Christmas Pressies

[Glyn and Kathy 288]

Hey All,

Last year (we had no issues the year before) my father-in-law in England had to pay tax on their pressies we sent. We ship everything to their house and they give them out to the nieces and nephews. I did put on the declaration that they were gifts and the value was well under the amount that they should have been. There are 7 nieces and nephews, plus the gifts for mum and dad. Is there any way to be sure that HMRC know that this parcel contains gifts for 9 people??

Suggestions??

[jennareid 20]

I think the limit for gifts is £36 before they start charging import tax (it's either that or £18). If you're sending one giant box it might look a bit suspicious if you mark the value as under that. I usually break stuff down into several smaller boxes and then just lie about the value, I put around $20 or so on each one.

Sometimes it's just a case of luck, though. Our first Christmas, my now-husband sent me a gigantic 4'x2' picture frame and marked the customs label with it's full value, around $120 including shipping, and I didn't get charged anything. Remember, once you go over the £36 limit they'll get charged tax on the value of the goods AND the shipping costs.

[RichiJenny 14]

If you mark the box/envelope 'gift' on the customs form, you can list what you have, ive sent a lot over the years for multiple amounts and been fine. GIFT is the trick!

[jennareid 20]

I've ordered things marked "gift" before that have been taxed due to being over the import tax threshold. From the HM Revenue and Customs website:

2.3 What are the limits for customs duty and import VAT?

* Commercial consignments of £18 or less are free from customs duty and import VAT. For example, goods purchased over the internet with an intrinsic value not exceeding £18, will not be charged any duty or VAT but this does not include alcohol, tobacco products, perfume or toilet waters. See paragraph 2.5, 2.6 and section 3.

* If you are sent a gift with a value of £40 or less, and which complies with the rules shown in paragraph 2.4, it will be free from customs duty and import VAT, but this does not include alcohol, tobacco, perfumes and toilet waters.