USC importing car from Canada to USA

[Cowgirl2 0]

Hi guys,

We are still waiting for my husband's IR-1 visa, but we are assuming he will get it soon so he is already planning the move. We shared a car when I was living in Canada which is under my name, but our car insurance is for the both of us. My husband wants to import the car when he POE's, but all the papers are under my name. Will this be a problem? If so, how could we do it so we don't get taxed on the car and he can import it? Thanks!

[trailmix 77]

Interesting question!

I don't see how he can import a car that he does not own. Perhaps a simple way would be for you to sell it to him.

[kitjerky 0]

Hi ....i would import under your name...then there is no taxes as ur moving personal affects..if need be u can transfer the title once ur in the usa...just need the letter from the car maker saying it meets all us standards and no recalls..and boom ur don. takes about 15mins at the poe..

hope that helps

good luck

tony & Carol

[trailmix 77]

Well yes of course that is an option, if Cowgirl is going to be at the POE. Are you Cowgirl?

[Cowgirl2 0]

Hi ....i would import under your name...then there is no taxes as ur moving personal affects..if need be u can transfer the title once ur in the usa...just need the letter from the car maker saying it meets all us standards and no recalls..and boom ur don. takes about 15mins at the poe..

hope that helps

good luck

tony & Carol

Hi Tony & Carol, thanks for your reply. Just to clarify, I as an USC who lived in Canada for some time (actually am a PR and almost a citizen) can import my car under my name will all the necessary documents without having to pay tax? Would there be anything else they would want to see? Thanks again.

[trailmix 77]

As Tony and Carol mentioned, you will need a letter of compliance for your car as well. You normally can request this from the car manufacturer or your local dealer (call the manufacturer to find out). There is usually a fee for this letter.

You can import your car without paying tax as a returning resident, he can import the car without duty as well. All you have to worry about is the logistics.

Edited May 23, 2010 by trailmix

[Cowgirl2 0]

As Tony and Carol mentioned, you will need a letter of compliance for your car as well. You normally can request this from the car manufacturer or your local dealer (call the manufacturer to find out). There is usually a fee for this letter.

You can import your car without paying tax as a returning resident, he can import the car without duty as well. All you have to worry about is the logistics.

Like always Trailmix, you are a blessing!

[Cowgirl2 0]

As Tony and Carol mentioned, you will need a letter of compliance for your car as well. You normally can request this from the car manufacturer or your local dealer (call the manufacturer to find out). There is usually a fee for this letter.

You can import your car without paying tax as a returning resident, he can import the car without duty as well. All you have to worry about is the logistics.

Just one more question...can i enter the US again as a non-resident as I lived in Canada for more than 3 years (also it states that if I married a nonresident)?? The definition of returning resident states it to be as someone who moved temporarily and is returning and if lived away for more than 3 years then can qualify as a non-resident????

[trailmix 77]

Just one more question...can i enter the US again as a non-resident as I lived in Canada for more than 3 years (also it states that if I married a nonresident)?? The definition of returning resident states it to be as someone who moved temporarily and is returning and if lived away for more than 3 years then can qualify as a non-resident????

Are you asking this because of the duty question? Most Canadian vehicles can be imported duty free. Do you have a Canadian vehicle? I have yet to see anyone on this board pay duty on their personal vehicle.

[Cowgirl2 0]

Are you asking this because of the duty question? Most Canadian vehicles can be imported duty free. Do you have a Canadian vehicle? I have yet to see anyone on this board pay duty on their personal vehicle.

I do have a Canadian vehicle so I guess I should be good to go either way then. Just gotta figure out which forms to have filled out and ready to show there...any clue?

Btw, I'm not sure if I will be there when my husband POEs...depends on when he gets his visa...Thanks

[smurfette1971 0]

Interesting question!

I don't see how he can import a car that he does not own. Perhaps a simple way would be for you to sell it to him.

gift the vehicle to usc

i did my truck to my husband and i am still waitin in canada for visa

just gift it then you pay no duty and very simple to do

[trailmix 77]

There are no forms to fill out in advance. You will fill out the form at the POE. You can't prefill it because it is a carbon document.

Just take your registration card with you, it's an incredibly easy form and they will help you if you have a question.

If you want to have a look, I think it's this form the HS-7 - you just add details and tick 2B and fill in the bottom:

https://icsw.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/hs799short.pdf

They mention you also need to fill in the EPA form, we never had to, not sure if others have:

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/forms/3520-1.pdf

Edited May 24, 2010 by trailmix

[Lenie7 0]

Does the U.S. make you change out the speedometer and/or odometer to miles? I looked at the NTSA paperwork and it seemed like you would, but then I don't see anyone mentioning that it the forums. Does anyone know?

[trailmix 77]

Does the U.S. make you change out the speedometer and/or odometer to miles? I looked at the NTSA paperwork and it seemed like you would, but then I don't see anyone mentioning that it the forums. Does anyone know?

I think someone here did do that, but don't quote me, can't remember the details.

Most cars have km and miles on them, yours doesn't?

[Lenie7 0]

Hi TM,

The car does have both on the speedometer, but the odometer is in KM AND electronic. I would prefer not to change it out if possible, but wasn't sure if it was needed. We plan to cross a couple of times back and forth (to bring our stuff over) before finally settling in the U.S. so I guess we could find out at the initial crossing.

I think someone here did do that, but don't quote me, can't remember the details.

Most cars have km and miles on them, yours doesn't?