Why am I required to pay taxes when ordering from thomannmusic.com?
We offer a U.S.-specific website for easier navigation, localized pricing, and voltage-specific warnings. However, we are a German-based company, and all orders are shipped from Germany. As such, import duties and taxes may apply according to your country’s regulations.
What happens if I don't pay the taxes? Am I responsible for return shipping costs?
Yes. If the required taxes are not paid, the courier will return the parcel to us. In these cases, the recipient is responsible for any return shipping costs incurred.
How can I pay the taxes?
Taxes are usually payable through your courier’s website. In some cases, your local courier may collect the taxes upon delivery, or issue an invoice after delivery. For the exact procedure, we recommend checking directly with your local courier.
Can you provide an import duty estimate to me?
Due to the recent changes in customs and importation rates, it is not possible for us to calculate the exact amount you will be required to pay. Exact details can be found in recent executive orders posted on the whitehouse.gov website or by contacting local customs authorities.
Are taxes calculated on the total value including shipping, or just the item cost?
Taxes are calculated based on the value of the items only. Shipping fees are not included in the taxable amount.
Do taxes apply to free add-ons included in my order?
Yes. Free add-ons are included in the commercial documents that accompany your shipment. These documents must list the add-ons' value, origin, and customs classification, which makes them subject to taxation.
Do taxes vary depending on the courier used?
The tax amount itself remains consistent. However, handling or brokerage fees may differ between couriers. Please contact your selected courier for more details.
Can I avoid taxes by using a different payment method or card?
No, the payment method used has no effect on the taxes applied to your order. Taxes are based solely on the shipment’s declared value and destination country regulations.
