Buying a Trailer in Canada?

[Bruce H]

Does anyone know what taxes and fees a US citizen incurrs when purchasing a Canadian built RV trailer in Canada?

1. Is there a VAT?

2. Is there an import duty upon returning to the US?

[Adrian W]

Can't say, but I am sure the factory can tell you if your are getting one new.

[Ron Stewart]

It may be different province by province. If I am buying used here in British Columbia, I don't have to pay the 5% federal sales tax (called the GST - goods and services tax). When I register the vehicle, I do have to pay the 7% provincial sales tax (PST, although officially it is called the Social Services tax). If you can get a temporary plate from your state, you won't be paying any taxes in BC.

If you are considering an buying a new Escape here in BC, their web site says:

There are no taxes or duties payable on the purchase of an Escape Trailer. When you arrive to take possesion of your new Escape, we will provide you with all the necessary forms required by the border to import the trailer into the US. When crossing into the the US, a confirmation of the VIN is all that is necessary and you are on your way.

I know that there is no provincial sales tax in Alberta. I know that the GST and PST are combined into one tax called the HST (Harmonised Sales Tax) in many eastern provinces.

If you are from California, I direct your attention to this thread on escapeforum.org.

Ron

[Penney H. & Mike E.]

Does anyone know what taxes and fees a US citizen incurs when purchasing a Canadian built RV trailer in Canada?

1. Is there a VAT?

2. Is there an import duty upon returning to the US?

In March when we bought our previously owned Escape in Canada we did not pay anything 'extra' until we returned to WA with it and registered it, then we paid mightily - the state sales tax. There is some critical paper work needed however, which the seller is likely to know about. Although ours was an owner sale it was handled through the Escape factory and Reace and Tammy knew and had exactly what we needed. We did not pay any import duty returning to the US. The biggest hassle for us was the actual purchase, Canadian banks would not take our credit cards, the seller obviously wasn't set up to do that since it was a owner sale, so we had to bring cash over the border and declare it. Paying in US funds however also helped us negotiate a better price. If you want more information on all this sent me a PM. We found it generally a smooth transaction, I think the knowledge of the seller is a key factor.

[Roy in TO]

If I recall, Raya posted a few good posts on this topic.

[Tim Wood]

A few years back I bought a used Bigfoot and no taxes/duties if the trailer is made in Canada. You will pay your state taxes once you register it in your state.

[Normand Choiniere]

By the way American money is no longer an advantage as the Canadian dollar is now stronger than the American one.

You won't have to pay taxes in Quebec as the RV won't be licensed in Quebec.

And there is a trick in Quebec also if you want it to be licensed in Quebec if it is a previously possessed RV in Quebec (used RV). You only have to declare to the Quebec licensing board (SAAQ) its value as being 1$ as those vehicles are NOT listed in black and red books and have no official value (like a new one or a listed vehicle like a car).

You will then have to pay taxes only on 1$! May be this could save you $ when you return to USA with your trailer and license it in your state. May be you could save your own local tax by so doing.