So this VAT...

[theanalyzer]

Is kinda high. I was hoping to get some cheap nice hardware from this part of the world. In some cases the prices are 2-3x higher than US prices.

I could get a 250GB SSD in the US, for the same price as a 120GB over here (samsung 840 evo).

Is there any way to avoid the huge ass tax if items are brought from the US? Like saying its a gift from so and so

I got some of my PC hardware shipped to the UK and it had a pretty big customs tax on it. The next item I got shipped, I mentioned that it was used and my own and was just moving it because I forgot to take it along with me (my galaxy note 2), and there was no tax on it o.o

[jim]

So in short, you'd like advice on tax evasion?

[theanalyzer]

Erm... i had this feeling it could be an illegal/wrong thing to post. But if its really a gift, there is no tax on it right?

I remember getting some Dota merchandise from valve (shipped to the UK) and it had no tax applicable on it. Twas a cap and a keyring.

Edit: If this discussion is breaking forum rules, please delete it.

[finlay666]

It's not a gift, you are buying it for yourself

VAT/import duty is only charged under a certain amount (£20 IIRC) but the SSD will never be under that and lying on a declaration is illegal

[MrJim]

The dollar - pound price disparity is just something you have to learn to live with if you buy computer stuff. I believe US prices are often quoted without local taxes, which vary from State to State, so the difference might not be as high as it first appears.

[peterb]

VAT is payable on imports from outside the EU (Low value items are exempt) whether they are a gift or not. If you are registered for VAT and the item is for business use, you can claim the VAT back from HMRC.

If you are an overseas resident (outside the EU), and you are personally buying the goods for export, you may claim the VAT back b submitting a claim form at the port or airport of departure after you pass the security barriers. You may be liable for local import duty at your country of residence.

Claiming items as a gift when they are not with a view to tax evasion may be a criminal offence by both seller and purchaser

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/post/buying.htm#4

Thread closed.