Anyone got friends or rellies in the states. Dirt cheap Fulltone pedals

[Adam_MD]

Then you must have gone through the green channel. You should have used the red one if you had goods to declare. Your as bad as Starbucks!

Well I didn't think I'd brought THAT much back! :-) the price difference with the egnater though is shocking. Due to guitar guitar being the only dealers here for them they're super expensive compared to the states. Most music equipment I look at over there usually works out very similar in price in fact a surprising amount is cheaper here than California, fender products especially. The states has got VERY expensive in general these last few years.

Also I pay so much on petrol these days that the uk govt gets more than enough of my money!

[Fusionista]

Also I pay so much on petrol these days that the uk govt gets more than enough of my money!

It is in fact a long-standing principle in law that no-one has to pay more tax than is due.

That said, the import duty on guitar gear (inter alia) is 20%, the same as VAT. That is TOO HIGH. Is it any f***ing wonder people try to avoid it ? I have had to explain to my (Tory boy) MP what 'The Laffer Curve' is: you charge too high a tax rate, your tax take overall is lower because people either don't work, don't buy, or avoid/evade it.

That's the problem with democracy - no way to stop politicians ripping everyone off to feather their own nests. Sure, I know it's worse still in other political systems. Meanwhile there is little hope of tax rates falling anywhere in the world. Bah!

[Adam_MD]

It is in fact a long-standing principle in law that no-one has to pay more tax than is due.

That said, the import duty on guitar gear (inter alia) is 20%, the same as VAT. That is TOO HIGH. Is it any f***ing wonder people try to avoid it ? I have had to explain to my (Tory boy) MP what 'The Laffer Curve' is: you charge too high a tax rate, your tax take overall is lower because people either don't work, don't buy, or avoid/evade it.

That's the problem with democracy - no way to stop politicians ripping everyone off to feather their own nests. Sure, I know it's worse still in other political systems. Meanwhile there is little hope of tax rates falling anywhere in the world. Bah!

I was mostly joking there I dont actually have an issue paying taxes though I do think paying 20% vat and import duty on an item which you're bringing back for personal use and not to sell is a bit high. Though I accept differentiating between someone importing shed loads of stuff and someone bringing back an item from holiday is very hard to police.

[Fusionista]

Though I accept differentiating between someone importing shed loads of stuff and someone bringing back an item from holiday is very hard to police.

It may well be hard to police, but HMRC have no problem bullying private individuals, while professional crims make a very good living.

[Gagaryn]

That said, the import duty on guitar gear (inter alia) is 20%, the same as VAT.

I think the import duty is about 3.5% on guitars, but you will then have to pay VAT at 20% on the price of the item plus the import duty.

[Gagaryn]

It may well be hard to police, but HMRC have no problem bullying private individuals, while professional crims make a very good living.

Plus HMRC are happy to 'negotiate' with corporations on how much tax they pay. I think I will try that next year.

[TheThingThatShouldNotBe]

Im certainly not one of those who hold a grudge against people bringing back a momento , Its wrong but I understand the reasoning ...I wouldnt brag about it on here tho
One of the many problems with our economy is the lack of government consideration towards UK businesses who could end up exporting a great deal . I think thats more likely to sort out some of the deficit and kickstart growth perhaps then more people will feel happier to play fair .

[crunchman]

They should really be declared at customs on the way back into the UK - at which point you would need to pay VAT and duty.

You're allowed to bring back up to £390 without having to pay duty and VAT so you're Ok with pedals. I bought back one of these earlier this year:

http://www.dv247.com/guitars/fender-...FYXLtAod2jAAHA

I saved about £50 by buying it over there, and below the duty threshold so no worries. Seriously good guitar as well.

[TheThingThatShouldNotBe]

If thats true then we should really have the "import cost calculator" http://www.dutycalculator.com/new-im...x-calculation/ removed from this thread http://forum.musicradar.com/showthre...ost-calculator

[crunchman]

That still applies if you go over £390, and you are liable for the full value, not just the difference.

Also, the rules are different if you are getting something sent to you, rather than bringing it back in person. The threshold is much lower.