Recent Currency Exchange Rates (for Canadians)

[nachoman]

Thanks, Charlie, but we grow our own idiot politicians, more suited to these northern latitudes.

Commencing July 1st, all items on which we currently pay only the 5% Federal GST (Goods and Services Tax) will be taxed under the new HST (Harmonised Sales Tax), which is basically a combination of the GST and the 8% PST (Provincial Sales Tax). Similarly, items on which we currently pay only PST will be subject to the new HST.
In addition to most goods other than food, this tax will apply to almost everything, such as gasoline, home heating fuel, electricity, real estate fees, legal fees, haircuts, newspaper subscriptions, funerals, home and car insurance, train and airline fares, new and used cars, and new homes, too.
For homes under $400,000.00, we'll pay the tax but get a rebate. Homes up to $500,000.00 will get a smaller rebate and on homes over $500,000.00, the purchaser will pay the full 13%.

Wayne

Most states in the US have some kind of "use tax". For internet and catalog sales in which a person does not pay sales tax, they are supposed to report these purchases on their yearly income tax statement and pay the tax on them. Since there is no record on such purchases, I don't see how they can track you down. I doubt many people report small untraced items. Down here, people think they have found a loophole to sales tax by ordering online. The reality is, they are technically making unlawful purchases. And, then you add in the shipping costs, they would be better off buying locally and paying the sales taxes. So, before you think about buying from overseas because of the increased purchasing power of your currency, be sure to factor in shipping costs.