Canadians have something like that as well?
thanks.
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BoB
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September 1st, 2009 at 10:05 am
No, unfortunately Canadian cannot claim US Taxes.
See this post: http://betterdollar.com/can-canadians-claim-back-the-tax-they-paid-when-cross-boarder-shopping/
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William
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April 16th, 2010 at 10:09 am
This being the case, how come Canada extends the courtesy south of the border. Personally I think it shouldn’t be returned in either case. If you purchase goods in any country and there are applicable taxes you should pay them and not expect it being returned. You should contribute to the country you’re buying goods in, plain and simple.
New question…we’re planning on buying a baby change table/cabinet from IKEA…IKEA Canada sells the piece for $219 plus GST/PST….IKEA US sells the same piece for $169 plus tax…would any duty apply to this purchase on a same-day trip? GST/PST I’m okay with paying as I’d pay it anyway. Depending upon how busy they are at the border they’re more likely to pass you through anyway as long as you avoid the demon’s of Alcohol and tobacco…which is all canadian customs seems to care about anyway 90% of the time.
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Im having a purse shipped from the US to Canada. The purse is approx. $1,500. The purse was not made in the US so it doesn’t meet the NAFTA Duty-Free Status. Any idea how much taxes and duty would be?
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BoB
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September 20th, 2009 at 10:43 am
The duty ranges from 7~11%. Please see which one fit the description: http://betterdollar.com/?s=purse
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I ordered some electronics from China the total is 625.86 CAN how do I calculate the taxes that I will pay?
Thanks
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I have noticed that US prices on plasma televisions is much cheaper cross border. If I went to BUffalo to purchase a televisoin for say $2000 US what would it cost me to declare it coming back to canada? Do I pay duty on it as well as the NY state tax and GST/PST?
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BoB
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October 27th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Please see our blog: http://betterdollar.com/what%E2%80%99s-the-duty-tax-on-plasmalcd-tv/
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I’m a Canadian Citizen but have been residing in the Bahamas for 5 months (I have a Bahamas Resident Permit). I plan to travel back to Canada for 10 days and I’m wondering how much I’m allowed to bring back into Canada without having to pay duty! Does the $750.00 apply to me or would I return as a visitor and if so what is the amount I’m allowed to declare? Also if anyone knows when I return to the Bahamas how much I’m I allowed to delclare?
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Hey thanks for posting this one. I had a good friend who just migrated to Canada this week. I will immediately inform her about this. Thanks! Just a question: Are there any organizations or club membership that my friend can apply so that she won’t pay that certain tax in case she’s out of the country for more than seven days?
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I am considering buying a video camera in Los Angeles and bringing back to Canada. Cost is $7000 US. The JVC Camera is made in Japan. Will I pay duty on it bringing it to Canada?
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BoB
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November 19th, 2009 at 8:18 am
There’s no duty on video camera.
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hi, according to eBay’s website http://www.myborderpro.com/2006/
there is 5% duty on video camera imported from US to Canada. Now I am confused.
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Hi…i’ve been ‘tv hunting’ for a few months and cannot find the model i want (for the right price) in Canada…my Uncle in Ohio heard i was looking for this specific tv and says they have them for 1/2 of what i’m looking for in Ontario…since its Christmas, and my birthday 3 weeks later, he offered to buy it for me…but i have to go pick it up (his way of getting me to visit)…will i have to pay taxes on a gift that cost ~$3000? i don’t want him stuck with it if its going to cost me a fortune to bring back to Ontario…so we’re trying to figure this out…any suggestions?
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BoB
Reply:
December 14th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
I’m not surprised that the US price is 1/2 what we have here in Canada. Have a look at my post here, which should help you determine the duty and tax. http://betterdollar.com/whats-the-duty-tax-on-plasmalcd-tv/
Merry Xmas
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Hi
I have a question to ask. Where do I leave a question to answered?
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Ok..got it..lol
I am from winnipeg, ca
I want to purchase a snow blower. It is 650.00 . I will only be in the states over night. Maybe 26 hours. What duty will I have to pay?
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I am planning to by washer/dryer in US. How much I pay duty? Does it mattery how long I stay there? I am planning to buy Bosh – not sure if is made in Mexico.
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I understand the TV from US to Canada tax as per your website. My question is that if we are 3 people in family, all together and out for more then 7 days, can we or are we able to combine the exemption limit to 2100$ instead of 750 each and then import a TV for about 2000$ without any extra duty/GST/PST?
Thanks
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BoB
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December 26th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Basically, you are not allowed to combine your personal exemptions with others’. Neither the exemption transferable. But in the case of a family, since you fill in only one form, and the exemption amount is over the claimed amount, there’s a good chance that the border control officer would just like you through.
If you decide to take the chance, please let us know whether it works.
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I will be ordering a Nikon lens from a retailer in the U.S. which will be shipped to me in Canada. Will I have to pay duty ( earlier you said video cameras exempt , are camera lenses also exempt?) pst & gst ?
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I want to purchase a 6-month old car in Washington or California and bring it back for my personal use in Canada. Aside from paying the RIV fee, GST & PST, do I also have to pay state tax on the vehicle?
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I want to purchase a pair of headphones from B&H online. I’ll use USPS for the shipping but I was wondering if I have to pay any duity on them. any help is greatly appreciated, and thanks. Great web site!
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Check which headphones you’re buying. Country, etc. to see if duty applies. But even if it does – you might get lucky. Sometimes.. low cost packages shipped by mail, just slip right through. ‘Duty free’ If not – you’ll get to pay your duty at the Post Office. (Good luck!)
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Phil
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January 13th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
Hi thanks for the reply. I just called customs canada and the girl I talked to said there was no duty on any headphones. I hope she’s right. I’ll probably order them soon.
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i would like to start a import export business, from india to canada. what is the tax i’d pay on large amount of jewels? would the tax be less if i wasn’t runnnig my own small business? also do u know of any proceedure i can take to lower the tax as i’d frequently be import and exporting goods.
thanks alot for your help, great web site! keep up the great work!
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I’m interested in buying a new receiver for my home theatre from state, the product made in Japan.
Do you know if I have to pay a custom duty on it.
Thank you
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I plan to purchase a few bundles of purses from California that have been manufactured by a California company off of eBay. However, I don’t think I’m going to the states for any period of time. (Unless I have to), Their packaged properly in boxes and plastic wrap to ensure protection of the quality purses. I’m buying about 110 purses all for the price of 1626$ including the shipping and handling. If I reduce the cost of S+H, and add the value of what I’m paying of the purses alone are 1303$ How much duty, tax, etc or whatever there is would I have to pay on top of that? They come in 2 bulks of 40, and 1 bulk of 30. I plan to use the individuals for myself, and the duplicates as gifts.
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if im ordering somthing from an american website that costs $40 and i want it shipped to Canada do i have to pay duty?
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Hi, I’m going to the states for a school trip that will last 6 days. I’m a bit confused about how much I am allowed to spend shopping and if I will have to pay duty on these items.
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Cindy
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February 24th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
Does this mean I wont have to pay duty on anything if I stay below a total value of $400 CA?
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BoB
Reply:
February 25th, 2010 at 10:28 am
That’s correct, under 7 days, $400 duty&tax free goods.
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I have a lead on a Lindeman Bin 85 2009 – very inexpensive at 2/$10. I was thinking of declaring a case upon return to Ontario Canada after 35 days. Could someone tell me what the duty and taxes would be and if it worth it? Thanks.
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I am purchasing a diningroom set in Michigan.. they will deliver to Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. They are telling me that I will pay no duty just the PST.. is this correct? The total is $1200.
Thanks
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Hi,
If I go to ND for less than 24hours, how much will I pay on alcohol per case/bottle at customs?
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BoB
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March 17th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
You’ll be paying 100% duty and tax. There’s no personal exemption on alcohol under 48 hours.
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I’m making a border run tomorrow to get some basics, How much extra do I have to pay to bring pack a 30 pack of beer? Is that per case? Thanks in advance.
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If i Go to thé states for day and fill up car with gas do i have to declare gas or lets say bought earings for girlfriend And she wears them??? Thanks In advance
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I orderd 4 boxes of womens clothing from a US company i paid $811 for the goods and shipping. How much will it cos tme to clear thia goods here in Canada.
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If I’m buying some furniture from IKEA (total value of 500)how much would I pay taxes at the border?
thanks
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If I buy a Samsung computer in the US for $830 + tax and I’m out of the country for over 7 days would I only pay the GST on
$830 – $750?
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If I purchase a replacement laptop battery online from Hong Kong, is there duty and/or taxes to be paid? If so, what is the rate?
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We just recently traveled to the Ikea in Minneapolis. They told us there that when we get back home to MB, to fill out a form and send it in to claim the u.s. taxes that we paid on all our purchases. I have searched everywhere and can’t find this form. Can you help me out??
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I live in Ontario, not far from the boarder, and I am having a party. I thought purchasing liquor across the boarder would be the cheapest way, even if I have to pay duty on it? Do you agree?????? And am I legally allowed to do this?????
[Reply]
Customs Info
Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
It may not be cheaper…the duty and tax is really high on alcohol. but yes you are allowed if you want to pay. There is a limit though to the amount….cant remember right now lol…i think its 45 litres
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I live in Manitoba and just came back from Ikea in Minneapolis. Where do I find the forms on line to claim the taxes that I paid on my purchases? I need help
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I am going to be relocating to Windsor so I have some questions about cross border shopping. I will need to buy some stuff from Ikea to furnish my apartment and there is one in Detroit. I searched your faq and found that beds are duty free however Ikea’s goods are made in Sweden. What would be the duty rate on Ikea’s goods? Thanks!
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Hi, Can two or more personal exemptions be added for one receipt? ie a couple travelling to the US for 48hrs and buying a tv worth $800?
Also, not sure if this is a rumour but let’s say that you stay in the us for 48hours and you dont use up all of your tax exemption for the stay..ie you onlny spend $100 when you are allowed $400..can u keep the remaining $300 for next time?
[Reply]
BoB
Reply:
June 28th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Yes, combining exemptions are allowed, as long as you travel together.
It’s very unlikely that you can save unused exemptions for next time. Can you point me to the source of the rumor?
[Reply]
jody
Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 11:33 am
Are personal exemptions subject to any terms or conditions?
You should be aware that the following terms and conditions apply to personal exemptions:
You are not allowed to combine your personal exemptions with another person’s or transfer them to someone else.
You are not allowed to combine your 48-hour exemption (CAN$400) with your 7-day exemption (CAN$750) for a total exemption of CAN$1150.
Children are entitled to a personal exemption as long as the goods they are declaring are for the child’s use.
Personal exemption claims must be made in Canadian dollars, which requires you to convert the amount you paid for goods in the U.S. (including sales tax) into Canadian dollars at the applicable rate of exchange.
Generally, the goods you include in your personal exemption must be for your personal or household use. This includes souvenirs, prizes and gifts.
Goods brought in for commercial use or for another person do not qualify as a personal exemption and are subject to full duties.
Goods you include in your 24-hour exemption or 48-hour exemption have to be with you on your arrival in Canada. Goods you claim in your 7-day exemption may be shipped to your home by mail, courier or other means of transportation, except for tobacco and alcohol.
[Reply]
Customs Info
Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
no you cant keep the exemption for next time. however if you purchase something but decided to have it shipped home…you can declare it on your return and they will give you form to record your exemption so when youre goods arrive you can still use it.
And technically you cannot divide or share an exemption. So one of you would have to claim the item. However, some officers will let it slide.
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i’m from canada, lower mainland to be exact. today we have had the hst put into effect. i had read somewhere, but can’t remember now where, that the amount of shoppers from canada shopping in the states has lowered significant enough to have an effect on merchants in washington. the article said something to the effect that starting in july, canadian shoppers from lower mainland did not have to pay state tax if they showed drivers licence proving their address, as a way of getting more people to shop in washington again. but i can’t find this article anywhere and can’t remember if i read it in a news paper or online or just a flyer of some sort. anyways, looking for someone who may know any information to this effect. would entice me to shop in washington more if this were true, as we have to pay the hst, and the gas is always lower in the states, i would shop more in washington. anyways,thanks
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I want to go across the border to buffalo from toronto to buy a guitar from guitar center because it is $300 cheaper in the US than in Canada. The Guitar’s price is aprox. $500 and I was wondering how much money it would be to bring it across the border. And I am only going for about 5 hours, thanks.
[Reply]
Customs Info
Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
as you are not gone at least 24 hours, no exemptions apply. So it depends on where the guitar is made. US made means no duty just sales tax.
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Hi there. I live in the Lower Mainland and I ordered computer parts worth roughly around $1250 through an american computer website. I shipped them to my uncle’s house in Seattle. When the computer parts arrive they plan on bringing them over to my house along with his wife. If they plan on staying more than 2 days at our house I believe they have a total of $800 exemption. Is their a way for me to get the parts back into Canada without paying fees. Like what if I built the computer at their house and I brought it back and said it was a gift. Would that work?
[Reply]
Customs Info
Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
no it would not. they do not have an $800 exemption. they can only bring their own goods for the visit duty and tax free. They can declare it as a gift but that only takes $60 off the value for duty. computer parts should be duty free and only sales tax would apply…HST
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I may purchase a motorcycle seat from a US manufacturer, approximate value $500. I want to have it shipped directly to me. What regulations/fees/duties will I be subjected to, and would it be better to have it shipped to a US address and pick it up?
[Reply]
Customs Info
Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 9:30 pm
Long answer so check out my blog for options http://www.canadacustomsinfo.com it really depends on how you feel about brokerage fees or canada post fee. duties depend on country of manufacture…sales tax applies
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Does anyone know if the Canadian government knows when you have crossed into the US?
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I heard that items such as doors, windows used for home renovations were excempt? Are they?
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Customs Info
Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 9:23 pm
exempt from what? taxes? taxes apply
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I will be picking up printed wedding invitations from Buffalo(Fedex) and crossing back at Niagara. What do I have to pay AT THE BORDER? iS PAPER EXEMPT? Since these are a wedding gift, I do not know the cost, nor do I have a bill, only a guesstimate. Help please.
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iS THERE A COST FOR PRINTED INVITATIONS? tHESE ARE A GIFT FOR MY DAUGHTER’S WEDDING AND I DO NOT KNOW THE COST. PICKING THEM UP IN BUFFALO AND CROSSING AT PEACE BRIDGE OR RAINBOW PERHAPS. THANK YOU.
[Reply]
Customs Info
Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
yes there is. Gift exemption applies only to non-residents sending goods or bringing it with them up to $60 per item. You will not owe duty but have to pay sales tax
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Hi,
I will be going to the US next week for 48 hours. I am wondering if it is better to use cash or credit or if it even matters.
Thanks,
[Reply]
BoB
Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 9:42 am
The difference is rather minimal when you only spend small amount of money, say under $1000.
If you have a US$ credit card, it’s better for points, insurance, potential purchase dispute.
If you only have CA$ creditcard, there’ll be 2% currency conversion charge from the creditcard company. In this situation, cash is probably better.
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Hope that someone can help me with this question.
I have an Aunt who lives in London, Ontario who has a hot tub that she is giving to me. I live in Ohio. What fees, duties, or taxes can I expect to pay moving this from Canada to Ohio? Thanks in advance!
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