U.S. Customs?

Question

I'm a US citizen returning to Ohio after two and a half months in Canada. I checked out the U.S customs website to find out what I could and could not bring back, but I didn't understand it much. I'm bringing back some clothes, and a few candy bars, along with some books. Does the 'duty' mean I have to pay tax on them again? How much can I bring back before they start taxing me? This is so confusing!

Answer 1

Books are duty-free.

Candy bars are as well.

The clothes (as long as they aren't made in Afghanistan or N. Korea, etc) will be dutiable but you'll most likely be under your exemption so you'll pay no duty on those either.

Because of NAFTA anything that you purchased in Canada that was actually made in Canada will be duty-free as well.

But remember this: If you fail to declare your items when you enter the US you run the risk of loosing your exemption, being fined for any and all items you've attempted to smuggle into the US, etc.

DO NOT DO WHAT "PfcsBaby" SUGGESTED! IT IS ILLEGAL AND MAY EXPOSE YOU TO SERIOUS FINES (not to mention the fact that you'll probably be checked every time after that because then you are a known smuggler).

Answer 2

Gifts Only! You Do Not Have To Pay Duty For Gifts Ok! But Have To Pay Duty After Such Amounts Of Purchase Have Been Reached It Use To Be $200.00 This Could Have Changed Since! Master Of All Able Paul!

Answer 3

You won't have to pay duty if you bring in less than 500 worth of stuff. No plants, fruit, vegetables, or meat, but you can bring just about anything else.

Answer 4

Just pack them away with all your other clothes. I've done it before and never claimed them. It wasnt a problem. If they ask, those were items you brought with you when you went into Canada. Saves you money.