If you’re bringing a car to Puerto Rico, you’ll need to pay Puerto Rico import taxes and fees. Not everything you import has taxes, but shipping a car to Puerto Rico always does.
All imported vehicles are subjected to an excise tax. There is a wide range of tax and import duties depending on the type and age of the vehicle, but you should expect to pay no less than 5% of the car’s worth.
This article will help you understand and budget for the vehicle excise taxes brought to Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico’s Embassy can provide you with the nation’s current auto import rates. You will not see these Puerto Rico import taxes on your transporter’s invoice for vehicle transport service so be sure you do your due diligence.
All imported vehicles are subjected to an excise tax. There is a wide range of tax and import duties depending on the type and age of the vehicle, but you should expect to pay no less than 5% of the car’s worth.
Through Hacienda, the Puerto Rico tax collector’s office, you can calculate all the duties due. Although there are no strict laws regarding the age of imported cars, registering older cars tends to be more expensive. In Puerto Rico, you cannot drive a car with regular U.S. license plates for more than 3 days after paying the excise tax.
Key Notes
- If you’re wondering how much to ship a car to Puerto Rico, be sure to add a minimum 5% excises tax for a more accurate estimate.
- Understanding car import tax USA and calculating your estimated tax are essential for Car Transport to Puerto Rico.
What is the Puerto Rico Car Import Tax System?
Puerto Rico has its own set of car import tax rules, which are different from those in the mainland U.S. Imported cars need to meet U.S. safety and emissions standards.
You also usually need special permits and follow certain rules of shipping car to Puerto Rico taxes. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- When you import a car, you’ll pay an excise tax based on how much the car is worth, its age, and its type. Newer or more expensive cars generally have higher taxes.
- There’s also a sales tax on the total cost of the vehicle, which includes shipping and other fees.
- Depending on where you are in Puerto Rico, there may be additional local taxes added to the total cost.
- The tax amount is based on the car’s value, which might require paperwork like receipts or appraisals.
- There are some tax breaks for electric and hybrid vehicles, which can help save money.
Tax rules can change, so it’s important to keep an eye on any updates that might affect import costs and you can better prepare for bringing a car to Puerto Rico.
What is excise tax?
An excise tax is a tax imposed by Puerto Rico on things shipped there, such as vehicles. The amount depends upon how much the vehicle is worth in Puerto Rico.
Does shipping my car include excise tax?
The cost of shipping your car to Puerto Rico does not include the excise tax. The tax must be paid separately given that the car shipping company cannot pay it for you. The tax is also determined when your car arrives, which is after you have paid the auto transport company.
Does Puerto Rico Import Tax Calculator Find Car Import Tax?
To find out the taxes for bringing a car to Puerto Rico, check the import rates from the Puerto Rico Treasury Department (Hacienda). These taxes won’t be on your vehicle transport invoice, so do your research.
Puerto Rico Import Tax Calculator can help you figure out how much tax you require to pay. While there are no strict rules about the age of cars for import, older cars often cost more to register.
After you pay the excise tax, you can only use regular U.S. license plates for three days before you need to register your car in Puerto Rico.
Where can I pay my excise tax?
To pay your excise tax, fill out the Official Excise Tax Document and pay the excise tax at 2 Avenida Juan Ponce de León, San Juan, 00917. Hacienda Centro de Servicios is located there.
Upon arrival, you will likely need cash to pay. Credit cards may or may not be accepted. Checks are not accepted. The best option is cash; you do not need to exchange your money first in Puerto Rico because the currency is the same U.S. dollar.
Conclusion
Shipping your car to Puerto Rico will require you to prepare for the Puerto Rican excise tax. Prepare your estimate of the tax and have the cash ready when your vehicle arrives at the port. Do not forget this cost is NOT included in the quote your car shipping company will give you.
Frequently Asked Question
Are the AutoStar Transport Express quotes inclusive of taxes?
We do not have access to government charges so that is why AutoStar Transport Express does not provide a price including taxes. Customers can get an estimated price by logging into Hacienda’s webpage.
Can the taxes be paid beforehand? Can we provide an estimate?
Taxes can only be paid after the vehicle sails because we need the bill of lading to be generated to be able to pay the taxes. There is a number on the invoice needed to pay the Arbitrios (government taxes). Please note that we cannot provide an estimate as prices are not fixed because they charge per vehicle.
Do You Have to Pay Customs to Ship to Puerto Rico?
No customs duties are charged for items shipped from the U.S. to Puerto Rico. However, there is an 11.5% excise tax on products coming to the island.
How Much is Import Tax in Puerto Rico?
There is an excise tax of 11.5% for many products, which varies according to product.
Can You Import a Car to Puerto Rico?
Yes, you can easily import cars from the mainland U.S. to Puerto Rico. It’s a simple process.
What is the Sales Tax on a Used Car in Puerto Rico?
The sales tax for used cars in Puerto Rico is 10.5%.
