Calculating the tax when buying something from USA and delivering to UK.?

Question

I want to buy a laptop that i saw on ebay.co.uk and i asked the seller a question and he asked me "do you realise that you will have to pay tax?"....no i didn't realise and i'm really annoyed :-) i tried to do some research on our tax system but of course it is confusing. The price is approx £650 with £30 shipping. Does anyone know what the tax will be, and how will i pay it and who will charge me etc....any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Chris

Answer 1

I have never had to pay a tax to buy things from UK on eBay.

Check the eBay international buying regulations.  It might have something to do with shipping.  If they mark it a "gift" then there is no extra charge, but that is not considered legal.

I don't know if that's the tax he's talking about though.  If you're still getting a good deal, go ahead and pay the tax.