Birthday coming up, Family from US want to treat me.

[untitledrich]

Hey guys,

I'm from the UK, I have been searching through google about this issue. I thought I'd ask in here since it's about computer components.

My Cousin and Auntie want to get me a birthday/graduation present. They suggested buying me the parts for a new rig I keep rambling on about.

The parts come up to around $2500

My question is, would I have to pay tax on this when it reaches my end of the pond?

I found this website on importing stuff from the US to UK

http://ukinusa.fco.g...s/sending-gifts

A few things haven't made any sense to me as you can see in the screenshots below.





The First screenshot states that I don't have to pay anything if the gift value was lower than $72(£36). But in the Second screenshot it says that I don't pay anything on computers (inc.. peripherals).

Am I not understanding something here?

Any information will be soooo helpful. Thank you in advance.

Rich

 

[Fez]

Is everyone in the UK if they are why not just get the parts from the uk

If they are in the US why not get them to buy the things from a uk retailer

A little more information would be helpfull

 

[Rastalovich]

Sketchy.

It says computers inc prephs, but would assume that excludes components. What are listed are consumable items. I know there is a category for electronic samples, what I don't know is what a component is 'technically' to hmrc.

It is such a pita, and you also have the problem of what happens if you have to rma something - in all honesty, they'd be better off wiring you the cash. From the uk to us I know it's a standard £25 fee for any amount, I don't know the costings the other way.

... unless they think you might blow it on pizza and hookers !!

 

[S_I_N]

best bet is like said have them send you the money Dont wire it as that costs a simple bank transfer or check/MO should be free. Next have them buy it from a shop in the UK and shipped to you. Thereby avoiding the shipping costs and delays to you and as said making it easier to RMA if needed. If they ship to you that says Computers inc Periph's that means built rigs not parts. Periph's is as we all know keyboard mice monitors ect. I used to own and operate a shipping center in the US and I got into shipping things across the pond alot I always marked them as gift and wrote like Happy B-day Cuz on the parcel. Sometimes customs let them by somethines they made them pay. Its up to customs to determine charges and unfortunatly they are onto most if not all attempts to get things by them.

 

[The Scientific Moustache]

My advice would be for them to use the US billing address and a UK shipping address, if in doubt ring up scan.co.uk, their customer service guys are very helpful.

 

[Rastalovich]

best bet is like said have them send you the money Dont wire it as that costs a simple bank transfer or check/MO should be free. Next have them buy it from a shop in the UK and shipped to you. Thereby avoiding the shipping costs and delays to you and as said making it easier to RMA if needed. If they ship to you that says Computers inc Periph's that means built rigs not parts. Periph's is as we all know keyboard mice monitors ect. I used to own and operate a shipping center in the US and I got into shipping things across the pond alot I always marked them as gift and wrote like Happy B-day Cuz on the parcel. Sometimes customs let them by somethines they made them pay. Its up to customs to determine charges and unfortunatly they are onto most if not all attempts to get things by them.

Yeah, when I said wire I meant bank transfer.

But behold, the "worlds local bank" charges £25 for any amount you want to transfer.

(I have US and UK banks, never tried US to UK tho)

 

[S_I_N]

damn thats harsh. I thought when ya said wire you meant like western union lol. But banks chaging anything let alone that much is pure robbery imho

 

[tharionos]

id suggest just letting em wire transfer the money and buy the parts locally

thats what i would do tho