purchase in us, how do you go through customs?

[vblanche]

Hello,

Basically, how does it work when you buy something in the us and come back to canada? How do they charge you taxes? if you show up without bills and items are not in packages, etc...can you just go through the customs?

cheers

[Wild Weasel]

When you get to the border, they ask if you're bringing anything back. If you lie, you run the risk of being caught and facing the consequences.

Normally, you tell them what you have and show the receipts. They figure out what you owe and you pay it right there.

If you don't have receipts, you can just tell them the value but if they think you're lying, they can put you through the ringer for it. I've been searched on a few occasions while they looked for a receipt on me.

[majic]

i can never find this info on CRA's webiste.. ugh.

link (http://www.ontariotravel.net/TcisCtrl?site=consumers&key1=travelTools&key2=travelTips&key3=customs&language=EN&linkType=I)


Duty-Free Limits for Returning Residents of Canada
The following duty-free allowances (in Canadian dollars) apply:

* Goods (souvenirs, etc.)
* $50 (excluding alcohol and tobacco) any number of times per year, after a minimum 24-hr absence.
* $200 any number of times after a minimum 48-hr absence.
* $750 after a minimum 7 days' Absence (excluding day of departure).

Learn more about duty-free allowances. (http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cp/rc4044/rc4044-e.html#P182_22303) - oh sweet there's the link!!! :)

Alcoholic Beverages

* 1.5 litres of wine, or 1.14 litres (40 oz.) of liquor, or 24 X 355 mL (12 oz.) bottles or cans of beer or ale (288 oz. Or 8.2 litres)

Tobacco Products

* 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or cigarillos, 200 tobacco sticks and 200 grams of manufactured tobacco.

Note: Minimum age requirement for tobacco is that of the province where the traveller clears customs. Tobacco and alcohol must be included in the total dollar allowance of $200 or $500 and must be carried in-hand or checked baggage.

[bluntman]

Depending on the size, remove/get rid of all of the packaging and mail the receipts to yourself from the US.

[Chuckie]

haha shit.. i just went to the us and brought back some stuff..
don't lie or else you get assessed 25% of the value of the damn item.. ON TOP of the taxes.. *cries*

[S.F.W.]

they hit you for +25%? Ouch..