they have dealt with stranger things than pinball machines.. don't be too worried. It's what they do. 
Everything You EVER wanted to know about Customs
- Thread starter REVOLUTION
- Start date
ritewhereiwant2b
Well-Known Member
I have an offer to buy a high speed 1 from pennsylvania. I live in Ontario. Looks lime there will be no duty, just taxes on the sale value. Question - how long roughly will I need at the border to process the paperwork etc on my way back?
luch
Super Member
That would be fine. Go down one day and get it, stay overnight and come back and hit customs in the early afternoon. Thanks!
luch
Super Member
make sure you have a paper trail of the money transfer , and proper bill of sale , they may phone the seller too , and don't lie not worth the hassle , ask for the over night exemption of value of goods , may save the tax on $800 exemption
You have to be there two nights for the $800 exemption. I have brought back 7 games from the US over the last two years. Only takes about 10 minutes if no line up. Make sure you have a receipt from the seller. You pay 13% tax on the value noted on the receipt. What value you decide to use is up to you. Sometimes they ask to see the funds coming out of your bank account ( on your phone) or the email/text from the seller discussing the sale. As long as they are consistent, there should be no issues.
They have never asked to confirm the game purchased by looking at the game in my SUV.
They have never asked to confirm the game purchased by looking at the game in my SUV.
luch
Super Member
Specifically, you must be in the US for over 48 hours to claim an exemption of $800.00
https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs/bringing-to-canada/personal-exemptions-mini-guide
https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs/bringing-to-canada/personal-exemptions-mini-guide
Scenario,
US seller wants to sell me pin, will drive it across boarder. Can he just tell agents he's getting his pinball machine fixed here in Canada, he knows a guy that does a great job. Would this avoid tax?
US seller wants to sell me pin, will drive it across boarder. Can he just tell agents he's getting his pinball machine fixed here in Canada, he knows a guy that does a great job. Would this avoid tax?
The government already takes 15% of my all my purchases, and takes away 49% of my income and thousands a year in property tax. And if I manage to not even spend money, they tax me on the interest I get for my money sitting in the bank. Sorry if I was trying to find a loop hole to save a little bit of money I have left. I'm sure the $200 I save won't stop the government from continuing their lavish lunches, diners, private parties, private air flights and their trips and vacations across the world. I think you're cheering for the wrong team.
Also curious, because I live in Windsor, and have no one around me that repairs machines, so might have to go across the border to do a repair. Wonder if they would believe me. I guess a receipt should do it, but I'd be pissed if I had to pay tax on a machine I already bought and owned in Canada.
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Saltimbanco
Well-Known Member
dos.reboot
Well-Known Member
There are a few Windsorites here. You can reach out for any repairs.
BTW, you're not getting anything non-essential across the border.
Saltimbanco
Well-Known Member
Ok thanks, and yes I understand. It was just a scenario/possible loop hole that I was exploring. I think the best way is just to pay the tax and move on. But all that is on hold right now because of COVID. Lets just hope for a stronger Canadian dollar soon!
Saltimbanco
Well-Known Member
I've been careful about buying more Canadian lately.. the pandemic situation was an eye opener.. you get to realize that such a big chunk of our economy goes out the window because we're looking for the best possible deal, or looking for something we just can't find over here in Canada - and that includes pins and their parts. I'd like to think we can buy, get parts and have games fixed in Canada. Probably real naive of me!
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