Hi,

Does anyone know how much tax i would get chagred at the border when returning by car from the US to Vancouver with a stereo which I bought at $500 USD?

How long were you in the US before returning?

I'm would probably just travel down, buy the stereo and return on the same day.

Does it make a difference how long you stay?

Yes, if affects your tax free allowances;

After each absence of 24 hours or more you can claim up to CAN$50 worth of goods without paying any duties.

After each absence of 48 hours or more you can claim up to CAN$400 worth of goods without paying any duties.

After each absence of 7 days or more you can claim up to CAN$750 worth of goods without paying any duties.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cp/...-eng.html#P020

As it is you would owe the GST on the stereo, and any tarif duties (possibly none under NAFTA/WTO). I dont know if the CBSA also pick up the PST too.

Likely you would be charged duty as well as PST & GST, as few stereos are manufactured in the USA. Anything made outside the US is subject to duty. Depending on the state and if your province charges PST, you may have to pay state tax where you buy it.

For example, going down from BC to WA for the day, there would be 8.4% (or thereabouts) WA Tax 7%PST, 6%GST + duty to be assessed by customs (if product is not subject to NAFTA).

electronics:
Nafta-made, no duty
Non-nafta made, 5% duty to be added before GST and PST
GST and PST due regardless

CBSA's exchange rate on 4th Oct (last time I paid duty!) was 0.967500.