The VAT Man Cometh

michaeloconnell wrote:

they add an administration fee of approx 10euro for the privilage!
So, it's in their interest that you get nabbed.

The courier will *always* be "nabbed" - I've *always* been charged when using a courier. Because their systems are heavily documented (electronically) *all* of their goods can be checked in a fraction of a second. Where two couriers are used, the linkage is broken in two and I assume that this is the reason why some of *that* stuff gets through, but the courier's stuff doesn't.

And certainly, FedEx charge 15 euro for paying C&E fees on your behalf (and I think they then charge you VAT on top of that). Sure - it feels like a massive scam and we get hit from all directions. But hey, someone has to pay for these public services. Oh, wait, I pay PRSI and Income Tax already....

It might be an idea to put a sticky or
advisory thread in the buy and sell that
explains all the current laws, taxes and charges
concerning 'importing' goods from the US.
Buying on line and having sent to you via post / courier
and buying in person and bringing home are
obviously the same thing.

Another trick is to have it sent to a work address rather that your home address. Also, use the US postal service instead of Fedex/ UPS etc...

One other thing.
If you do go to the States on holliday and
buy something over the set value of what
the customs allow you to bring in,
then you must not enter the
'nothing to declare' channel
because this would be an attempt to
not pay what is due.
Same principle as posting it to a different address.

Folks - do remember that this is a *public* board.

I certainly don't condone anyone actively evading tax (see my earlier post) because that is *illegal*. Neither does IFAS.

As I said earlier, I always play by the rules - if I don't get asked to pay, then that's a bonus. But I always factor in an expectation that I *will* be asked to pay. You all should too. If C&E, An Post or the Courier does not ask for a payment, take that as an indication that you are not *required* to pay and your expectations have been exceeded. And of course, take your partner out to dinner.

But please don't post anything that is, or could be construed as, assisting anyone on these boards to break the law.

I think a gift from abroad, below a certain value (€175.00 rings a bell), is exempt from excise duty and VAT but I could stand corrected.

Posting stuff to your work address might get your employer, and ultimately you, into trouble.

If you need to know what is payable in terms of Duty and VAT and what is not, contact the Revenue Commissioners. Personally, I have done so in the past and found them very helpful.

Bear in mind that Duty is based on the nature of the goods - optical equipment is assigned a particular tariff. Other items such as mounts or saddle boards etc are probably different but it might only amount to a fraction of a percent (in either direction).

As far as enforcemnet officers are concerned at the port of entry, ignorance of the law is no defence and yes, if they believe you are trying to smuggle in contraband (that includes a telescope for which you are trying to avoid paying the lawful taxes due to the State) then you would be VERY lucky if they let you pay what they feel you should and let you keep it. They could quite easily confiscate it completely and then take further legal action against you. And you haven't a proverbial leg to stand on.

One final sobering thought - if you *are* prosecuted and found guilty, you will *not* be allowed into the USA (and other countries) because you now have a criminal record... Now that really *would* upset your Uncle Bob, or Sam...

Dave

Another caveat:

I remember watching some person (presumbably employment or internet specialist) being interviewed on France24 TV channel and he give an alarming statistic. If I recall, he stated that half of all employment rejections by French companies (therefore I assume large corporations) was as a result of what the HR Dept found on the applicant as a result of internet trawls.

I wish I could find some reference to back this recollection and/or theme up but I have failed in that regard. However, if something can be done - it probably is being done - in my oppinion.

I post in the interest of internet safety - and particuarly so for our young adults who probably have more on-line history than employment history - so a message possibly worth passing on. Apologies if this post is more off-topic than on-topic.


Mark