avoiding taxes on US purchases shipped to Canada?

does anyone have any advise on purchasing items from the US and shipping to canada? is there a way to not pay cdn taxes on these items when shipped to canada?

i always go over to get the stuff i'm after. but my dad is looking to buy a lens and he wants to get it shipped to canada.

he's looking at a 70-200 2.8 IS lens. we found it for 1699 USD but its like 2100 Cdn. canada prices are way way out of hand. and no where near what the exchange difference is. its been like this and always will be.. and local shots wonder why they can't compete.

thanks,


Joel

edit : Above information has been proven to be only partly true.

Or Return to Sender Defective

Legally, you must pay the tax when it comes across the border for an item purchased out of the country and not covered under the free trade agreement.
I know I'd much rather pay the %5 GST on $1699 USD that pay %5 GST and then %5 PST (%5 for SK, can't remember what ON is, %8?) on $2100.
Adding tax into the mix in Canada starts to push the value of ordering from the USA an even better venture.

The only time I'm not annoyed by the pricing in Canada, is when I see what those poor folks are paying in the UK for camera gear.

ImRaptor wrote in post #8710613
The only time I'm not annoyed by the pricing in Canada, is when I see what those poor folks are paying in the UK for camera gear.

Haha, so true

beeng wrote in post #8710500
Only way to have customs not slap taxes on it is if it's marked as "used equipment", or as a "gift".

I don't think that is true. Photographic equipment is duty free into Canada but you must pay tax on the value of the "used equipment", or on the value of the "gift".

msowsun wrote in post #8710722
I don't think that is true. Photographic equipment is duty free into Canada but you must pay tax on the value of the "used equipment", or on the value of the "gift".

Yes, this is right. You must pay tax, regardless of whether it's used, gifted or new. I've purchased a couple of things from the US and have paid tax each time. Back then, the dollar was at par so it was really worth it. These days, I'm not so sure.

I don't know whether I'd import a $2000 lens by mail. The tax bill would be fairly hefty.

ceegee wrote in post #8710874
I don't know whether I'd import a $2000 lens by mail. The tax bill would be fairly hefty.

Keep in mind that if you're buying new you're paying the tax regardless whether by mail or in store.

Due to an instant rebate of $250.00 (Canada only), the 70-200 2.8 IS is cheaper in Canada after you pay the tax and delivery to Canada.

http://www.photoprice.​ca/product/00054
(scroll down for the prices)

You will pay PST & GST on the declared inured value of your purchase. You can take the risk and insure the pkg for less but then you are at risk if you have to make a claim.

msowsun wrote in post #8710982
Due to an instant rebate of $250.00 (Canada only), the 70-200 2.8 IS is cheaper in Canada after you pay the tax and delivery to Canada.

http://www.photoprice.​ca/product/00054
(scroll down for the prices)

photoprice is incorrect... Canon removed the $250 rebate from the 70-200 2.8IS before the rebates were released to the public.

Do you mean this:

How is it incorrect? The prices they list are the same prices that each retailer has on their websites, and those prices are far less than the American retailers. (about $250 less)

Dont play with the border...

they will give you a 7 year probation period if they catch you. they will also hold your products and release them to you if you pay the 20% of the value of the goods + 12% of the tax. During the probation period, you will need to get your car searched and if you are caught again, they will move your penalty to a level 2 and then 3 and then 4. and could possibly give you a criminal record for tax evasion.

ImRaptor wrote in post #8710613
The only time I'm not annoyed by the pricing in Canada, is when I see what those poor folks are paying in the UK for camera gear.

It's not only in the UK, the whole of the EU, we all get ripped off.

That's why I asked a friend (risky task) of mine to buy a 70-200 2.8 IS from the states. It cost me a total of 1200 euros (dollar to Euro equivalent) (Los Angeles ) tax included and a B+W 77mm filter. Then she brought it here in France she didn't get caught by customs (thank god).

If I bought mine here, it would cost me 1800 euros tax not yet included.

Can somebody please tell me the easiest store in NYC to steal equipment from. I'm planning on going there for Xmas and I'd like to pick up some zero-cost goodies.


What? We're discussing ways to break the law here. I can't see any difference between my request and asking for suggestions on how to smuggle goods across borders.