HELP PLEASE! Bought $3K Item from Canada but Held up at US Customs

jeff8877

Hi guys,

Need your help...I bought a card from a Canadian seller and he insured and sent Fed Ex International Priority and insured for full value. Now the US wants my social security number in order to process. Will I be charged some type of "import tax"?? How do I proceed?

Thanks

goose3

Probably not going to be "Duty Free".

captainthreeputt

Hi Jeff,

Unfortunately, I think you are going to be hit for a few hundred dollars. Same thing happened to me. I purchased from a Canadian auction twice. One time no problem, but the next time I think it cost me $300-400. I had to fill out a form including social security number and then hit with a bill. My brother is my CPA, and he is a little concerned now for taxes. When you collect hockey cards, sometimes you need to buy from Canada, but the deal wasn"t as good as first thought after paying the extra duties fee.

Maybe CPA Mike can chime in on this situation. I am a collector not a seller, and I hope this does not lead to any intense scrutiny over sales tax and such from all over the country???????

Brian

Johnsteph10

Unfortunately, Canadian sellers often forget (whether on purpose or not) to post reminders about import issues...import tariffs/duties/taxes can be fairly significant. Canadian buyers are more accustomed to dealing with import issues.

Fill out the form and if your item was several thousand dollars, be prepared for a minimum of several $100 extra fees....

That is a big reason why I avoid importing items.

jimrad

I had the same thing happen to me.

jeff8877

Jim...can I call you. Check you PM for my number.

Jeff

vettfanatic

Same thing happened to me on a $500 item. Recieved a bill for around $30 if I remember correctly.

vladguerrero

Since FedEx/UPS clear their own customs packages (I believe UPS uses a different company name, but it is a company they own) make sure you send them X-mas card. They no doubt will be collecting a fee for this as well. I would think you are strictly dealing with FedEx at this point and they will submit your import to the Gov after you pay the taxes. I have never had a problem with sending multi thousand dollar packages to the US through USPS.

hhmag70

Also note that FedEx does not pay out on insurance claims for cards that high. Seller made a poor choice on shipper.

nightcrawler

<< <i> Seller made a poor choice on shipper. >>



I agree.

You won't be able to avoid paying duty on an insured card, but shipping through the Post Office is the only way to go. It might take longer but it seems worth it to me because there's less hassle.