Laptop - import problem

[Murphinator]

hi guys

I am buying a laptop from the USA (approx $A1900). I am aware if it is declared as an import it will incur fine of ~$A300 (import duty + gst , etc)

I have thought about declaring it as a gift - getting my father to buy it and have it sent to me in an attempt to avoid these taxes.

Has anyone done something similar?
Are taxes still payable on gifts?

Help asap would be great!

Thanks

p.s. sorry if this is in the wrong forum

 

[Borgsta]

I'm sure someone will know the answer here, if not ask on the money forum.

What laptop did you buy and why are you bringing it in from the US?

 

[TigerCleavage]

Not sure I'd recommend purchasing a laptop from the US with the dollar where it is right now. Is this laptop not available in Australia?

 

[old_clint]

hi guys

I am buying a laptop from the USA (approx $A1900). I am aware if it is declared as an import it will incur fine of ~$A300 (import duty + gst , etc)

I have thought about declaring it as a gift - getting my father to buy it and have it sent to me in an attempt to avoid these taxes.

Has anyone done something similar?
Are taxes still payable on gifts?

Help asap would be great!

Thanks

p.s. sorry if this is in the wrong forum

I doubt that Customs would be satisfied that such a gift would be bona fide even if your father swore a Stat Dec to that effect. I understand that the ceiling value for unsolicited gifts is $200. There is no gift rate per se.
You're over the $1000 threshold so duty and GST will be payable:
Duty on the sale price of the goods,
GST on a notional retail value comprising, cost + duty + freight + insurance + customs agency fees.
Just buy it over here.

 

[Murphinator]

I've been looking for 3 months for the laptop
The model isn't in Australia and if it was, it would cost more than importing it and paying all import costs.
Thanks to the Fed printing another trillion dollars, the AUD should rise above .70 US (Already up .04 in last couple days).

 

[Murphinator]

G'day guys. thought i should update the situation.

Purchased the laptop. Asus N50VN-D1 for $1900 AU including postage and handling. Took 4 business days to get here. amazing service from Red Barn Computers in the USA - has an ebay store as well.
packaged them up for international customers as Warranty repaired items, declaring the value at $50.
This laptop in Australia costs at least $2500.
You bloody ripper!

 

[TigerCleavage]

G'day guys. thought i should update the situation.

Purchased the laptop. Asus N50VN-D1 for $1900 AU including postage and handling. Took 4 business days to get here. amazing service from Red Barn Computers in the USA - has an ebay store as well.
packaged them up for international customers as Warranty repaired items, declaring the value at $50.
This laptop in Australia costs at least $2500.
You bloody ripper!

That's excellent from the US. I quite often get things express posted from the states and they generally take 10 days. 4 is awesome