Crossing Border with USA Spouse who claims what?

[Shydrai]

I am a Canadian and have been living in the USA with my husband for at least 6 years (I have proof-leases), I am a perm residence with a visa. We have applied to Canadian Immigration and received his COPR. We will be crossing the border on July 28th, 2016 by car and UHaul.

My question is regarding my belongings. There are items I still have that I originally brought with me and then there are items I have obtained while in the USA. The items obtained while in the USA were all purchased by my husband.

From my research I see that I should have my own list/forms of personal items, but I was also told by a border officer over the phone to just have my husband claim everything. I am not sure this is right tbh.

Am I also allowed a certain amount of stuff to bring back without having to pay duty on it, because of the fact I have been here for at least 6 years (have leases with my name on them to show this).

So for example we have 2x mountain bikes, and 2 x computers. My husband paid for all of these items, but obviously he has bought me items since my arrival. Do I claim one bike and one computer or does he claim both because he paid for them?

Thank you in advance for any input anyone has on this subject.


Sandra

 

[itsasyn17]

Re: Crossing Border after 6 years in USA with Spouse

I am a Canadian and have been living in the USA with my husband for at least 6 years (I have proof-leases), I am a perm residence with a visa. We have applied to Canadian Immigration and received his COPR. We will be crossing the border on July 28th, 2016 by car and UHaul.

My question is regarding my belongings. There are items I still have that I originally brought with me and then there are items I have obtained while in the USA. The items obtained while in the USA were all purchased by my husband.

From my research I see that I should have my own list/forms of personal items, but I was also told by a border officer over the phone to just have my husband claim everything. I am not sure this is right tbh.

Am I also allowed a certain amount of stuff to bring back without having to pay duty on it, because of the fact I have been here for at least 6 years (have leases with my name on them to show this).

So for example we have 2x mountain bikes, and 2 x computers. My husband paid for all of these items, but obviously he has bought me items since my arrival. Do I claim one bike and one computer or does he claim both because he paid for them?

Thank you in advance for any input anyone has on this subject.


Sandra

Hello Sandra,

In my opinion, I would do as the border guard said. You are married, so he is able to claim everything. It makes it easier on them and you two.

Happy Landings,
Syn

 

[Shydrai]

Re: Crossing Border after 6 years in USA with Spouse

That is your opinion you stated, however, is that how it is suppose to be done.

I do not want any issues at the border, it is obvious some of the items are mine. Yes we are married but as a returning Canadian, do I have to claim any of the gifts from my husband or my own clothing and jewelery etc? Items that it is obvious are not his. My husband does not wear womans clothing


Thank you.

 

[canadianwoman]

Re: Crossing Border after 6 years in USA with Spouse

Canadians who have been living abroad for more than a year can bring in their personal, used items without paying duty.

 

[Shydrai]

Re: Crossing Border after 6 years in USA with Spouse

Yes, thank you, that has already been established, however, it does not answer my actual question. Which is does my husband (settler) claim everything, even the stuff that is obviously mine, but he paid for? Or do I claim my own belongings on a separate form(s)?


Thanks in advance.

 

[CDNPR2014]

Re: Crossing Border after 6 years in USA with Spouse

Yes, thank you, that has already been established, however, it does not answer my actual question. Which is does my husband (settler) claim everything, even the stuff that is obviously mine, but he paid for? Or do I claim my own belongings on a separate form(s)?


Thanks in advance.

it sounds like you are overthinking this. you can do either or, so it's up to you what you pick. option a) is have your husband declare everything, obtion b) is for both of you to declare items on separate forms. if you're not comfortable with him declaring items he bought for you as gifts that you clearly think are yours, then choose option b. either way it's not going to matter. i highly doubt cbsa is going to go through every single belonging and have him verify that in fact he is the only person who uses each item. in my experience, they look at the list, ask you if that is everything you have, stamp the forms, make copies and send you on your way. don't let the stress of the situation overcomplicate it. it's really very simple and either option will be fine.