Buying goods online poses a few problems–most related to the fact that you cannot see what you are buying. Many dresses show up that do not fit, and many engines that do not work. These items are usually simple enough to return to the vendor for a refund–however, what happens to the taxes and duties paid on the items if they were imported? Despite a fairly simple refund process offered by the CBSA, thousands of dollars in potential refunds go unclaimed. This article will guide you through the simple process of obtaining the refund (or how to hire us to file the claim for you).
The process is fairly simple: as long as you have proof that the seller refunded you for the item and proof that the item was returned to the sender, all you need to do is complete one form and mail it off to your local Casual Refund Center.
Sample import receipt
Filing your claim
You will need:
1. The import receipt or invoice
2. Proof of refund:
-credit note or e-mail receipt from the seller refunding your purchase
3. Proof of return:
-a waybill
-receipt for shipping
-any document from a transport company that describes the goods and provides a date of export
Don’t have any of these documents?
Don’t despair–we recommend contacting the site that sold you the goods as they often have these records on hand. They should be able to forward this to you by e-mail. If you paid the taxes at the door but did not get an import receipt– you can still call the courier and have them send you a copy. Here are the most popular carriers:
UPS: 800-742-5877
FedEx: 800-GO-FEDEX
DHL: 855-345-7447
Wishing you had known this before returning those winter tires six months ago? Its not too late! Refund claims will still be accepted one year following the date of the original importation.
If you have the documents you need, you can follow this link to fill out CBSA Form B2G. Sign it, stamp it and send it off. If approved, you should receive a cheque in a couple of weeks.
