Bought a car in the States

Hey all, I've been working in California since 2001. I bought a truck in 2002 and paid it off in 2005. If I plan on moving back to Canada, do I have to pay tax?

I don't think you'll have to pay tax,because its a personal good, just like any other household item; but you will need to have it modified for Canadian standards, like day time running lights, metric dash guages, environmental stuff, etc etc.

NO - and anyone who tells you otherwise is wrong!

You need to declare it on CBSA Form B4, and you need to get all the import paperwork sorted out, look at www.riv.ca

There may be modifications you have to make after the import, I think only Volvos don't need any modifications. Basically RIV have a deal with Canadian Tire where they do the inspection for you and tell you what needs to be changed.

Usually it's only the lights you need to worry about. Which is often as simple as fiddling with the fuses for the sidelights.

While working in the US on TN I purchased a US used vehicle. I had already got GA drivers license because my insurance company in Canada would only carry me for 6 months.. was planning to import canadian car and plate here, but it died.. so I needed to purchase a replacement.

The new vehicle is registered and plated in GA. I also have a loan outstanding, which I will pay off immediately in order to obtain the physical title.

My contract is up, and I need to return to Canada. I know I will need to import the car to Canada (missing details on that), then register in Canada, etc.. I have had the vehicle just over 6 months, but only in the states about 10 months.

But then hopefully, I might find a new contract in the US and get a new TN for a different employer.. Would want to bring the car back.. This is all such a hassle to change registration each time I go back and forth from Canada.. Help?!

If you are coming back to Canada and want to register it there, go to RIV Canada (http://www.riv.ca/importingavehicle.aspx) and view how it can be done.

OK... been going through all the RIV stuff! No wonder the economy sucks.. I left my last TN job and want to start a new one.. first I need to return to Canada.. in order to get a new TN, but with my US bought car!

Everything sounds doable, the only strange thing is that RIV states that to export the car, you must report to US customs:

1. You must submit to US Customs Title + 2 copies 72 hours prior to export
2. You must present the vehicle at US Customs at the time of export

Number 1 is a problem! Does that mean I need to go to the border, then sit on the US side for 3 days??? I driving back home!

No, you must fax, mail, fedex the documents to the POE you plan to cross at 3 days before you get there.