Getting stuff shipped to Canada. e.g. taxes...

L

liquidigital

Active member
Hey guys,
I'm up in canada for a couple months and I want to buy some canon photography equipment from the States, Maybe amazon or b&h. Will I be paying taxes twice on this merchandise? ( CA & US)

If it helps to know the amount, I want to get a Canon IS Zoom lens $350.00. And a 420ex Speedlite $175.00.

Thanx. Mike
 
Re: Getting stuff shipped to Canada. e.g. taxes...

Most of the internet-order are not subject to state sales tax (I know there are exceptions but I don't know the particulars). So, you would only pay GST (and, depending where in Canada you are, PST) on you purchase.

However, if you are staying less than six months, you are not deemed a resident, and you can either bring your equipment from States tax-free, or buy it in Canada and get a tax rebate when you leave - the tax rebate forms are available at CCRA offices and major airports.

If you have a permanent US address (family, friends) near US/CA border, have it shipped there. I don't know where in Canada you are, but in most populated areas you are only an hour or so drive from US border - why don't you just drive to nearest US city and buy it there?

(Unless you are one of those Iraq war deserters in which case you are here for the long haul ;D ).
 
Re: Getting stuff shipped to Canada. e.g. taxes...

OTOH, you are talking about $60 on taxes. I don't know your circumstances, but it may not be worth the extra driving, shipping, etc.

You might also be able to claim a GST rebate when you leave even if it gets shipped to Canada, but better ask at CCRA.

Good luck!
 
Re: Getting stuff shipped to Canada. e.g. taxes...

My girl tells me we pay GST and PST, since we're in Vancouver. I guess I should have said that earlier. :)
So am I looking at more than $60.00 do you think? Thanx, Mike
 
Re: Getting stuff shipped to Canada. e.g. taxes...

I don't know what BC PST rate is, but GST is 7%. In Ontario PST is 8%, so you are looking at around 15% of the price in Canadian dollars.

If you are in Vancouver, you will easily make that up by driving to Seattle and buying your stuff there - if you can do that. You will pay Washington state sales tax but I bet it's less than 10% (never been to the perpetual-raining-season state, so I am just guessing). In any case, even if your stuff is more expensive at a local Seattle store than from an online merchant, when you add up shipping and the difference in tax, the trip might be worth it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top