HST on service performed in US? | GTAMotorcycle.com

HST on service performed in US?

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EX500R2001

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I'm going to send my seat to Rick Mayer for a custom work. I'll ship the from US and get it returned to US address. My question is do I have to pay HST when I bring it back to Canada? How do I prove to Customs that the seat is mine and I did not buy it in US?
 
I just sent $1000 worth of snowmobile suspension to the states for return service and it was shipped as small service so there won't be hst or customs added.
 
Thanks, but I prefer them to ship the seat to US address. So, I'll need to bring the seat back to Canada myself. How do I prove at the border that I did not buy it in States? Let's say I ship the seat from Canada and show a shipping receipt to the customs, would it be enough?
 
Can you fill out a green form that proves you own it? I filled one out for my camera stuff so I won't get hassled at the border, never tried to do it for a bike part though.
 
EX500R2001 said:
Thanks, but I prefer them to ship the seat to US address. So, I'll need to bring the seat back to Canada myself. How do I prove at the border that I did not buy it in States? Let's say I ship the seat from Canada and show a shipping receipt to the customs, would it be enough?
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Why would you go to all of that trouble when you could just have it shipped to your door and still avoid any additional duty/tax?
 
evang said:
Why would you go to all of that trouble when you could just have it shipped to your door and still avoid any additional duty/tax?
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First of all, I'm not convinced that I won't be charged tax on delivery. If there is a price (> $20) on a declaration form and it does not say "warranty exchange" or "commertial sample" I always get charged HST + $8.50 brokerage fee. I know, that some of you somehow avoid paying TAX in most cases. But not me! :( I don't know why.
Second, the seat is big and shipping both ways would cost $150. Rick Mayers has a promotion now - free shipping in US, and one way UPS from Niagara Falls is $25. So, it's simple - $125 saving. And I also have some other stuffs to pick up from CBI anyway, so why not?
 
Simple answer is when they ask if you have anything to declare, say 'No'. Why open a can of worms? It's a repair, you didn't buy it in the states, so you aren't even lying!
 
You ask Rick Myer to write on his invoice that repair work was done on your original seat and that should be enough. The invoice will have the total amount, but also have a description of the item. That description should say "repair work" or whatever.

Otherwise, you get to the border, guard asks, "anything to declare", you can say, "I had repair work done on my seat", have your receipt ready and then wait to see what happens. Either way, I am sure it's far cheaper to pay the duties than to get the work done here in Canada.
 
I Understand that if you do anything on your vehicle they can make you pay tax on TOTAL VALUE of the vehicle. Seems insane... I got asked that on border and was puzzled why they would care.

It does not apply on seat like that but it is good info to know...

http://www.crossbordershopping.ca/duty-tax-import-guide/duty-tax-tips

Duty on Repairs or alterations to your vehicle/vessel

If you intend to have repairs or alterations made to your vehicle/vessel/aircraft outside Canada, check with the CBSA before you leave. Under customs legislation, the CBSA can no longer consider your vehicle, vessel or aircraft to be Canadian-made if you increase its value, improve its condition or have it modified outside Canada. As a result, you may have to pay duty and the goods and services tax (GST) or harmonized sales tax (HST) on its entire value when you bring it back.
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