Buying 70-300mm L whilst working in USA

[AT-1]

In September I will be working in Chicago and would like to take the opportunity to purchase a 70-300mm L-series lens for somewhat less than the US$ 1,700+ that it would cost me here in the UK.

Whilst I know that the USA has State taxes, I have no idea how they are set or when "tax free" might apply if I purchase in a State other than Illinois and have it shipped to the latter for me to collect.

Practical advice would be much appreciated, thank you!

 

[Random Orbits]

In September I will be working in Chicago and would like to take the opportunity to purchase a 70-300mm L-series lens for somewhat less than the US$ 1,700+ that it would cost me here in the UK.

Whilst I know that the USA has State taxes, I have no idea how they are set or when "tax free" might apply if I purchase in a State other than Illinois and have it shipped to the latter for me to collect.

Practical advice would be much appreciated, thank you!

Most states collect that as a "use tax" when filing income state taxes... Do you have to file Illinois income taxes?

 

[KKCFamilyman]

You should be ok if your buying out of state and your leaving the country. I would look at adorama. I think they have a decent price on it.

 

[Loswr]

Have you checked into customs duties and VAT that may need to be paid on declared goods purchased and brought back to the UK?

 

[AT-1]

Thanks, All. Sorry for the slow reply but I ended up travelling extensively out of the country and needing to focus on other things. In fact, I'm still out of the UK now, in Czech.

I'm a UK resident who will be working in Chicago for a few days, so I won't need to file Illinois taxes. I'm also well aware of applicable UK import rules and on the previous occasion where I imported a high value item received "Thank you for being honest. Off you go." I am therefore considerably "in pocket" already and although paying tax would defeat the objective, I won't cry if it happens.

I really appreciate the Adorama suggestion, thanks, KKCFamilyman; a quick look reveals not only a great price, but also the benefit of buying a grey import and potentially saving a further hundred bucks since a Canon USA warranty (I checked the terms) is of little use to me anyway - and I have never in 36 years of Canon photography (starting with the body that is my userid plus a 50mm 1.8!) had one of their lenses need warranty attention.

I'll drop Adorama a line.

Cheers!
AT-1

 

[paul13walnut5]

There are a few trustworthy 'grey' dealers in the UK. I bought my 7D, grip and 70-200 f2.8 from one (on seperate occassions) and my T2i and T3i from another (again on seperate occasions) they both ship from in the UK and they promise to have taken care of any taxes. Never had a problem. That way you've not got any hassle with customs, and no worries about your case getting bashed about or pilfered....

I won't advertise the sellers on here, but if you want to PM me I'll give you their details.

Canon and their importers are just taking the mick with some of their recent prices, you aren't alone in seeking a better value alternative route.