Vehicle Importation From United States: Updated

Filed under Importing From USA by staff on May 22, 2011 at 9:15 pm {no comments}

Updated from the most recent government of canada page:

Vehicle Importation from the United States

Importing a vehicle into Canada from the United States is not as simple as buying a car, driving to the border and paying some duty. There are a number of steps you must take and questions to be answered.

Do you know what makes and models of vehicles can be imported into Canada?
Are any modifications required?
Is there a recall on that particular vehicle?
Does your province have requirements that must be met?
What documentation do you need?
What duty and taxes must be paid?
How do you move the vehicle without permanent licence plates?

These and other questions need to be dealt with before you bring the car home. So, before you set out, consult the following two web sites to learn about the steps you must take:

How to Import a Vehicle into Canada (Registrar of Imported Vehicles – see below for contact information);
Importing a Vehicle Into Canada (Canada Border Services Agency – see below for contact information).
Frequently asked questions

List of Vehicles Admissible from the United States

Please select the format you wish to view.

List of Vehicles Admissible from the United States – HTML format
List of Vehicles Admissible from the United States – PDF format** (162 KB) – Use this format for a printable version of the list.

**PDF documents may be viewed using use Adobe® Acrobat Reader. The reader may be downloaded free of charge by visiting the Adobe® web site.

Contact Information

Transport Canada
Vehicle Importation
Tower “C”
Place de Ville
330 Sparks Street
Ottawa ON K1A 0N5
Within Canada: 1-800-333-0371
Outside Canada: (613) 998-8616
Facsimile: (613) 998-8541
Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV)
405 The West Mall, Suite 400
Toronto ON M9C 5K7
Within North America: 1-888-848-8240 (English and French)
Outside North America: 1-416-626-6812
Internet Address: www.riv.ca
E-mail Address: info@riv.ca
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Within Canada: 1-800-461-9999
Outside Canada: 1-204-983-3500 or 1-506-636-5064
Internet Address: www.cbsa.gc.ca

Washington Sate Sales Taxes: Importing A Car

Filed under Importing From USA, Tips & Tricks by staff on April 18, 2010 at 2:21 am {one comment}

Much like New York State, Washington Sales Tax will differ by county. However, Washington provides a terrific little bonus for Canadians — Well, CERTAIN Canadians.

If you live in a Canadian Province with less than 3% Provincial Sales Tax, you qualify for Non-Resident Exemption Status. Considering that we’re dealing with Washington, it’s basically Alberta or bust. If you’re driving down from any of the territories (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut) you’ll also be exempt.
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Currently, as far as I understand, the Atlantic Provinces that impose a harmonized sales tax also qualify for the exemption.

So — If the Price is right, maybe you’ve got yourself a buddy from Alberta that can lend a hand.

Location	County	Local Rate	State Rate	Combined Sales Tax
Aberdeen	Grays Harbor	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Adams County Unincorp. Areas	Adams	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Airway Heights	Spokane	2.20%	6.50%	8.70%
Albion	Whitman	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Algona	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Almira	Lincoln	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Anacortes	Skagit	1.70%	6.50%	8.20%
Arlington	Snohomish	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Asotin (City)	Asotin	1.00%	6.50%	7.50%
Asotin County Unincorp. Areas	Asotin	1.00%	6.50%	7.50%
Auburn in King County	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Auburn in King County Non-RTA	King	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Auburn in Pierce County	Pierce	2.80%	6.50%	9.30%
Bainbridge Island	Kitsap	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Battle Ground	Clark	1.70%	6.50%	8.20%
Beaux Arts Village	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Bellevue	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Bellevue Non-RTA	King	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Bellingham	Whatcom	2.00%	6.50%	8.50%
Benton City	Benton	1.80%	6.50%	8.30%
Benton Co. Unincorp. P.T.B.A.*	Benton	1.80%	6.50%	8.30%
Benton County Unincorp. Areas	Benton	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Bingen	Klickitat	1.00%	6.50%	7.50%
Black Diamond	King	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Blaine	Whatcom	2.00%	6.50%	8.50%
Bonney Lake	Pierce	2.80%	6.50%	9.30%
Bonney Lake Non-RTA	Pierce	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Bothell in King County	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Bothell in Snohomish County	Snohomish	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Bremerton	Kitsap	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Brewster	Okanogan	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Bridgeport	Douglas	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Brier	Snohomish	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Buckley	Pierce	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Bucoda	Thurston	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Burien	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Burlington	Skagit	1.70%	6.50%	8.20%
Camas	Clark	1.70%	6.50%	8.20%
Carbonado	Pierce	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Carnation	King	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Cashmere	Chelan	1.60%	6.50%	8.10%
Castle Rock	Cowlitz	1.10%	6.50%	7.60%
Cathlamet	Wahkiakum	1.10%	6.50%	7.60%
Centralia	Lewis	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Chehalis	Lewis	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Chelan (City)	Chelan	1.60%	6.50%	8.10%
Chelan County Unincorp. Areas	Chelan	1.60%	6.50%	8.10%
Cheney	Spokane	2.20%	6.50%	8.70%
Chewelah	Stevens	1.10%	6.50%	7.60%
Clallam County Unincorp. Areas	Clallam	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Clark County Unincorp. Areas	Clark	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Clark County Unincorp. P.T.B.A*	Clark	1.70%	6.50%	8.20%
Clarkston	Asotin	1.00%	6.50%	7.50%
Cle Elum	Kittitas	1.50%	6.50%	8.00%
Clyde Hill	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Colfax	Whitman	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
College Place	Walla Walla	1.80%	6.50%	8.30%
Colton	Whitman	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Columbia County Unincorp. Areas	Columbia	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Colville	Stevens	1.10%	6.50%	7.60%
Conconully	Okanogan	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Concrete	Skagit	1.70%	6.50%	8.20%
Connell	Franklin	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Cosmopolis	Grays Harbor	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Coulee City	Grant	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Coulee Dam	Okanogan	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Coupeville	Island	2.20%	6.50%	8.70%
Covington	King	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Cowlitz County Unincorp. Areas	Cowlitz	1.10%	6.50%	7.60%
Creston	Lincoln	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Cusick	Pend Oreille	1.10%	6.50%	7.60%
Darrington	Snohomish	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Davenport	Lincoln	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Dayton	Columbia	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Deer Park	Spokane	1.60%	6.50%	8.10%
Des Moines	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Douglas County Unincorp. Areas	Douglas	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Douglas County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.*	Douglas	1.60%	6.50%	8.10%
DuPont	Pierce	2.80%	6.50%	9.30%
Duvall	King	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
East Wenatchee	Douglas	1.60%	6.50%	8.10%
Eatonville	Pierce	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Edgewood	Pierce	2.80%	6.50%	9.30%
Edmonds	Snohomish	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Electric City	Grant	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Ellensburg	Kittitas	1.50%	6.50%	8.00%
Elma	Grays Harbor	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Elmer City	Okanogan	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Endicott	Whitman	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Entiat	Chelan	1.60%	6.50%	8.10%
Enumclaw	King	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Ephrata	Grant	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Everett	Snohomish	2.70%	6.50%	9.20%
Everett Non-RTA	Snohomish	1.80%	6.50%	8.30%
Everson	Whatcom	2.00%	6.50%	8.50%
Fairfield	Spokane	1.60%	6.50%	8.10%
Farmington	Whitman	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Federal Way	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Ferndale	Whatcom	2.00%	6.50%	8.50%
Ferry County Unincorp. Areas	Ferry	1.10%	6.50%	7.60%
Fife	Pierce	2.80%	6.50%	9.30%
Fircrest	Pierce	2.80%	6.50%	9.30%
Forks	Clallam	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Franklin County Unincorp. Areas	Franklin	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Franklin County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.*	Franklin	1.80%	6.50%	8.30%
Friday Harbor	San Juan	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Garfield (City)	Whitman	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Garfield County Unincorp. Areas	Garfield	1.00%	6.50%	7.50%
George	Grant	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Gig Harbor	Pierce	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Gig Harbor HBZ ±	Pierce	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Gold Bar	Snohomish	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Goldendale	Klickitat	1.00%	6.50%	7.50%
Grand Coulee	Grant	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Grandview	Yakima	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Granger	Yakima	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Granite Falls	Snohomish	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Grant County Unincorp. Areas	Grant	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Grays Harbor County Unincorp. Areas	Grays Harbor	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Hamilton	Skagit	1.70%	6.50%	8.20%
Harrah	Yakima	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Harrington	Lincoln	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Hartline	Grant	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Hatton	Adams	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Hoquiam	Grays Harbor	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Hunts Point	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Ilwaco	Pacific	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Index	Snohomish	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Ione	Pend Oreille	1.10%	6.50%	7.60%
Island County Unincorp. Areas	Island	2.20%	6.50%	8.70%
Issaquah	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Issaquah Non-RTA	King	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Jefferson County Unincorp. Areas	Jefferson	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Kahlotus	Franklin	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Kalama	Cowlitz	1.10%	6.50%	7.60%
Kelso	Cowlitz	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Kenmore	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Kennewick	Benton	1.80%	6.50%	8.30%
Kent	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Kent Non-RTA	King	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Kettle Falls	Stevens	1.10%	6.50%	7.60%
King County Unincorp. Areas	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
King County Unincorp. Non-RTA	King	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Kirkland	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Kitsap County Unincorp. Areas	Kitsap	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Kittitas City	Kittitas	1.50%	6.50%	8.00%
Kittitas County Unincorp. Areas	Kittitas	1.50%	6.50%	8.00%
Klickitat County Unincorp. Areas	Klickitat	0.50%	6.50%	7.00%
Krupp	Grant	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
La Center	Clark	1.70%	6.50%	8.20%
La Conner	Skagit	1.70%	6.50%	8.20%
La Crosse	Whitman	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Lacey	Thurston	2.00%	6.50%	8.50%
Lake Forest Park	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Lake Stevens	Snohomish	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Lakewood	Pierce	2.80%	6.50%	9.30%
Lamont	Whitman	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Langley	Island	2.20%	6.50%	8.70%
Latah	Spokane	1.60%	6.50%	8.10%
Leavenworth	Chelan	1.60%	6.50%	8.10%
Lewis County Unincorp. Areas	Lewis	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Liberty Lake	Spokane	2.20%	6.50%	8.70%
Lincoln County Unincorp. Areas	Lincoln	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Lind	Adams	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Long Beach	Pacific	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Longview	Cowlitz	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Lyman	Skagit	1.70%	6.50%	8.20%
Lynden	Whatcom	2.00%	6.50%	8.50%
Lynnwood	Snohomish	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Mabton	Yakima	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Malden	Whitman	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Mansfield	Douglas	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Maple Valley	King	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Marcus	Stevens	1.10%	6.50%	7.60%
Marysville	Snohomish	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Mason County Unincorp. Areas	Mason	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Mattawa	Grant	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
McCleary	Grays Harbor	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Medical Lake	Spokane	2.20%	6.50%	8.70%
Medina	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Mercer Island	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Mesa	Franklin	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Metaline	Pend Oreille	1.10%	6.50%	7.60%
Metaline Falls	Pend Oreille	1.10%	6.50%	7.60%
Mill Creek	Snohomish	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Millwood	Spokane	2.20%	6.50%	8.70%
Milton in King County	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Milton in Pierce County	Pierce	2.80%	6.50%	9.30%
Monroe	Snohomish	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Montesano	Grays Harbor	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Morton	Lewis	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Moses Lake	Grant	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Mossyrock	Lewis	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Mount Vernon	Skagit	1.70%	6.50%	8.20%
Mountlake Terrace	Snohomish	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Moxee City	Yakima	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Mukilteo	Snohomish	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Naches	Yakima	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Napavine	Lewis	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Nespelem	Okanogan	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Newcastle	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Newport	Pend Oreille	1.10%	6.50%	7.60%
Nooksack	Whatcom	2.00%	6.50%	8.50%
Normandy Park	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
North Bend	King	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
North Bonneville	Skamania	1.00%	6.50%	7.50%
Northport	Stevens	1.10%	6.50%	7.60%
Oak Harbor	Island	2.20%	6.50%	8.70%
Oakesdale	Whitman	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Oakville	Grays Harbor	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Ocean Shores	Grays Harbor	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Odessa	Lincoln	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Okanogan (City)	Okanogan	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Okanogan County Unincorp. Areas	Okanogan	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Olympia	Thurston	2.00%	6.50%	8.50%
Omak	Okanogan	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Oroville	Okanogan	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Orting	Pierce	2.80%	6.50%	9.30%
Othello	Adams	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Pacific County Unincorp. Areas	Pacific	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Pacific in King County	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Pacific in Pierce County	Pierce	2.80%	6.50%	9.30%
Palouse	Whitman	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Pasco	Franklin	1.80%	6.50%	8.30%
Pateros	Okanogan	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Pe Ell	Lewis	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Pend Oreille County Unincorp. Areas	Pend Oreille	1.10%	6.50%	7.60%
Pierce County Unincorp. Areas	Pierce	2.20%	6.50%	8.70%
Pierce County Unincorp. Areas Non-RTA	Pierce	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Pierce County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.*	Pierce	2.80%	6.50%	9.30%
Pierce County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.* HBZ ±	Pierce	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Pierce County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.* Non-RTA	Pierce	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Pomeroy	Garfield	1.00%	6.50%	7.50%
Port Angeles	Clallam	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Port Orchard	Kitsap	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Port Townsend	Jefferson	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Poulsbo	Kitsap	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Prescott	Walla Walla	1.50%	6.50%	8.00%
Prosser	Benton	1.80%	6.50%	8.30%
Pullman	Whitman	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Puyallup	Pierce	2.80%	6.50%	9.30%
Quincy	Grant	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Rainier	Thurston	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Raymond	Pacific	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Reardan	Lincoln	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Redmond	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Redmond Non-RTA	King	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Renton	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Renton Non-RTA	King	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Republic	Ferry	1.10%	6.50%	7.60%
Richland	Benton	1.80%	6.50%	8.30%
Ridgefield	Clark	1.70%	6.50%	8.20%
Ridgefield TBD	Clark	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Ritzville	Adams	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Riverside	Okanogan	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Rock Island	Douglas	1.60%	6.50%	8.10%
Rockford	Spokane	1.60%	6.50%	8.10%
Rosalia	Whitman	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Roslyn	Kittitas	1.50%	6.50%	8.00%
Roy	Pierce	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Royal City	Grant	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Ruston	Pierce	2.80%	6.50%	9.30%
Sammamish	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Sammamish Non-RTA	King	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
San Juan County Unincorp. Areas	San Juan	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
SeaTac	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Seattle	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Sedro Woolley	Skagit	1.70%	6.50%	8.20%
Selah	Yakima	1.70%	6.50%	8.20%
Sequim TBD**	Clallam	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Shelton	Mason	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Shoreline	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Skagit County Unincorp. Areas	Skagit	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Skagit County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.*	Skagit	1.70%	6.50%	8.20%
Skamania County Unincorp. Areas	Skamania	0.50%	6.50%	7.00%
Skykomish	King	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Snohomish (City)	Snohomish	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Snohomish County Unincorp. Areas	Snohomish	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Snohomish County Unincorp. Areas Non-RTA	Snohomish	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Snohomish County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.*	Snohomish	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Snohomish County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.* Non-RTA	Snohomish	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Snoqualmie	King	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Soap Lake	Grant	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
South Bend	Pacific	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
South Cle Elum	Kittitas	1.50%	6.50%	8.00%
South Prairie	Pierce	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Spangle	Spokane	1.60%	6.50%	8.10%
Spokane (City)	Spokane	2.20%	6.50%	8.70%
Spokane County Unincorp. Areas	Spokane	1.60%	6.50%	8.10%
Spokane County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.*	Spokane	2.20%	6.50%	8.70%
Spokane Valley	Spokane	2.20%	6.50%	8.70%
Sprague	Lincoln	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Springdale	Stevens	1.10%	6.50%	7.60%
St. John	Whitman	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Stanwood	Snohomish	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Starbuck	Columbia	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Steilacoom	Pierce	2.80%	6.50%	9.30%
Stevens County Unincorp. Areas	Stevens	1.10%	6.50%	7.60%
Stevenson	Skamania	0.50%	6.50%	7.00%
Sultan	Snohomish	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Sumas	Whatcom	2.00%	6.50%	8.50%
Sumner	Pierce	2.80%	6.50%	9.30%
Sunnyside	Yakima	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Tacoma	Pierce	2.80%	6.50%	9.30%
Tekoa	Whitman	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Tenino	Thurston	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Thurston County Unincorp. Areas	Thurston	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Thurston County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.*	Thurston	2.00%	6.50%	8.50%
Tieton	Yakima	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Toledo	Lewis	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Tonasket	Okanogan	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Toppenish	Yakima	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Tukwila	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Tumwater	Thurston	2.00%	6.50%	8.50%
Twisp	Okanogan	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Union Gap	Yakima	1.60%	6.50%	8.10%
Uniontown	Whitman	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
University Place	Pierce	2.80%	6.50%	9.30%
Vader	Lewis	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Vancouver	Clark	1.70%	6.50%	8.20%
Wahkiakum County Unincorp. Areas	Wahkiakum	1.10%	6.50%	7.60%
Waitsburg	Walla Walla	1.50%	6.50%	8.00%
Walla Walla (City)	Walla Walla	1.80%	6.50%	8.30%
Walla Walla County Unincorp. Areas	Walla Walla	1.50%	6.50%	8.00%
Walla Walla County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.*	Walla Walla	1.80%	6.50%	8.30%
Wapato	Yakima	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Warden	Grant	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Washougal	Clark	1.70%	6.50%	8.20%
Washtucna	Adams	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Waterville	Douglas	1.60%	6.50%	8.10%
Waverly	Spokane	1.60%	6.50%	8.10%
Wenatchee	Chelan	1.60%	6.50%	8.10%
West Richland	Benton	1.80%	6.50%	8.30%
Westport	Grays Harbor	1.90%	6.50%	8.40%
Whatcom County Unincorp. Areas	Whatcom	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Whatcom County Unincorp. P.T.B.A.*	Whatcom	2.00%	6.50%	8.50%
White Salmon	Klickitat	1.00%	6.50%	7.50%
Whitman County Unincorp. Areas	Whitman	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Wilbur	Lincoln	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Wilkeson	Pierce	1.30%	6.50%	7.80%
Wilson Creek	Grant	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Winlock	Lewis	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Winthrop	Okanogan	1.20%	6.50%	7.70%
Woodinville	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Woodinville Non-RTA	King	2.10%	6.50%	8.60%
Woodland	Cowlitz	1.10%	6.50%	7.60%
Woodway	Snohomish	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Yacolt	Clark	1.70%	6.50%	8.20%
Yakima (City)	Yakima	1.70%	6.50%	8.20%
Yakima County Unincorp. Areas	Yakima	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%
Yarrow Point	King	3.00%	6.50%	9.50%
Yelm	Thurston	2.00%	6.50%	8.50%
Zillah	Yakima	1.40%	6.50%	7.90%

New York State Sales Taxes: Importing A Car

Filed under Importing From USA, Tips & Tricks by staff on April 18, 2010 at 12:42 am {one comment}

The difference between 6.5% and 8.5% in New York State on a new car can amount to a good chunk of change. On a $50,000 car, you’re paying an extra $1000 up front. Upon entering Canada, you’ll then be taxed again on that $500 that you could’ve saved. You’ve basically thrown away a potential $1100 (or more) worth of profit by shopping in the wrong county.

Here’s the list of counties and corresponding Sales Taxes in New York State:

*Area*	*Rate*
New York State	4.000
Albany	8.000
Allegany	8.500
*Bronx	8.875
*Brooklyn	8.875
Broome	8.000
Cattaraugus	8.000
Cayuga	8.000
Chautauqua	7.750
Chemung	8.000
Chenango	8.000
Clinton	8.000
Columbia	8.000
Cortland	8.000
Delaware	8.000
*Dutchess	8.125
Erie	8.750
Essex	7.750
Franklin	8.000
Fulton	8.000
Genesee	8.000
Greene	8.000
Hamilton	7.000
Herkimer	8.250
Jefferson	7.750
*Kings (Brooklyn)	8.875
Lewis	7.750
Livingston	8.000
Madison	8.000
*Manhattan	8.875
Monroe	8.000
Montgomery	8.000
*Nassau	8.625
*New York (Manhattan)	8.875
*New York City	8.875
Niagara	8.000
Oneida	8.750
Onondaga	8.000
Ontario	7.500
*Orange	8.125
Orleans	8.000
Oswego	8.000
Otsego	8.000
*Putnam	8.375
*Queens	8.875
Rensselaer	8.000
*Richmond (Staten Island)	8.875
*Rockland	8.375
St. Lawrence	7.000
Saratoga	7.000
Schenectady	8.000
Schoharie	8.000
Schuyler	8.000
Seneca	8.000
*Staten Island	8.875
Steuben	8.000
*Suffolk	8.625
Sullivan	8.000
Tioga	8.000
Tompkins	8.000
Ulster	8.000
Warren	7.000
Washington	7.000
Wayne	8.000
*Westchester (except see below)	7.375
*Westchester, Mount Vernon (city)	8.375
*Westchester, New Rochelle (city)	8.375
*Westchester, White Plains (city)	8.125
*Westchester, Yonkers (city)	8.375
Wyoming	8.000
Yates	8.000

Importing A Car Into Canada: A State-By-State Sales Tax Index

Filed under Importing From USA, Tips & Tricks by staff on April 17, 2010 at 7:11 pm {no comments}

Honestly, whether or not you’ll have to pay sales tax when you buy a car in the United States is one of the biggest headaches around. Most people like to at least do a preliminary budget prior to purchasing a car in the USA for importation into Canada. There are some cases with higher value cars that you’re going to save money regardless, so the budget and sales tax aren’t huge priorities, but they’re still a pain in the butt.

Unlike Canada, Sales taxes are not only a state issue, but in most cases, also a county issue. A State Sales Tax of 4% isn’t always four percent, as many counties also levy an additional percentage on top of the State Sales Tax.

Alabama

STATE WIDE: 4% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 10%

Alaska

STATE WIDE: 0% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 7%

Arizona

STATE WIDE: 5.6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 10.6%

Arkansas

STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 6%

California

STATE WIDE 8.75% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 10.25%

Colorado

STATE WIDE: 2.9% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 8%

Connecticut

STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 6%

Delaware

STATE WIDE: 0% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 0%

District of Columbia

Florida

STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 7.5%

Georgia

STATE WIDE: 4% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 8%

Hawaii

STATE WIDE: 4% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 4.712%

Idaho

STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): %

Illinois

STATE WIDE: 6.25% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 11.5%

Indiana

STATE WIDE: 7% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 9%

Iowa

STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 7%

Kansas

STATE WIDE: 5.3% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 8.65%

Kentucky

STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 6%

Louisiana

STATE WIDE: 4% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 9%

Maine

STATE WIDE: 5% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 5%

Maryland

STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 6%

Massachusetts

STATE WIDE: 6.25% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 6.25%

Michigan

STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 6%

Minnesota

STATE WIDE: 0% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 7.5%

Mississippi

STATE WIDE: 7% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 9%

Missouri

STATE WIDE: 4.225% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 9.241%

Montana

STATE WIDE: 0% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 3%

Nebraska

STATE WIDE: 5.5% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 7%

Nevada

STATE WIDE: 6.85% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 13%

New Hampshire

STATE WIDE: 0% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 0%

New Jersey

STATE WIDE: 7% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 7%

New Mexico

STATE WIDE: 5% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 8.5625%

New York

STATE WIDE: 4% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 8.875%

COUNTY BY COUNTY SALES TAX LEVY

North Carolina

STATE WIDE: 5.5% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 8.25%

North Dakota

STATE WIDE: 5% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): %

Ohio

STATE WIDE: 5.5% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 7.75%

Oklahoma

STATE WIDE: 4.5% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 5%

Oregon

STATE WIDE: 0% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 0%

Pennsylvania

STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 8%

Rhode Island

STATE WIDE: 7% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 7%

South Carolina

STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 8%

South Dakota

STATE WIDE: 4% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 6%

Tennessee

STATE WIDE: 7% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 9.75%

Texas

STATE WIDE: 6.25% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 8.25%

Utah

STATE WIDE: 4.75% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 8.35%

Vermont

STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 7%

Virginia

STATE WIDE: 4% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 5%

Washington

STATE WIDE: 6.5% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 9.5%

Certain Canadians are Exempt From Washington State Taxes – Please Check the Entire List of Washington State Sales taxes as well as the exemptions for Canadians.

Wisconsin

STATE WIDE: 5% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 5.6%

Wyoming

STATE WIDE: 4% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 7%

West Virginia

STATE WIDE: 6% // POSSIBLE MAX (INC. COUNTY TAX): 6%

Importing Vehicle Into Canada: RIV Program Exemptions

Filed under Border Crossing Info by staff on April 1, 2010 at 1:38 am {no comments}

If you’re importing a vehicle into Canada for personal use rather than resale, there are a few exemptions that you should know about.
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Vehicle Is 15 Years Old (or more.)

The age of the vehicle is determined by the month and year it was manufactured. Do not under any circumstances assume the model year to be correct if you’re dealing with a 15-16 year old vehicle. You can often find the manufacturing date on the inside of the Driver’s Door on the manufacturer’s compliance label.

Buses Must Be Manufactured Before 1971 To Qualify

Pretty simple. Canadian Border Services doesn’t give a specific age limitation, just the year, 1971.

The Vehicle Was Originally Manufactured To Meet Canadian Safety Standards

If you’re an importer authorized by Transport Canada, or if you’re a Canadian Resident that’s re-importing a car that you recently exported; you qualify for a RIV exemption.

The Vehicle Is Entering Canada On A Temporary Basis

The vehicle must also have a specific purpose, such as:

You’re importing it for under 12 Months as a temporary resident (a student) at one of our lovely education institutions.
You are currently in Canada for employment or contract work not exceeding 36 months.
Vehicles Imported By Diplomats. Get a letter from Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada.
Vehicles Imported by Military Personnel for the duration of their stay in Canada.
Vehicles imported by United States pre-clearance personnel and their dependents for the duration of the posting in Canada;
Vehicles imported for exhibition, demonstration, evaluation, testing or other special purposes. You must submit written authorization from Transport Canada, in the form of a Transport Canada endorsed Schedule VII for temporary importations of this nature.
Vehicles traveling in-transit through Canada
vehicles designed primarily for the performance of work in civil engineering construction projects and in maintenance and that are not constructed on a truck chassis or truck-type chassis.

If you have any questions, contact the CBSA’s Border Information Service (BIS) line. This is a 24-hour telephone service that automatically answers all incoming calls and provides general border services information.

Toll-free in Canada: 1-800-461-9999

Outside Canada: 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064
(long-distance charges will apply)

If you call during regular business hours Monday to Friday (except holidays), from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (local time), you can speak directly with an agent by pressing “0″ at any time.

Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca.

For more recent policy and technical information about excise tax on vehicles and their air conditioners, call the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-866-330-3304.

Border Crossings Into Canada For Car Importation

Filed under Border Crossing Info, Featured by staff on March 31, 2010 at 4:28 pm {2 comments}

Importing a vehicle into Canada can be a headache, especially if you find yourself at the wrong border crossing — or even the correct border crossing, but at the wrong time.

ALBERTA

Border Crossing: Sweet Grass Area Port & Coutts

US CUSTOMS OFFICE:

Interstate 15 N @ Canadian Border

US CUSTOMS OFFICE:

10980 Highway 29

Car Inspection Hours:

Importing From The USA: Insurance, Plates and Problems

Filed under Importing From USA by staff on March 26, 2010 at 4:30 pm {one comment}

You’ve found the perfect car and the question now becomes, “How the hell do I get it from Point A to Point B?”

You’ll want to do a rough estimate of costs and set-backs before committing to the car, but ultimate you’ll have to have the title and corresponding ownership papers faxed to you in order to complete the processes below.

Ready For The Red Tape:

Insurance can be an absolutely agonizing process. For some unknown reason, various insurance companies aren’t all that happy handing out a Temporary Insurance Binder to those without the car-in-hand.

Normally with a bit of sweet talking and some explaining: “The Car’s in Idaho, I’m in Ontario — How else should I be doing this? Three Trips? Four Trips?” Your insurance company will see the light of day.

REMEMBER: Make sure you are COVERED IN ALL OF THE STATES YOU WILL BE DRIVING THROUGH!

After insurance is obtained, the next question is,

Where In The United States Are You Buying The Car From?

Each State will have different regulations, but it’s best to simply view it in terms of how many States you’ll have to travel through (if you’re driving the car back to Canada)

Driving Through Multiple States And Purchasing From A Non-Dealer:

This is the most complicated of all the situations. If you’re purchasing from a Dealer, they’ll often get the temporary plate process started for you. However, there are quite a few eBay sellers that do not own a dealership: that’s what eBay’s based on, remember.

In almost all cases, you will need a temporary plate for each state that you plan on driving through. To make matters worse, many of the States require that you set foot in a DMV office.

It’s always best to check the state’s website, to see if things can be made easier (they probably can’t.) Scoot over to DMVANSWERS.com to see what rules apply to each state.

You should be able to get a 3-Day permit for each state without too much out-of-pocket expenses.

REMEMBER: You’re either going to have to appoint a Brokerage Firm as your Power of Attorney or spend some time in the great state of *insert state here* in order to complete the Out-Of-State Title Transfer.

Driving Through Multiple States After Purchasing From A Dealer

The dealer will often start this process up for you and have the temporary plates ready to go as soon as you set foot in the dealership. Dealers will also have access to trust-worthy brokerage firms, and while it might cost you a little bit extra, the time saved will be well worth it.

TIP: Before purchasing from an American Dealer, ask first whether or not he sells Internationally. Secondly, ask him how his previous sales to Canada have went. Finally, ask him for additional expected costs and whether he’ll cover them (he won’t) or you’ll be responsible for them. Agree on prices PRIOR to bidding on the car. The Brokerage Firm may also be able to assist you with State-to-State temporary licenses.

Driving Through A Border-State After Purchasing From a Non-Dealer

Only one temporary plate much be purchased making the task quite a bit easier. The possibility of multiple trips also helps ease the stress of importing a car into Canada.

TIP: ASK the seller how long he’ll be willing to hold the car after purchase while you work through the paperwork. While most sellers see no problem keeping the car for a couple weeks while you steadily work through the paperwork, they’re will always be special circumstances. If the seller is selling the car because he’s moving or just wants to get rid of it ASAP.

Driving Through A Border-State After Purchasing From a Dealer

The easiest of all options, right here. Dealers that sell to Canada often will be able to complete the write-up in a snap. You’ll still need to look after the insurance side of things, but the dealer will often take care of the rest.

REMEMBER: Many dealers are very hesitant to sell to Canadians, so make sure your intentions are clear before placing a bid.

REMEMBER: Many dealers in BORDER STATES cannot sell various new models (Toyotas, especially) to Canadians as mandated by the manufacturer. A slightly used car is a different story, but the dealer’s hands are often tied on new cars.

A Canadian’s Guide To Purchasing and Importing A Car From The USA

Filed under Importing From USA by staff on March 26, 2010 at 4:17 am {one comment}

Are you sick of the deadly winter mixture of road-salt and slush eating away at the body and bones of your car? You’ve splurged for annual RustCheck (there goes another hundred bucks) and given your baby a wash in the dead of winter, but who’s to say the owner of the car that you’re interested in pampered his baby too?

Corrosion and the corresponding oxidization (rust) always seem to find a way to start out-of-sight before gnawing away the steel that holds your car together. Remember, if the seller doesn’t notice the rust he has absolutely no legal obligation to report it to you.

The Answer: Purchase from the land of “It’s a Dry Heat.”

The Southern States, especially the desert states, are renown for their power of preservation. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be savvy, but rather it’s just an extra layer of insurance.

Sometimes, the car you’re looking for just isn’t available in Canada.

Making Sure The Car is Admissible

Prepare yourself for fees, fees and even more fees. However, while these fees will add up, you’ll probably still save money — if you calculate them before hand.

The first step is making sure your newly purchased car is admissible. Take an e-stroll over to Transport Canada. The link you’ll want to check out are the RIV import guidelines located here.

For CARS that are 15-years or older, you’re good to go. All you need to do is:

Importer must be able to prove vehicle is fifteen (15) years old or older, determined by month and year of manufacture.

Section 2 — GENERAL

If the vehicle is newer, you’ll encounter a few common problems that will not stop you from admitting a car into Canada, but they will add to your costs.

REMEMBER: You Have 45 Days from the date of import to conform to the RIV rules. Check the RIV’s website to locate a certification centre near you.

For cars made before 2000, your car may need adaptations to the child tether anchorage systems in addition to the standard Metric Odometer and Speedometer labels and Daytime running lights retrofit required on most American cars.

In September of 2007, Canada’s Motor Vehicle Safety Standards begin to require that all new non-emergency cars be equipped with an Electronic Immobilization System that meets Canadian standards. Many recent cars, especially 2008 model-years, contain an Electronic Immobilization System that has been installed by the manufacturer but doesn’t meet Canadian Standards. These are anti-theft devices that disable portions of the car’s electrical system, making theft more difficult. A list of cars that pass this standard is available here.

Importing cars with OUTSTANDING RECALL ORDERS is also asking for trouble. Whether or not the car’s admissible will depend, but added costs are a certainty. Many manufacturers will hold you ransom, requiring that all modifications be done at a certified dealership before releasing the car and the required recall clearance notice.

TIP: With the VIN number, give your local dealership a ring. If they’re not in a terrible mood (oh, boy) they’ll be happy to look up whether or not the vehicle your interested in has a Recall Order and maybe even an estimated cost.

Please Skip to the Bottom to check for the latest list (March. 2009) of INADMISSIBLE passenger cars.

Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) FEES:

In order to import a car into Canada, you must arrange to pay RIV Fees in advance or have your credit or interac card ready.

The current fee system requires a $195 fee that’s taxed GST and QST if imported through Quebec. A provincial sales tax is also applied to vehicles imported through the Atlantic Provinces (8% in Newfoundland, New Brunswick & Nova Scotia. If imported through any other station, the fee is simply $195+GST. If you’re importing a car for parts, the fee is reduced to $70 plus applicable taxes.

A complete list of RIV payment methods are available here.

Other Applicable Fees

Duties and Taxes – If the car is made in North America, the car is free of duty. However, you’ll still be required to pay the GST.
AIR CONDITIONING TAX — $100 will be assessed to cars that are imported into Canada from the United States and contain an air-conditioning unit.
The Green Levy or Excise Tax — If you have a Car, SVU, or Van with a weighted average fuel consumption of 13 litres per 100km and was put into service after March 19th, 2007 your vehicle will be taxed based on weighted fuel consumption:

At least 13, but less than 14 litres per 100km: $1000
At least 14, but less than 15 litres per 100km: $2000
At least 15, but less than 16 litres per 100km: $3000
16 or more litres per 100km: $4000.

REMEMBER: You’re taxed on the entire value of the car, including the aforementioned fees.

Follow through to our Printable STEP-BY-STEP Checklist for Crossing the Border:

Coming Soon…

INADMISSIBLE VEHICLES:

Toyota: The 2000 SC400/300

Suzuki: See Import Page. Many Vehicles are Inadmissible.

Subaru: Certain 1995 and All 1996 Subaru’s are Inadmissible.

Sterling: All Sterling Cars are Inadmissible.

Porsche: Many 1997 and 1998′s are inadmissible.

Mercedes-Benz: 1995 300D, 300E, E320, 400E, 500Es. All 1995-1999 C-Class Models. 1996-1999 E-Class Models. 1998 and 1999 CLK-Class Coupe Models. 2000-2009 CLK63 Black Series Models and S500s with Guard Package. 1995-1999 All S-Class Models.

Maserati: Many Maserati Models are Inadmissible.

Lotus: Many Lotus Models are Inadmissible (if you’re buying a Lotus and reading this page, maybe you can throw a couple bucks this way)

Lamborghini: This will get expensive. Lamborghini URGES you to contact them at compliance@lamborghini.ca to get an estimate. All work must be done by a licensed Lamborghini Canada retailer before they pony up your Recall Clearance letter.

KIA: Many KIA vehicles are inadmissible.

General Motors / Saturn: Many Cheverolets will require the standard EOS, running lights ad child-tether, but all are inadmissable.

Ford, Lincoln and Mercury: Standard Treatment. Only certain Shelby’s are inadmissible.

Ferrari: Ferrari’s in the last 10 years are good-to-go. Older Ferrari’s may require Child Tether treatment. Contact Ferrari: 1-201-816-2600.

Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Eagle and Jeep: 1995 Lebaron Sedan, 1995 Shadow / Sundance if equipped with a passive restraint system. 1995 Spirit/Acclaim and 1995 & 196 Dodge Viper Roadsters. The 1996 Viper couple with DUAL airbags, IS ADMISSIBLE.

Audi: 1995 S6 Wagon and Wagon Quattro. 1995, 96 and 97 A6 Wagons and Wagon Quattros. 1998 A6 Wagon and Wagon Quattros.