How much alcohol can a US citizen bring back to the US from Canada?

Question

(I found similar questions, but not this exactly...)

I plan on going to Canada for 4 days and friends would like me to bring them back some alcohol not available in the U.S. How much can I bring duty free?

How much is the duty if I have more than the limit? (Do I talk at all to U.S. border patrol LEAVING the U.S.? If so I'll just ask them.

I'll be crossing from Niagara. Thanks! (Are they going to smell each of my bottles or aquafina if they search my car? Not that I would ever dream of doing anything illegal.)

-J

Answer 1

After a stay of 48 hours or more in Canada, a US citizen or resident may return to the US with:

US$800 worth of goods per person, tax and duty free

Purchases may include 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes (1 carton), and 100 cigars.

Family members may combine their tax and duty allowances.

Any purchases in excess of the US$800 allowance may be subject to duties and taxes.

US citizens may buy these amounts once a month.

Duties & Taxes Charged for Exceeding Personal Allowances:

If you exceed your duty free allowances and exemptions entering the US the following approximate US duty and tax rates may apply.

US $2 - $3 per bottle of liquor*

US $1.30 per case of beer*

US $3.90 per carton of cigarettes* *US duty rates on purchases exceeding 1 liter of alcohol are assessed according to alcohol content.