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I've heard stories of people being charged the full duty plus gst&pst at the point Roberts crossing. Maybe it happens elsewhere if the person crossing is a dick or a liar. When crossing customs at the airport I've only ever payed taxes, never duty. Different story with receiving packages, everything clearing customs by canada post or any courier I get dinged both, ie 20% duty plus 12% taxes.
I agree, you shouldn't be paying taxes on taxes or shipping, should only be on the item. I've been waved through so many times and have saved so much in taxes, also I have paid a lot as I shop state side quite frequently. I'm always honest, never hiding stuff or lying. When I get asked to go inside it's always straight to the cashier, not a customs officer, no car search or item search, just to totalling the receipts paying and leaving.
I know that Foreigners can mail in an application to get a gst refund on items purchased when visiting canada. I wonder if this also applies to Americans? I believe Alberta has a deal with Washington where both parties get to shop taxe free.
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