Just forced to pay VAT on a gift from USA?

AYS80

Hi, I hope someone here can help me...

My close friends in America have sent my son a Nintendo DSi XL over for Christmas, but before it could be delivered, I had to pay £27.78 VAT & Clearance fee to parcel force.

As this item was a gift, can this be reclaimed from customs at all?

Thanks for any help!

Mikeyorks

AYS80 wrote: »

As this item was a gift, can this be reclaimed from customs at all?

Not if the value exceeds £40 :

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/post/buying.htm#4

leveller2911

I may be wrong but aren't they supposed to right "Gift" on the package so no VAT payable and also fill out a tax declaration in America?

themull1

You could say anything was a gift and never pay anything. I don't think you can claim it back, but you could try.

AYS80

Thanks for the link... all the criteria for the Nintendo being a gift is applicable, but the only issue is it's value. Given that the item is not 'New', perhaps this would impact its value?

Seems a real shame, as I really can't afford the £27 at this time of year, but I know they had the best of thoughts over in the states when they sent it.

I'll probably try to reclaim the VAT and just see what happens...

Thanks for your help everyone!

leveller2911

themull1 wrote: »

You could say anything was a gift and never pay anything. I don't think you can claim it back, but you could try.

I know a couple of builders who have bought cordless tools from the states and the tool shops put " personal Gift" on the package and they haven't paid VAT etc......

Personally I wouldn't want the hassle of the consequences.....

Mikeyorks

AYS80 wrote: »

Given that the item is not 'New', perhaps this would impact its value?

Significantly ......... but the value should have been stated on the external declaration. If that exceeds £40 in $ equivalent - then you will struggle with a claim.

whatyadoinsucka

i sell alot of CDs DVD's Games and i always tick 'other' but i clearly write "Second Hand" Goods on the box,
never had complaints from buyers yet.

If it is second hand you may be able to raise a case with HMRC

dzug1

leveller2911 wrote: »

I may be wrong but aren't they supposed to right "Gift" on the package so no VAT payable and also fill out a tax declaration in America?

It being a gift doesn't exempt it from tax. The tax free allowance for a gift is higher (but still low), but gifts are still taxable.

Horseunderwater

Hi
Your friends failed to complete the CN22 notice correctly. It should have read gift with a declared 2nd hand value in dollars. Customs will need a copy of the receipt from your friends detailing the price they got it for, in order to work out the true amount of duty due. There was also an £8 fee from parcelforce involved as well. I suspect that there will be some due even 2nd hand. unless they paid less than £40 in dollar equivilant. Which I doubt. You may well have to live with this one.

Shawn_the_Cheap

Hi

Is it the same if I'm sending a DSi to someone in America? I got the CN22 form from the post office but there's no tick box for second hand on it?