The Logic of Customs GST Charges

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Kopkiwi

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#140910 24-Feb-2014 12:35

Just paid the 15% GST on my projector from the States. I have no problems paying it as even after that it was still $3k cheaper than buying locally. But what I scratch my head at, is how they come to their fees. I asked her to break it down for me

"Your product cost xyz, plus the shipping of abc it came to 123NZD. You get charged 15% GST on that figure"

Right, makes sense so far.

"Plus there is a fee charged IF (key word) the GST charged comes to over $60"

Now you've lost me. The absolute minimum the GST charge can be IS $60. $400 is the threshold for being that GST import fee. 15% of $400 is? $60.

Stop bullshi7ting me and just tell me there is a fee as well.

Have I missed something?

LennonNZ

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#993267 24-Feb-2014 12:48

Quite Easy (ignoring items which have a special extra duty on it which is explained on the duty website)

If the GST of the Value of the Goods including Shipping is over $NZ 400 then you pay the GST Amount plus $NZ46.89 IETF Charge. (Combined Charge or various items)

See: http://www.whatsmyduty.org.nz

So if you have ordered something worth $NZ1000 including Shipping then you pay (1000*0.15)+$46.89 or in total $NZ196.89

All explained http://www.customs.govt.nz/features/charges/fees/Pages/default.aspx

Kopkiwi

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#993324 24-Feb-2014 13:59

LennonNZ: Quite Easy (ignoring items which have a special extra duty on it which is explained on the duty website)

If the GST of the Value of the Goods including Shipping is over $NZ 400 then you pay the GST Amount plus $NZ46.89 IETF Charge. (Combined Charge or various items)

See: http://www.whatsmyduty.org.nz

So if you have ordered something worth $NZ1000 including Shipping then you pay (1000*0.15)+$46.89 or in total $NZ196.89

All explained http://www.customs.govt.nz/features/charges/fees/Pages/default.aspx

Love how the customs lady couldn't explain that to me.

Geektastic

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#993376 24-Feb-2014 15:15

Don't we already pay taxes to employ the Customs department to collect customs duty?

jpoc

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#993552 24-Feb-2014 19:07

Geektastic: Don't we already pay taxes to employ the Customs department to collect customs duty?

I think that this has been described before as "user pays" so our taxes do not cover that sort of thing.

gregmcc

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#993562 24-Feb-2014 19:17

jpoc:
Geektastic: Don't we already pay taxes to employ the Customs department to collect customs duty?

I think that this has been described before as "user pays" so our taxes do not cover that sort of thing.

Why is it user pays when a Govt dept is provide a service you want, but when they want you to provide a service such as filling in a census form or jury service there is no such thing as user pays?

jpoc

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#993572 24-Feb-2014 19:22

gregmcc:
jpoc:
Geektastic: Don't we already pay taxes to employ the Customs department to collect customs duty?

I think that this has been described before as "user pays" so our taxes do not cover that sort of thing.

Why is it user pays when a Govt dept is provide a service you want, but when they want you to provide a service such as filling in a census form or jury service there is no such thing as user pays?

They believe that they are the continuation of the robber barons and they see us as the serfs. Almost all government makes sense when seen though that prism.

Geektastic

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#993575 24-Feb-2014 19:28

jpoc:
Geektastic: Don't we already pay taxes to employ the Customs department to collect customs duty?

I think that this has been described before as "user pays" so our taxes do not cover that sort of thing.

I am a user and I already pay through tax.

If it was user pays, customs drones would be unpaid other than by commission.