import tax?

helpimcrap · 13 Aug 2007 at 22:28

hey guys/gals...

im looking at importing something and basically need to know how much i'd be hammered on import duty and VAT.

its from the US, its a small package worth $280 + $40 postage. its a motorbike powercommander and the reason i'm looking into it is that they retail for £280 + delivery here and given the exchange rate currently i'm looking at £163 delivered but thats + Import Duty and VAT.

any ideas how much i'm looking at being raped for?

Rotty · 13 Aug 2007 at 22:40

best scenario ( other than gettng off totally free ) would just be VAT and handling , total of around £35-40

this is the most likely scenario

if you get stung for duty too ( rare in my experience ) it could be anything but probably about another tenner

helpimcrap · 13 Aug 2007 at 22:42

cheers, i had a look on the customs website and its so vague its silly.

do i get charged for second hand goods? i know i could on new items but second hand stuff is no VAT?

danza · 13 Aug 2007 at 22:45

helpimcrap said:
cheers, i had a look on the customs website and its so vague its silly.

do i get charged for second hand goods? i know i could on new items but second hand stuff is no VAT?

It's never had VAT paid on it coming from the US, and as you're importing it, it will be slapped on by customs regardless of it being second hand. Basically, most things will have VAT added with a few exceptions.

If your item is stopped, you'll have a handling fee to pay the carrier this end on top of VAT and duty. I can't remember how much this is, but suffice to say it shouldn't be more than about £15.

Here should tell you what you need to know:

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channels...ent&id=HMCE_PROD_009989&propertyType=document

helpimcrap · 13 Aug 2007 at 22:56

so i will have VAT added as well as about 15% on top of that as well?

so i essentially have no idea how much i'll get done until it gets here? :rolleyes:

danza · 13 Aug 2007 at 23:01

helpimcrap said:
so i will have VAT added as well as about 15% on top of that as well?

so i essentially have no idea how much i'll get done until it gets here?

Well, you're importing something fairly obscure, so it's very unclear how much you'll be charged in terms of duty at least. It could I suppose fall under the category of computers, and therefore maybe escape duty altogether. You will most likely have to pay 17.5% VAT though.

Bare in mind that theres a fairly good chance the parcel will be unchecked and come without any charges (some people reckon about 1 in 10 get checked). I imported a lens from the US which would've landed me with about £80 in charges, but it came into the UK without being checked, so I paid nothing