Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will Dominion's review trigger an audit with the government?
Since we began in 1981, we have performed over 1000 reviews for our clients, none of which have triggered an audit with the government.
We obtain rulings on behalf of our clients and use government precedents which comply with legislation for the basis of your refunds.
Your Customs Compliance record is as valuable as ours and we will not conduct any business that will jeopardize either one of them.
2. What if you find areas of underpayment?
Although we are concentrating on recovering duty overpayments for our clients, we do occasionally find instances of underpayments. We will advise our client of the underpayment and it is their responsibility to make the necessary amendments to the government.
3. Can you explain “Reason to Believe”
In Section 21 of Canada Border Services Agency D-Memorandum 11-6-6, Reason to believe is defined as follows:
21. In regards to the provision of section 32.2 of the Act, Reason to believe. occurs when the importer has specific information regarding the origin, tariff classification, value for duty, or diversion of the imported goods that gives them reason to believe that a declaration is incorrect.
Some examples of specific information documented in this section include legislative provisions, formal assessment documents and court decisions.
For a complete list of examples please click on D11-6-6 Reason to Believe examples.
21. In regards to the provision of section 32.2 of the Act, Reason to believe. occurs when the importer has specific information regarding the origin, tariff classification, value for duty, or diversion of the imported goods that gives them reason to believe that a declaration is incorrect.
Some examples of specific information documented in this section include legislative provisions, formal assessment documents and court decisions.
For a complete list of examples please click on D11-6-6 Reason to Believe examples.
4. What if you do not find any duty or tax overpayments??
There is absolutely no cost for our client.
5. Do you offer any ongoing support once the duty recovery review has been completed?
Absolutely.
The International Trade Consultant and his/her team who conducted your review is assigned to you as your customs expert and is available for your support.
The International Trade Consultant and his/her team who conducted your review is assigned to you as your customs expert and is available for your support.
6. Why do I need your services when my customs broker does this work?
Your Customs Broker provides a valuable service. However, their primary role is to customs clear your goods and insure delivery of your goods from the port to your facility. They are not as experienced in the multiple complexities associated with tariff reclassification.
Our role is to be that expert for our clients. On average, we have over 30 ruling requests submitted to customs each month on our client's behalf. We also assign dedicated resources to reseraching global customs classification perspectives that are necessary to reduce your cost of importation.
Some importers utlize their Broker to review the duties that they have paid. However, since it was the Broker who classified the goods in the first place, there is a good chance that any inaccuracies may go unnoticed. Many importers use Dominion to act as an independent party to double check the accuracy of their work.
Our role is to be that expert for our clients. On average, we have over 30 ruling requests submitted to customs each month on our client's behalf. We also assign dedicated resources to reseraching global customs classification perspectives that are necessary to reduce your cost of importation.
Some importers utlize their Broker to review the duties that they have paid. However, since it was the Broker who classified the goods in the first place, there is a good chance that any inaccuracies may go unnoticed. Many importers use Dominion to act as an independent party to double check the accuracy of their work.
7. What happens if Customs overturns a ruling which you have obtained for us?
On the rare occasion that a ruling is overturned, we will contest the ruling on your behalf at no charge. If we are unsuccessful, any service fees paid relating to the ruling will be refunded.
8. How often should a duty recovery review be conducted?
Most clients prefer their duty recovery reviews to be performed on an annual or semi-annual basis. There are special circumstances where we conduct monthly reviews, especially for high volume importers.
9. How long does it take to conduct a duty recovery review?
It depends entirely on the volume of import entries and the level of technology available to perform the review.
Over the years we have developed a proprietary system and process specifically designed to minimize the time required to conduct your review.
In the event that we are required to visit your facility, we spend an average of one to three days on site.
Over the years we have developed a proprietary system and process specifically designed to minimize the time required to conduct your review.
In the event that we are required to visit your facility, we spend an average of one to three days on site.
10. What documents do I need to provide as part of a duty recovery audit?
We require import documents called B3's and potentially some descriptive product literature to support our review.
11. How much of my staff's time and resources are required when you are conducting your duty recovery review?
If we are required to be on-site as part of the review process, we generally require less than 30 minutes of your staff's time
After a brief orientation meeting, simply direct us to the location of the import records and we'll get the job done.
After a brief orientation meeting, simply direct us to the location of the import records and we'll get the job done.
12. How long before I start to see some money from the duty recovery review?
Typically, approvals are received from the government within a month of filing the claim(s) and refund cheques are issued about three weeks later.
13. Are all your tax methods recognized?
We pride ourselves on our professional reputation and solid track record of performance. We never, nor will we ever, knowingly make recommendations or initiate programs that are not to the highest ethical, fiscal and legal standards.
We simply know the sales tax laws and pass this expertise on to you.
We simply know the sales tax laws and pass this expertise on to you.
14. How can I save in future tax payments? Do I have to call you again?
It's your choice.
Our comprehensive report includes clear recommendations on how to avoid making the same overpayments again in the future. That said, as the tax laws change and many of our clients experience changes to their staff, they have found it extremely beneficial to work with us annually to ensure they are realizing the best savings.
Our comprehensive report includes clear recommendations on how to avoid making the same overpayments again in the future. That said, as the tax laws change and many of our clients experience changes to their staff, they have found it extremely beneficial to work with us annually to ensure they are realizing the best savings.