Import Tax On Own Property

[AliFlump]

This may be the wrong category but...... we went to Japan in August. I took my Galaxy Tablet but left it behind in the hotel. My friend who we went to see kindly posted it back to us. I'm now being asked to pay £55 import tax. Is there anyway I can avoid this as its my own property? Fine if I can't. Just though I'd ask. Thank you

[gingejbee]

You need to prove that you already owned it when you left this country....receipts, paperwork with serial numbers on etc.

[ToraToraTora]

yes but you have to demonstrate that you actually took it with you originally.

[Buenchico]

HMRC (via their agents, Parcelforce Worldwide) are wholly correct in charging Import Duty (+VAT + an £8 customs examination fee) on your Galaxy Tablet unless you can prove that the relevant UK taxes have already been paid in respect of its purchase.

So have you got 'proof of UK purchase' (such as a receipt, bank statement, guarantee registration, etc) available?

[AliFlump]

Hi thanks for you answers. I don't proof of purchase as I was given it from work about 4 years ago (they also got it free as part of a promotions). I've still got th box tho. Will that do!?!?

[gingejbee]

...maybe, if the box has a serial number which matches the serial number on the tablet. All you have to do (did I say "all"?) is convince HMRC that the tablet was originally sourced in this country....and wasn't purchased on your recent travels. Good luck with that!

[Buenchico]

https://www.gov.uk/tax-tribunal/overview

[AliFlump]

Haha I know. It's an old model. Ah well. I'll just pay it. Going on holiday again on Friday so could do with I it back. Thank again