• WANTED: Happy members who like to discuss audio and other topics related to our interest. Desire to learn and share knowledge of science required. There are many reviews of audio hardware and expert members to help answer your questions. Click here to have your audio equipment measured for free!

KH150 Purchase - MusicStore.com (Import)

It sounds to me like you're taking advantage of inter country information gaps to avoid/evade taxes. In my opinion it is inappropriate to present this approach here as a success story.
Your opinion is not in accord with the principle of presumption of taxpayer's good faith that is fundamental in many tax jurisdictions, including the US. It's up to the tax authorities to prove the fact and the intent of tax fraud, so your shaming of a fellow member on that basis is unfounded and can be perceived as libel and harassment.
 
It's up to the tax authorities to prove the fact and the intent of tax fraud, so your shaming of a fellow member on that basis is unfounded and can be perceived as libel and harassment.
When I explained that in the case of a tax-free import from a third country in the USA the sales tax has to be declared and paid, he didn't respond to it at all, but instead switched to the subject of tariffs.
Internationally, at least between most states with tax agreements, most of the time one state is granted the right to tax a transaction. Here it is up to the USA. With the huge number of international freight shipments, the buyer must ensure that tax obligations are met. The state cannot actively ensure correct taxation/customs clearance.
By behaving passively, he is exploiting this (admittedly huge) gap in the system. I can only say from the perspective of German tax law that this would at least be negligent tax evasion.
Of course the “damage” is limited. But purely from a systematic perspective, it should also be clear that the sale of consumer goods across national borders of two states that are not tax havens triggers a tax liability.
 
When I explained that in the case of a tax-free import from a third country in the USA the sales tax has to be declared and paid, he didn't respond to it at all, but instead switched to the subject of tariffs.
This is not an appropriate place for vigilantism. Neither this is a place for unsolicited legal warnings and advices. Dixi.
 
When I explained that in the case of a tax-free import from a third country in the USA the sales tax has to be declared and paid, he didn't respond to it at all, but instead switched to the subject of tariffs.
Hmm. I opened my reply with Tariffs (informing that the official agency deemed the items "tariff-free", but should have been classified in the 2%-4% Electronics or Active Speaker category - should I correct them?), and also covered my sales tax rebuttal in my reply (second paragraph). Maybe not to your moral satisfaction - tit for tat. Toodles.
 
This was my contention with importing the KH150's - they are well above that $800 break point - where as the KH120II's are easily under that break point "per unit". My research yielded many many KH120 importers, but few to no KH150 importers, and basically zero information on actual tariffs that were imposed. That was why I started this thread.

And to update - The single KH150 was officially processed as "no tariff" even with an officially declared value of ~ $1200 USD. I was only charged a $4 "processing fee" on that one.

About 3 weeks after the pair arrived, I got an invoice for approx. 2% tariff ($48). Paid that no problems (and 2% was the anticipated tariff rate for active speakers). Not a peep from Texas regarding sales tax requests.

Tax avoidance is legal and I can't figure out why anyone would argue it is moral for someone to pay taxes that they aren't required to..

Tax evasion is illegal.
One thing is for sure - I won't pay any taxes I don't HAVE to :) Double and triple taxation is MORE than enough thank you...

Anyway - now that MusicStore followed suit with Thomann and ceased Neumann exports to USA - I guess it's a moot point - but saved me around 1/3 of US Retail...
 
This was my contention with importing the KH150's - they are well above that $800 break point - where as the KH120II's are easily under that break point "per unit". My research yielded many many KH120 importers, but few to no KH150 importers, and basically zero information on actual tariffs that were imposed. That was why I started this thread.

And to update - The single KH150 was officially processed as "no tariff" even with an officially declared value of ~ $1200 USD. I was only charged a $4 "processing fee" on that one.

About 3 weeks after the pair arrived, I got an invoice for approx. 2% tariff ($48). Paid that no problems (and 2% was the anticipated tariff rate for active speakers). Not a peep from Texas regarding sales tax requests.


One thing is for sure - I won't pay any taxes I don't HAVE to :) Double and triple taxation is MORE than enough thank you...

Anyway - now that MusicStore followed suit with Thomann and ceased Neumann exports to USA - I guess it's a moot point - but saved me around 1/3 of US Retail...
"but saved me around 1/3 of US Retail..."

Good for you, enjoy:D
 
Back
Top Bottom