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Smart Shopper Importing Car into Canada from US
4511 messages, Last post on Dec 02, 2009 at 3:04 AM
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A Canadian snowbird who lives six months in Florida each year, recently purchased, licensed and insured a vehicle in Florida which he intends to drive back to Ontario where he lives for the other six months of the year. He claims that he isn't required to go through the process of "importing the vehicle" since he isn't importing it...just using it six months in each country. As a result, he also says that he doesn't have to pay GST, nor does he have to get it inspected etc. Does anyone know if this is allowed/legal?
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Replying to: ztoronto (Mar 24, 2008 1:12 pm) Requirement to pay tax varies from state to state . Most you will have to pay the state tax. But check the locate state regulations closely (do google checks - check state salwes tax sites etc) . Example: in Arizona there is a law that allows exemption from sales tax IF you take delivery out of state ( you just complete the necesary forms); in that case the dealer gives you a temporay license (30 days), then you arrange to have your vehicle flatbedded across the state border ( into Califonia ) - get it there & you can drive back into Arizona & into Canada. THere are a few other states like that . Most just have an agreement with other states ( as in Canada) that you can get tax exemption from that state as long as you pay the tax in the state that you register the vehicle in - but that does NOT wokr for export to Canada. If you have not bought the car yet I recommend that you search out on the net for an import/export facilitator - (see #3923) they can help you get the best price , avoid the tax , arrrange all the paper work for export for you & have the vehicle delivered to Toronto.. Unfortunely I discovered this AFTER I had bouhgt my Sienna in Fl ( I paid Fl tax 6% , & will pay GST & ONt slaes tax. - but a good deal & I am still ahead $7-$9K) . I am in Fl for 3 months & had an address here , so registered it in FLorida . Cousin buying & selling to you wokrs - also if you are staying with your cousin you can use that address to register the car. ANother item to watch is insurance - in FLorida it is State Law that any car registered in FLorida MUST have insurance & MUST be written (or cowritten) by an insurance company registered in Florida( I don't think any Canadian Co is) - however just purchase US insurance & cancel it when you are back in Canada (Progressive Ins works) . good luck
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I tried to do this a few years ago and after some lengthy investigation found out that the Canadian laws do not allow you to do it. There are a few problems. Number one is that a Canadian cannot drive a US plated vehicle in Canada! Also, the Canadian laws state that if you intend to drive the vehicle in Canada for this length of time then it considers that yor ARE importing it and must follow the correct importing procedures. |
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Replying to: chimo77 (Mar 25, 2008 5:18 am) Another reason is that my cousin buying and selling the car to me is completely 'legal' and 'secure' what I need to do is to wait the van is titled, go to states and drive my van back to Canada with my cousin's plate and insurance. After I register the car in Toronto and remove the states plate and cancel my cusin's insurance. All steps should be legal and smooth. Right? Is there anybody answer my question, if I use my name and my cusin's IL address (I do not live with them) to buy the car, can I save the 6.25% IL tax? Thanks Chimo again for your reply. |
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Replying to: chm (Mar 24, 2008 6:58 pm) i have a dealer in Oklahoma. He has done many many times, email me at lrcu  yahoo.com with title GMC Duramax for contact info $500 over dealer invoice pricing. You provide US address (friend or relative) only to obtain rebates. My 2008 GMC duramax SLT, all options except DVD, Navi, sunroof, sliding rear window = $46.1k USD which at the time was $45k CAD. |
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anyone have luck importing new Volvo XC90. RIV list says must contact Volvo canada for letter of admissability......
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Replying to: altaboy (Mar 25, 2008 7:37 am) Now, making it compliant will be expensive, but well worth it. Letter of admissibility is free by the way. Take care. |
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