Is there tax on bringing used furniture from Canada into the US?

Question

I am Canadian and I would like to know if I can give my friend (who lives in the US) my old furniture. I can drive it across the border but I want to know if I have to pay any tax, or does she have to come and pick it up at the border from me. Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

Ultimately it depends on the value of the furniture. Furniture is called "Household effects" by the U.S. Customs folks.

If you cross the border alone carrying the goods and declare that they are a gift for your friend, you're only exempt from paying duty on $100 US of the value of the goods. Also, to claim this exemption you have to stay in the U.S. for 72 hours and can only use it once every 6 months. In my experience though, you can get away with carrying multiple gifts over the border if you make multiple trips since I don't know if they actually record that you made a gift claim every time, or maybe the guards I get are just lazy. This won't be of much help though unless most of the furniture is below 100$ in value.

Your best bet would be to have your friend come visit you and then return after 48 hours. She would then have an $800 US exemption that she could apply towards the value of the furniture. If the customs officer determines the furniture is worth over $800 though, she still would have to pay duty on the excess amount.

There is a total exemption for household effects, but that doesn't apply here. A U.S. citizen can be 100% exempt from duty on household effects acquired abroad only after using them for at least one year while living abroad.

Ultimately it will probably just come down to the individual guard you get. If they think the furniture is worth something, you may pay. If not, nope!

Answer 2

WHY would you want to buy booze in Canada to take to the USA example 1 24 of premium beer in canada is $ 38.40 that very same box of beer in usa will cost $ 17.00 quite a difference whiskey vodka rum all are the same difference in price and its the very same beer or liquor and can be bought at any usa border store and if you get caught with more than 1 24 or 1 bottle you will be in major trouble with customs and they will refuse you future travel accross the border. and yes the canadain customs have the same list of bad folks as the americans do and they do know who you are. BEWARE i live 500 feet from the usa and go there almost every day and i get car searched every time i go

Answer 3

If the furniture is upholstered, especially with padding, you will need to obtain a certificate of fumigation prior to bringing it across the border.

No tax or duty involved, unless it is antique or otherwise of some value.

Answer 4

I have no real answer..... but if there WERE tax on that situation... i'd have to call complete shananigans!