Sneaking repaired classic car into Canada costs man $55K

It's stupid that any country thinks they should tax anything that happens in another country.

Can't allow Canadians to escape their high cost/tax environment by simply jumping over the border.

No deals on car restoration, you silly canook! You pay! You pay now!

All countries have duties on imported goods. Else tax evasion would be commonpkace.

How is this news. Happens every day that people get repairs in the US and have to declare them. If you're so stupid not to know that, too bad, so sad.

But I have to admire his taste in cars. A '67 Malibu is what I would get if I was really into that type of thing. Had one in the 70's, one of the best cars I ever had. Not too big, not too small like a Camaro or a Nova. I think they look really good too.

Sounds like the guy had the money so I'd like to know his motive for trying to opt out of the legit claim.

Trying to save 17k. plain and simple.

The gov't only does this because we LET THEM. They many technically have the right to charge GST on any parts used and duty on any parts not made in USA-Canada-Mexico. Trying to claim you're smuggling 'labour done' is a stretch.

He way increased the value of the car and was trying to import that value, has to pay duty on it.

Love the car but, the owner is a bit of a tard.

How come when individuals get caught avoiding taxes their punishment is triple the infraction, but when corporations do the same thing it's a fraction of the profit they made by breaking the law?

Because the corporations are the job givers. Also, they can afford better lawyers, which are tax deductible.

All tax fines are adjusted upward to the amount deemed owed, penalties along with interest even if the taxes are challenged in court. Being fined according to the amount of profit the company makes doesn't make any sense.
In this case when work like this is done, tax is paid upon the new total value of the car, and not on the invoice paid to have the work done. I had my Nova painted in the states many years ago and that the way it went. The duty or tax for me was minimal...but that was 30 or so years ago. This guy was definitely trying to evade duties and taxes. On the other hand if he can afford that kind of restoration then I don't think he'll be made penniless paying the fines.

I don't have any pity for this guy - he tried to evade taxes and got nailed. I'm betting he wishes he paid that $17 now...

That's absurd. Would he be due a tax write off if the car were destroyed outside of Canada? Of course not.

It's also absurd because any supposed gain in value is only realized if he sells the car - which he didn't.

In any case, this will help drive capital out of Canada and into the USA so thanks for advocating for our economy with your ridiculous tax policies.