Had to go to the customs first time today. Seems that everything is based on the invoice of your product and from that come the tax charges etc...My question is if you had a friend that you sent money to buy the product for you overseas, they sent it to you as a "present" there is no invoice as there is technically no sale, how would the customs charge you tax on these goods?Also can you be charged import and gst tax when you buy an item from ebay that is second hand.Cheers Pat
Don't quote me but yes as you've experienced they charge you tax on the invoice price. When there is no invoice they look for "Insurance" cost of the package. So you need to be cautious. As a lot of people over qoute when qouting for insurance of parcels.Generally anything sent to you as a "present" in my experience can't be taxed, but again you may need check this as sometimes if "birthday present" is quoted and they check your iD and it doesn't match up you may be questioned or taxed.Things I've purchased from e-bay whether new or second hand haven't been taxed, maybe I've just been lucky but it could also be the supplier not putting as much detail on the package.al
Or worse... "Generally anything sent to you as a "present" in my experience can't be taxed, but again you may need check this as sometimes if "birthday present" is quoted and they check your iD and it doesn't match up you may be questioned or taxed."Or worse, get done for Tax Fraud...
I used to be a customs agent Not the goverment type......the importer or freight forwarder type. I use to know how to import everything and all the rules. Best thing to do is just contact a small 'customs agency' or 'freight forwarder' and ask to speak to there "compiler" or "Customs Agent", he should give you the full details off the top of his head in 5 seconds and not charge. I use to get public queries all the time and quick questions we didnt mind. If you get a difficult one just try the next one who isnt a prick and they should steer you right.
