Buying Powerbook home or abroad?

[Gareth C]

Not sure this is posted in the right place, but...

I want to get a 12" Powerbook for my girlfriend. I am off to the States at the end of the week and can get one there for $1699, which is about ?890. They cost ?1200 here.

What I am wondering is how much import tax (need to pay as I am a registered company) and credit card surcharge will add to the price of the US purchase. Will I end up saving only a few quid?

[Zanza]

If you carry the laptop with you on the plane as hand luggage they shouldnt charge you any customs (unless your stupid enough to declare it), as they will just assume its your personal/business laptop, alot of people carry laptops onto planes. No too sure about the credit card stuff tho...

[Gareth C]

Yes but when it comes to my company accounts, when I provide the receipt (as its US) I will be charged import tax.

[Matt Horne]

er at a guess.. price * 4% duty * 17.5% VAT

so ?890 * 4% (?35.60) * 17.5% VAT ( ?162) = total Price ?1087.60 (?197.60 in charges)

The duty rate may be slightly different as its a computer.. you would need to check!

HTH

Matt

[Matt Horne]

But as its going through a business.. I guess you can claim the VAT back ?

[bungle]

Buy it in duty free.

[Nijo]

If it's on the business account I'd say it's a bit dodgy trying to scam it through customs.

If you buy it in the UK you'll get VAT back and can claim 100% of the cost against income tax (i.e. 40% of the value for top rate). At least, that's how I understand it. If it's from the US it might get a bit more tricky.

Edit: That is, if you're self employed.