Possible to avoid duty tax returning restored item to owner in Canada?

[CharlesTurner]

I helped restore a carburetor for a fellow owner in Canada recently.  It's a hipo carb, so quite valuable.  If I declare the true worth for insurance, I assume I'll have to declare that as the value also.

Is it possible for the owner of this carb to avoid paying taxes to have something they already own sent back to them?

Can't see anywhere on USPS or other forms to call that out.  It's not really a gift.

Thanks

[jk66gt350]

My understanding is that what is supposed to be declared is the value of the restoration service vs the value of the restored carb.  Makes no sense to tax someone for something that is theirs.  I've had parts restored in the US and sent back to Canada, and the value of the restoration work only was declared, and I have never had an issue.  Whether tax or import fees are actually payable usually depends on the shipping service.  Always if a courier is used / not usually for USPS Priority (my experience). 

[CharlesTurner]

Great, that makes sense, thanks!

[FL SAAC]

Ask yourself what did you do to the item ?

Restore it

What is a fair value then?

Labor

[SHELB66]

What would happen, heaven forbid, if the carb gets lost or severely damaged during shipment?  What coverage, if any, kicks in at this point?

Craig R.

[crossboss]

What would happen, heaven forbid, if the carb gets lost or severely damaged during shipment?  What coverage, if any, kicks in at this point?

Craig R.

Exactly! What did you declare as the value/insurance on the shipping? That IS the number they will use as the tax value. It 'may' be declared on any duty from your shipping carrier as mentioned. It kinda sounds like a roll of the dice IF you have to pay any duty tax(?).

[jk66gt350]

Insurance value can be different / more than the declared value of the declared service provided.  That was the case when I had my carb restored in the US. 

[FL SAAC]

Insurance value can be different / more than the declared value of the declared service provided.  That was the case when I had my carb restored in the US.

+ 1

[QuickSilverShelby]

What ever you do, do not send it back to him via UPS.  They will absolutely rape him on customs, and I mean they will pound him hard on the charges.  Trust me I know.  Send it USPS with tracking and it'll get to Canada just fine.   I only want to get my shipments to Canada sent via USPS.

QSS

[jk66gt350]

+1  Courier brokerage fees + customs + taxes can be stupid expensive.  Use USPS with insurance and tracking if at all possible. 

[Drew Pojedinec]

Insurance value can be different / more than the declared value of the declared service provided.  That was the case when I had my carb restored in the US.

Speaking of which, holding fast are they?

Of note, for valuable stuff headed to CN, I prefer to ship to a US border address. Not always possible, but sure is nice for folks to pick up stuff in person.

[jk66gt350]

Those old Holley 2 x 4's still look like new and ran great all last year.  I'm bringing the car out of hibernation this Sunday and expect more of the same this year.