Can you avoid VAT?

thekop55

A couple of months ago, I bought some items from china a couple of months ago and it worked out at about 120 euro. The items were shipped by FedEx and all seemed well. But then about 3 weeks later I get an invoice from FedEx saying I owe them 35 euro. I have bought similar items from china that were around the same price but there were never any VAT charges. But I noticed that this was the first time that I used a courier, whereas the other items I bought were sent via china air mail or hong kong post. It seems that if use the national postal services like china air mail or hong kong post etc, that VAT isn't charged.
I was just wondering if anyone has had similar experiences or if anyone can confirm my claim thanks.

Jarren

This should help

http://www.dutycalculator.com/new-import-duty-and-tax-calculation/

MagicMarker

If you purchase from outside Europe then you're liable to be charged import taxes. Sometimes you'll get stung and sometimes you'll get lucky.

thekop55

It's just that whenever I haven't used A courier like FedEx, DHL or UPS, I have never gotten an invoice or anything like that.

Paulw

thekop55 wrote: »

It's just that whenever I haven't used A courier like FedEx, DHL or UPS, I have never gotten an invoice or anything like that.

You've been lucky before so. In many cases, things slip by An Post, but the couriers like DHL, UPS, FedEX all act as Revenue agents and collect the VAT on their behalf, and because of that, they are extra cautious and make sure to collect.

Time for you to cough up.

thekop55

Do you think if I use chinapost etc, I will be less likely to pay VAT

dudara

If you import goods into Ireland from outside the EU, then you are legally obliged to pay VAT & Duty on those goods. Anything else is tax evasion.

recipio

You will always be cought for VAT using couriers. Stick to the local postal services if possible. I find USPS good when buying from the US - items tend to slip through without duty.

N17er

^^^
what he said....

rubadub

Below a certain limit there is no VAT charge, so if you order items separately they may each be below the limit. Paying postage on each might work out more but can be less than the VAT that would otherwise have to be paid.

Heckler

I'm looking to get a book in from the United States. It costs about 30 dollars with 30 dollars shipping.

Is it true that books are free from custom charges and VAT or could I get caught for extra ?

Thanks.

5500

From what Im aware theres no vat on books so you shouldnt be charged, but if it includes a cd or dvd it might be a different kettle of fish. It may also depend on if its sent by courier or "airmail" as the couriers may just presume vat has to be charged and try charge you it.

Have you looked closer to home for the book? www.bookdepository.co.uk can have good prices or amazon ect

Heckler

5500 wrote: »

From what Im aware theres no vat on books so you shouldnt be charged, but if it includes a cd or dvd it might be a different kettle of fish. It may also depend on if its sent by courier or "airmail" as the couriers may just presume vat has to be charged and try charge you it.

Have you looked closer to home for the book? www.bookdepository.co.uk can have good prices or amazon ect

Thanks for that. Ordered the book from lulu.com. Printed on demand so couldn't get it anywhere else. Should be here soon enough so i guess i'll find out then if theres any extra charges. No cd or dvd involved.

eirman

This has worked for me every time when buying downloadable software or subscriptions (i.e. not posted to you) ....
discussion of scam removed-rubadub

recipio

eirman wrote: »

This has worked for me every time when buying downloadable software or subscriptions (i.e. not posted to you) ....

This only works for downloadable products not actual parcel post ?

rubadub

No discussion of scams please. From the charter. Tax avoidance is acceptable, not tax evasion or postal fraud or online scams

Fuzzy wrote: »

The promotion of any illegal, including fraudulent or dishonest, activity will not be tolerated.