buying in europe to ship to america

[Lenny Manfred]

i am thinking of buying a lens from europe, belgium to be exact, for about 15,000 euros (estimating about 20-21k us$?) but the seller asked me for my VAT. i know they have that tax in europe, but, for me buying from the u.s., how do i get around that? and if there is a way around the VAT tax, will i be paying any other taxes once the item gets here?

thank you all in advance for your comments.


i wrote this question here because i see there is a lot of people buying stuff from europe on this section. forgive me if it is the wrong place, and thank you for understanding.

 

[sergio arguello]

go pick it up and hand carry it and take your still camera and say its part of your personal kit is what i would do...or your going to pay tax

 

[Darryl Wood]

If he exports the lenses through Fedex or similar carrier there should be no VAT as it is an export. You will have to pay landed costs of around 8% for US duty and tax (I think it varies from state to state) for what ever the invoice value is. Picking the lenses up will have to pay VAT but you may (and I stress MAY) be able to get this back at the airport.

 

[Martin Weiss]

If you pick it up locally, you would have to pay that country's VAT. If shipped outside the EU, you should not be charged VAT by the seller.

 

[Tony Covell]

Dear Lenny,
He cannot charge you EU Taxes VAT. There is no VAT chargable on exports outside the EU. That includes America.
What the guy in Belgium has to do is keep all shipping documents and this proves export from his country. He will then not have to pay VAT on his sale. It will be charged at zero export.
Its hard on a one off sale, so he is I think attempting to charge the VAT to not involve himself in the job of joining the VAT export scheme which involves lots of quaterly paperwok.
He can get dispensation on a one off sale by calling his local VAT office. IT is the same throughout the EU .
I export to USA almost weekly and understand the rules pretty well. I am registered and known by VAT . BUT I always have an export trail and signed for paperwork.
You will of course have to pay import taxes into the USA of not more than 10% of value.
This can be lessened by checking the import harmonizing codes for the USA and EU on the products you are buying. If the equipment is over 10 years old you can claim a lesser figure becos of age.
Some guys also write down the value of the kit in question to evade the tax. However if you get stopped at customs you will be fined and charged at the customs agents perceived valuation. This can be challenged successfully with your local customs duty import agent and a refund obtained.
ALL clear as mud now? lol
Dont be put off its not as hard as you think.
Cheers
Tony Covell
Tonycovell@talktalk.net Based London & exporting worldwide daily.

 

[Lenny Manfred]

thank you Darryl. Martin, Tony and Sergio. sounds complicated to me. Hola Sergio, abrazos.

 

[Darryl Wood]

It is not that complicated really. If he is a small company he will no doubt have the VAT stuff Tony mentions already in place. Just tell him it is an export and there is no VAT applicable.

 

[Tony Covell]

Here here; its very easy honest!!!
Tony.

 

[Lenny Manfred]

i am concerned about the 10% tax. by the time i add shipping, paypal fees, and tax i will be too close to the price of a new one here. plus here i pay the post tax, which is much lower.

 

[Brian Hughes]

Lenny,

You will not pay VAT because you are having the lens shipped to you. No VAT can be charged to you for the export of the lens to you. You will pay an import tax to the US. So, if you believe the lens will be packed well enough, then you can ask them to provide for you a lower value invoice for the shipment, and have them place that value on the customs forms. Make sure your lens is insured for the same value as you are going to have placed on forms. The way I figure is if the item I'm shipping happens to become damaged I will always be able to have it fixed for the price it was insured for.

Take care,

Brian