Tax info on upgrading Airstream

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, Blue Pearl. I bought my trailer from George Sutton in Eugene, Oregon under the California 91 day rule. Oregon has no sales tax; And if I keep it out of California for 91 days, or more, I don't have to pay sales tax on it when I bring it home.

[richinny]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

if I keep it out of California for 91 days, or more, I don't have to pay sales tax on it when I bring it home.

.....not hard to do with an Airstream!

[Mackhopp]

Originally Posted by redstart

In some states e.g. Indiana, non residents are exempt from sales tax, so you'd just have the 5% GST and 8% PST when you import to Canada. Plus a few other fees here and there! The inspection at Canadian Tire, the imported vehicle fee (about $200 which you pay at customs), etc.

I found that airstreams were a lot more expensive in Canada unless you can find one for private sale (but you have to beat the dealers to it). Even with the sales taxes, it is still significantly cheaper to buy an airstream in the US and import to Canada. Especially now with the Canadian dollar so high. I would do it again.

I might not be remembering this properly but I think it is much less complicated to import a used trailer than a new trailer? I imported a used trailer and found it pretty hassle free.

A trailer that's more than 15 years old is exempt from Transport Canada's importation program (RIV.ca). So smooth sailing for an older unit. You have to do some paperwork and pay more for the newer models, but it isn't an especially difficult process.

However - paying 13% tax on the entire purchase price as opposed to paying 13% on the difference (purchase price minus trade-in value) when one buys in Canada can be a significant amount.

Either way, we bite the bullet. Either we find a model up here in Canada we want to trade up to and pay the tax on the difference (and more than likely pay more for the unit itself) or else we find one in the US and pay the tax on the whole lot.

I know Canada is a very socially responsible country, but geez - don't they get that all these non-stop taxations cause businesses to pick up their skirts and head south? We're having real problems keeping doctors in our country - many of them are heading to the US for a better shot at a more lucrative career.

But this rant is for another time, another place...

[redstart]

Interesting - i was unaware of the trade-in tax rules. Good to know!!

Sounds like six of one...

good luck in your search!

[Ike T]

Originally Posted by Ike T

Are you purchasing a newer or older model? I think we pay $20 to register/tag our 1976 24' Argosy in Georgia each year. Maybe less.

It would be much more if newer.

Just got this year's renewal.

$24.50 ad valorem tax, tag fee, and mailing fee.

[Section8]

Here in South Carolina, you pay tax (max $300) on the difference between trade-in and purchase price, which is good. If you decide to register the trailer (optional from what i understand -tags aren't required on most non-commercial trailers here), the fee is $10. SC does charge property tax on tagged vehicles, but anything over 15 yrs is a flat $45.

[tpi]

Originally Posted by Macfrodge

Hey all,

I've read here on the forums that quite a few members have bought what they thought was the Airstream of their dreams, only to find that perhaps it wasn't the best size... and so they upgrade/change units.

I'm looking at possibly upgrading to a 28' from my 25', and would import from the US to Canada.

I have to pay another whack of taxes on purchase price of the new (used) trailer, which amounts to a beautiful 13%.

It's making me pause and think. I'm severely irritated by having to dole out all that money again to the government, but then I wonder at all the forum members who seem to effortlessly do their trades.

Where you live, is it easier on your wallets when licensing the new trailer? Or does everyone have to bite the bullet and pay taxes on the full purchase price the 2nd time around? Or am I being cheap...?

Cheers!

At least in my opinion you aren't cheap. Hey the taxes are just the tip of the iceberg what this transaction is going to cost. You'll be getting new and a foot and half, two foot longer trailer. Is it really worth the total cost to you vs. what else you could spend it on?

[polarlyse]

Here in NJ we pay sales tax, of course, for a new purchase. If purchasing used you pay sales tax at registration. This applies to cars as well as trailers. But if you buy a car and live out of state they give you a transit temporary tag so you can get to your home state then follow the registration and tax rules there. This is how it works when you buy from a dealer. Private sales I think you're on your own. I bought my trailer from a owner in New York. I paid for it and they sent me the title. I registered in New Jersey and got my tags so when I went to pick it up all was good. If you have a friend that has a dealership you could borrow a dealer tag for your transit home. Then settle up with Canada when you register and title it. If you get it in the US I have no idea how to make it work and get it back to Canada. Maybe if you bought it from someone nearby the border they would transport it to Canada for you. Not sure though how legal that would be.

May have to bite the bullet. Try speaking with a dealer here in the US. they may have answers for you.

Good luck,