cxx

I'm thinking of buying a gift for a friend in the US and having is sent direct, but want to know if they will be charged tax / import duties on it (like we would in Canada). Value of gift is around 80GBP.

hungryhorace

It's under the customs value for import duty I think.

cxx

It would be sent to NH, which doesn't have a sales tax too, so does that make any difference?

celticgrid

Note tax from the other perspective...

The place you are buying it from should deduct UK VAT from the cost.

Should.

Many places are geared up to do it, many aren't or can't be bothered.

cxx

Hadn't thought of that!!

Mangaboy84

$100 limit for gifts to avoid import tax, not sure how well they check the values listed on the declaration tho. you want to write on "unsolicited gift" too. supposed to help

Pulaski

I think $80 would be under, but not £80.

If you have it sent direct it will be customs-labled by the retailer you bought it from, with the UK retail price, and probably at the VAT-inclusive price. ..... However if you take delivery of it you will have more control, and can put a "market value" on the label (what sort of price would something "similar" sell for in the US? ), though you would have paid VAT to receive it in the UK.

ottotheboar

I import on a regular basis using UPS or DHL, over 500 UK pounds I will pay import duty under that it usually sails right through.
This is only a rough guide based on my personal experience.
VAT is not paid on goods exported to the USA.