gls007

First I want to thank everyone on these blog that helped with information to plan my return to Germany. Now a serious question! Can anyone tell me how much beer you are allowed to bring back to the US?

adrienne

1 liter (33.8 oz) from Germany duty free. There is no limit to the amount you may bring back but you must pay duty on the excess. I suggest you consult the US customs web site for full regulations:

http://www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/

Click on "know before you go" and then read pages 18 - 20. There are different regulations if the alcohol is from a US insular possession, i.e., 2 liters duty free.

ira

Hi gls,

The duty on spirits is now so low that they rarely bother.

OTOH, if you are planning on bringing back several cases, they might be interested.

adrienne

But how much is the IRS Service Tax?

Gretchen

There isn't any IRS tax on spirits you are bringing back for your own use.

adrienne

<< There isn't any IRS tax on spirits you are bringing back for your own use. >>

Why is the IRS Service tax referenced under personal exemptions if there is no tax?

"If you return from Europe with $200 worth of items, including two liters of liquor, one liter will be duty-free under your exemption. The other will be dutiable at 3 percent, plus
any Internal Revenue Service tax."

J62

I have returned from Europe with a full case of wine. US customs couldn't be bothered to collect the ~25c/bottle duty and they just waved me through customs.

I have no idea what "any IRS tax" refers to - all I know is I was waved through customs and didn't pay a dime to anybody.