UPDATED TODAY!!! Import taxes for online purchases: Everything you need to know

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package from purchase abroad - tax free!

Do you live in Israel? 

Are you wondering what to expect regarding taxes and fees if you shop online?

This guide will help you understand the basics that apply to residents  of Israel when shopping online from overseas (yes, even if you're not a citizen, you need to know how your orders will be handled!). 

Most of us shop this way to save money, so who wants a tax bill surprise when the order gets here? This post will help you avoid a tax bill (legally, of course!).

Note: the same regulations apply to packages sent from abroad, even if they are gifts!

Some of my favorite websites to shop from are:

Amazon ~ iHerb ~ AliExpress ~ eBay ~

SHOP the USA and SHIP Worldwide with MyUS! 

Here's the rundown (full regulations can be found on the Israel tax authority's site

The current tax exempt limit is $75 USD

When you get a package, the value of your purchase or package will be converted into US Dollars by the tax authority (using the official exchange rate that you can find here: https://www.gov.il/he/service/exchange-rate) to determine if it's subject to tax.

Purchases up to $75/Packages with a declared value up to $75 - no taxes

Purchases or packages with a declared value $75 and up, up to $500 - VAT will apply in most cases (18% currently), and Purchase Tax (variable rates) may apply (purchase tax applies to very few items at this point!), but no customs taxes

Purchases or packages with a declared value over $500 - subject to all taxes (VAT of 18%, Purchase Tax (if applicable), and Customs Tax which varies by category)

Please note that purchases and packages (even gifts) of up to $75 in value will almost automatically be subject to customs clearance fees if they arrive using an EMS service*, and some other types of deliveries may also be charged this fee (it's about 40 shekels right now). If the value of the purchase is higher than $75, the customs clearance fee can be higher as well.

Other fees are often added on by shipping companies, and there is not much oversight on the matter. I once saw a bill that included the following fees: Handling Fee, Import Approval Fee, VAT, Computer Fee, Unloading Fee, Storage Fee. Watch out for these fees from shipping companies/courier services - I recommend you always arrange to get your packages via a service that guarantees your fees have all been prepaid.

Please be aware that the purchase price only (not purchase + shipping) will determine whether an item will be taxed. If it is deemed taxable, all applicable taxes will be calculated on the purchase price + the shipping price. This means that if you order something for $75.01 plus $15 shipping, you will be taxed on the total value of $90.01!

One more important point: If you order multiple orders addressed to the same person, with the same address & phone number listed, from the same seller and they arrive within 72 hours of each other, customs may combine the orders and treat them as one purchase for tax purposes, or they may not. But it is a possibility you should be aware of before you place multiple orders. 

I recommend ordering at least 3 days apart, or ordering with different names and contact info (including the tax ID number you provide for clearing customs).

Note about Amazon orders, when the option to order comes back: you do not have to wait 3 days to place another order. You can order all you want, just keep each individual order below the taxable threshold.

Tracking your item is possible! Often you'll see updates on the website you ordered from. I recommend you create an account on Israel Post - you can see updates there if your order is being processed by them! If your order is stalled for a long time, reach out to the seller and see if they can help you. I've found this to be very effective!

If your order is stuck in customs, or if you feel like you were charged tax by mistake, you will need to file an appeal. The appeal form is on the Meches site: https://www.gov.il/he/service/return-on-personal-import-taxes

Some of these regulations are different from what some people seem to believe, so please refer back to this guide if you are about to place an order and you're not sure what to expect taxwise.

Join my WhatsApp group and my Facebook Group where I'll be posting my favorite deals!

*Examples of EMS services - Express Mail, Fedex, UPS and other express delivery services. Sometimes DHL is EMS and sometimes it is not.

FREE HELP with your ISRAELI TAXES (for tax year 2025)

Every year, many of us have to file a yearly tax report with the Israel Tax Authority.

(Are you looking for info about filing US taxes as a dual Israeli-American citizen? Check HERE: https://www.kosherfrugal.com/2025/03/us-expats-tax-season-is-here-and-i-have.html)

Many, many people pay an accountant to handle this report, but did you know that in some cases you can also get FREE help?

Here's the deal:

The Israel Tax Authority runs Free Clinics for filing yearly tax reports: this year, assistance is available for Atzmaim (freelancers/self employed people) who have an Osek Za'ir but want to file manually, people who need to file a tax report using Form 1301, and employed individuals who've received a notice that they can  request a refund.

The assistance is available at the following offices between May 17, 2026 and July 8, 2026, Sundays and Wednesdays, from 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM, unless listed otherwise:

Some offices may be closed on certain days of the week. I recommend calling before you go to verify they are open!

In Eilat, the service will be available only on Mondays and Wednesdays. In Um Al Fahem and Holon, the service is only available on Sundays. 

Bring ALL your relevant paperwork with you so you can get the most accurate assistance.

Good luck!

Here's info about filing US taxes as an expat/dual citizen!

Follow me on Facebook for more tips and info!

Please share this with anyone who will appreciate this info!

 

FREE help with your Israeli taxes! (for tax year 2024)

Every year, many of us have to file a yearly tax report with the Israel Tax Authority.

(Are you looking for info about filing US taxes as a dual Israeli-American citizen? Check HERE: https://www.kosherfrugal.com/2025/03/us-expats-tax-season-is-here-and-i-have.html)

Many, many people pay an accountant to handle this report, but did you know that in some cases you can also get FREE help?

Here's the deal:

The Israel Tax Authority runs Free Clinics for filing yearly tax reports: this year, assistance is available for Atzmaim (freelancers/self employed people) with income up to 60,000 NIS using Form 137, people who need to file a tax report using Form 1301, and employed individuals requested a refund using Form 135.

Find this help at all regional tax offices:

Regional Tax Offices will operate these services between May 4, 2025 and June 25, 2024, Sundays and Wednesdays from 1pm - 6:00pm.

Some offices may be closed on certain days of the week. I recommend calling before you go to verify they are open!

In Eilat, the service will be available only on Mondays and Wednesdays. In Um Al Fahem and Holon, the service is only available on Sundays. 

NOTE: These clinics are for getting help filing your yearly tax report if you're self-employed, or to request a refund for employed people (only forms 1301 and 137).

Bring ALL your relevant paperwork with you so you can get the most accurate assistance.

Good luck!

Here's info about filing US taxes as an expat/dual citizen!

Follow me on Facebook for more tips and info!

Please share this with anyone who will appreciate this info!

 

Maanak Avodah 2023 - Reminder to apply!

It's time for your yearly reminder to check if you might be able to claim this benefit! Maybe you've heard about this already, and maybe this is new information for you. There is a reverse-tax benefit in Israel for low-income families. It's called the "Maanak Avodah" or "Working Grant". The point of this grant is to put more money in your pocket if you earn less than a certain amount of money!

Please don't miss out on this if you qualify - apply as soon as possible in order to avoid disappointment later. It won't take much of your time to apply, and you can do it now, BEFORE YOU FORGET! Right now, you can still apply for the 2022 grant AND the 2023 grant. 
  
Updated information for the 2023 grant: 
Who can apply for this grant?

You can apply for this grant if: 

1. You were employed or self-employed
 
2. You were 21 years of age or older, and have minor children*, or 55 years of age or above, even if you have no minor children
 
3. You did not own more than 50% of a property or rights to a property (anywhere in the world) in the 2022 tax year, other than your primary residence
 
4. If you have one or two children, or are age 55+ without children, and your average monthly income falls between 2,320 and 6,980 you may be eligible for this grant. If you are a single parent of 1-2 children (with custody of your minor children), your average monthly income must fall between 1,420 and 10,570 NIS to qualifyץ
 
5. If you have 3 or more children, and your average monthly income falls between 2,320 NIS and 7,650 NIS, you may be eligible for this grant. If you are a single parent of 3 or more children (with custody), you may qualify if your income is between 1,420 and 12,900 NIS per month.

*children who are counted are those who are under the age of 19 as of 31/12/2023

How do you apply? 

Online, using the Israeli tax website - this option allows you to apply for 2023 and 2022 if you missed this reminder last year.

OR
At the post office, where you'll need to answer a few questions. BE SURE to bring your teudat zehut (ID card) and either your checkbook or an "ishur" from your bank that you have an account with them. Please keep any paperwork you receive at the post office and/or in the mail. This option only allows you to apply for 2023.

If you have questions after you've applied, or to check the status of your application, you can check the status of your request online in your "eizor ishi", or call *4954 or or 02-565-6400 to speak with the Tax Authority. 

Your payment may arrive in anywhere from 1-4 installments.

How much can you expect to receive? 

The amount you receive will vary depending on your circumstances, and if you qualify, could be up to 9,720 NIS.

Your spouse's income may affect your eligibility, as may various other factors.

I hope this helps some of you out there! It's worth it to check if you are eligible.

Please share this information with your friends and family who may benefit from it!

Don't miss out on useful tips and tricks for living in Israel! Follow me on FB and join my Kosher Frugal group!

Free Help Filing Israeli Taxes for Last Tax Year (2023 taxes)!

Every year, many of us have to file a yearly tax report with the Israel Tax Authority.

Many, many people pay an accountant to handle this report, but did you know that in some cases you can also get FREE help?

Here's the deal:

The Israel Tax Authority runs Free Clinics for filing yearly tax reports: this year, assistance is available for Atzmaim (freelancers/self employed people) with income up to 60,000 NIS using Form 137, people who need to file a tax report using Form 1301, and employed individuals requested a refund using Form 135.

Find this help HERE:

Regional Tax Offices will operate these services between May 5, 2024 and June 26, 2024, Sundays and Wednesdays from 1pm - 6:00pm.

Some offices may be closed on certain days of the week. I recommend calling before you go to verify they are open!

In Eilat, the service will be available only on Mondays and Wednesdays. In Um Al Fahem, the service is only available on Sundays. 

NOTE: These clinics are ONLY for getting help filing your yearly tax report or a request for a refund for employed people (only forms 1301, 137, and 135).

Bring ALL your relevant paperwork with you so you can get the most accurate assistance.

Good luck!

Follow me on Facebook for more tips and info!

 

Save on your Expat tax preparation!

If you're an American ex-pat like me, you know all about the yearly headache of filing your overseas tax return. Currently, this is something most of us MUST do, even if we don't like it. There's just no getting around it for now - no matter how much we complain (maybe one day it will change!). And because of the complexity of navigating tax documents issued to comply with Israeli tax law (as opposed to US tax law), it is usually NOT recommended to use automated software for filing your overseas tax return.

Or so we thought. But as of last year, there's SimpleTax – the first ever U.S. tax software for Americans living in Israel. I've had a long chat with the founder of the company, and they've worked so hard to make this service available (it's designed to work in a way that standard tax software doesn't) and I'm super excited about this development. 

SimpleTax will walk you through a friendly and intuitive interface to prepare your U.S. taxes on your own, find your highest possible refund and save money on fees - starting as low as 299₪ for a tax return + FBAR.

If your taxes are more complicated, you will most likely pay a higher rate, but still MUCH lower than the quotes I've gotten from accountants recently.

This is going to change our lives. Mostly because staying tax compliant will now be so much simpler and cheaper!

I invite you to find more details at SimpleTax. If you use my referral link (the links to SimpleTax on this site are referral links), you'll get 10% off your first tax return! If for some reason you can't open the link, simply copy-paste this link to go to their site: https://simpletax.co.il/register?referral=KOFRU. Or go to their site on your own and be sure to enter my referral code (KOFRU)

SimpleTax is also on Facebook and has plans to help US citizens in Israel navigate financial issues better. You can be sure I'll be following them and waiting for more helpful developments.

So spread the word that in 2024 we'll be doing our taxes smarter and cheaper! Use my referral code to get a great 10% discount: 

MY-CODE: KOFRU

OR CLICK HERE

מידע חשוב עבור אזרחים אמריקאים שגרים בארץ: הגיע פתרון שיחסוך לנו הרבה כסך!

החל מהשנה, אפשר למלא דו"ח מס אמריקני עם חברת סימפלטקס - ותראו חסכון אמיתי!

אפשר לחסוך עוד יותר עם מכניסים את הקוד שלי בעת ההרשמה. ההרשמה ללא עלות - רק תצטרכו לשלם עם משתמשים במערכת לדווח. השתמשו בקוד KOFRU ותקבלו 10% הנחה.

או הקליקו כאן: https://simpletax.co.il/register?referral=KOFRU

Ma'anak Avodah 2022 (Reverse-Tax Benefit)

Maybe you've heard about this already, and maybe this is new information for you. There is a reverse-tax benefit in Israel for low-income families. It's called the "Maanak Avodah" or "Working Grant". The point of this grant is to put more money in your pocket if you earn less than a certain amount of money!

Please don't miss out on this if you qualify - apply as soon as possible in order to avoid disappointment later. It won't take much of your time to apply, and you can do it now, BEFORE YOU FORGET! Right now, you can still apply for the 2022 grant AND some people can also apply for the 2021 grant. 
  
Updated information for the 2022 grant: 
Who can apply for this grant?

You can apply for this grant if: 

1. You were employed or self-employed
 
2. You were 21 years of age or older, and have minor children*, or 55 years of age or above, even if you have no minor children
 
3. You did not own more than 50% of a property or rights to a property (anywhere in the world) in the 2022 tax year, other than your primary residence
 
4. If you have one or two children, or are age 55+ without children, and your average monthly income falls between 2,240 and 6,750 you may be eligible for this grant. If you are a single parent of 1-2 children (with custody of your minor children), your average monthly income must fall between 1,380 and 10,230 NIS to qualifyץ
 
5. If you have 3 or more children, and your average monthly income falls between 2,240 NIS and 7,400 NIS, you may be eligible for this grant. If you are a single parent of 3 or more children (with custody), you may qualify if your income is between 1,380 and 12,480 NIS per month.

*children who are counted are those who are under the age of 19 as of 31/12/2022

How do you apply? 

Online, if you have applied at least once in the last TWO years.

If you have not applied in the last 2 years, all you have to do is go to the post office and answer a few questions. BE SURE to bring your teudat zehut (ID card) and either your checkbook or an "ishur" from your bank that you have an account with them. Please keep any paperwork you receive at the post office and/or in the mail. 

If you have questions after you've applied, or to check the status of your application, you can check the status of your request online in your "eizor ishi", or call *4954 or or 02-565-6400 to speak with the Tax Authority. 

Your payment may arrive in anywhere from 1-4 installments.

How much can you expect to receive? 

The amount you receive will vary depending on your circumstances, and if you qualify, could be up to 13,104 NIS.

Your spouse's income may affect your eligibility, as may various other factors.

I hope this helps some of you out there! It's worth it to check if you are eligible.

Please share this information with your friends and family who may benefit from it!

Free Help Filing Israeli Taxes/Tax Refund Requests for Tax Year 2022!

Every year, many of us have to file a yearly tax report with the Israel Tax Authority.

Many, many people pay an accountant to handle this report, but did you know that in some cases you can also get FREE help?

Here's the deal:

The Israel Tax Authority runs Free Clinics for filing yearly tax reports: this year, assistance is available for Atzmaim (freelancers/self employed people) with income up to 60,000 NIS using Form 137, people who need to file a tax report using Form 1301, and employed individuals requested a refund using Form 135.

Find this help HERE:

Regional Tax Offices will operate these services between May 7, 2023 and June 29, 2023, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 1pm - 6:00pm. Some offices may be closed on certain days of the week. I recommend calling before you go to verify they are open!

In Eilat, the service will be available only on Mondays and Wednesdays.

In Um Al Fahem, the service is only available on Sundays. 

In Ashdod and Rishon Letzion the clinic is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-6pm.

NOTE: These clinics are ONLY for getting help filing your yearly tax report or a request for a refund for employed people (only forms 1301, 137, and 135).

Bring ALL your relevant paperwork with you so you can get the most accurate assistance.

Good luck!

Follow me on Facebook for more tips and info!

 

FREE Help filing your Israeli taxes!

Every year, many of us have to file a yearly tax report with the Israel Tax Authority.

Many, many people pay an accountant to handle this report, but did you know that in some cases you can also get FREE help?

Here's the deal:

The Israel Tax Authority runs Free Clinics for Atzma'im with income from self employment up to 60,000 NIS using Form 137, and other people who need to file a tax report using Form 1301.

Find this help HERE:

Regional Tax Offices will operate these services between May 8, 2022 and June 30, 20022, Sunday - Thursday from 1pm - 6:00pm. Some offices may be closed on certain days of the week. I recommend calling before you go to verify they are open!

In Eilat, the service will be available only on Mondays and Wednesdays.

In Um Al Fahem, the service is only available on Sundays. 

In Ashdod and Rishon Letzion the clinic is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-6pm

In Tel Aviv, there is a special Resource Center dedicated just to this service, and it will remain open until July 28, 2022. Find it at Rechov Shefa Tal 12, Tel Aviv.




NOTE: The Tax Authority is not offering assistance with other issues at these clinics. They are ONLY for getting help filing your yearly tax report (only forms 1301 and 137).

Good luck, and don't wait to do your taxes! Better just to get it done with, right?

Follow me on Facebook for more tips and info!

 

Free Help for New Freelancers!

 I see lots of people asking about opening a "tik atzmai". I even see people asking to hire someone to do it for them.

I'll admit, I didn't open mine myself - a tax consultant did it for me as long as I agreed to have her file my end of year tax paperwork... So I duly turned over the info she requested and later that day she gave me proof that I had a file opened!

BUT...

I did later talk someone else through opening one, because they didn't want to have to commit to paying anyone. They knew they would not be earning a lot through their freelance work, and would be eligible for FREE tax filing assistance. And then I realized it really wasn't as complicated as I'd thought!

And NOW?

Well, it's gotten even easier!

Because now, the Israel Tax Authority has a series of "how-to" videos available to the public, explaining exactly what to do!

Check them out HERE!

Who would have thought that the Tax Authority would be so helpful? I know it sounds strange... but it's true that they just want people to file their taxes properly.

Wishing you all good luck with your paperwork and much success in your new business ventures!

Hope you found this post helpful! If yes, please pass it on to someone else who could use it!

Need to File US Taxes? I've got NEWS you need to know!

If you're an American ex-pat like me, you know all about the yearly headache of filing your overseas tax return. Currently, this is something we all MUST do, even if we don't like it. There's just no getting around it for now. And because of the complexity of navigating tax documents issued to comply with Israeli tax law (as opposed to US tax law), it is usually NOT recommended to use automated software for filing your overseas tax return.

Until now, that is. I'm so excited to let you know about SimpleTax – the first ever U.S. tax software for Americans living in Israel. I've had a long chat with the founder of the company, and they've worked so hard to make this service available (it's designed to work in a way that standard tax software doesn't) and I'm super excited about this development. 

SimpleTax will walk you through a friendly and intuitive interface to prepare your U.S. taxes on your own, find your highest possible refund and save money on fees - starting as low as 299₪ for a tax return + FBAR.

If your taxes are more complicated, you will most likely pay a higher rate, but still MUCH lower than the quotes I've gotten from accountants recently.

This is going to change our lives. Mostly because staying tax compliant will now be so much simpler and cheaper!

I invite you to find more details at SimpleTax. If you use my referral link (the links to SimpleTax on this site are referral links), you'll get 10% off your first tax return! If for some reason you can't open the link, simply copy-paste this link to go to their site: https://simpletax.co.il/register?referral=KOFRU. Or go to their site on your own and be sure to enter my referral code (KOFRU)

SimpleTax is also on Facebook and has plans to help US citizens in Israel navigate financial issues better. You can be sure I'll be following them and waiting for more helpful developments.

So spread the word that in 2022 we'll be doing our taxes smarter and cheaper! Use my referral code to get a great 10% discount: 

MY-CODE: KOFRU

OR CLICK HERE

I know I've referred many of you to a CPA in the past, but you've probably heard that he's closed his practice. I hope you'll check out SimpleTax as an alternative, now that we've all been left hanging. Questions? Drop me a note at ester@kosherfrugal.com 

מידע חשוב עבור אזרחים אמריקאים שגרים בארץ: הגיע פתרון שיחסוך לנו הרבה כסך!

החל מהשנה, אפשר למלא דו"ח מס אמריקני עם חברת סימפלטקס - ונראה חסכון אמיתי!

אפשר לחסוך עוד יותר עם מכניסים את הקוד שלי בעת ההרשמה. ההרשמה ללא עלות - רק תצטרכו לשלם עם משתמשים במערכת לדווח. השתמשו בקוד KOFRU ותקבלו 10% הנחה.

או הקליקו כאן: https://simpletax.co.il/register?referral=KOFRU

FREE help filing your taxes!

Every year, many of us have to file a yearly tax report with the Israel Tax Authority.

Many, many people pay an accountant to handle this report, but did you know that in some cases you can also get FREE help?

Here's the deal:

The Israel Tax Authority runs Free Clinics for Atzma'im with income from self employment up to 60,000 NIS using Form 137, and other people who need to file a tax report using Form 1301.

Find this help HERE:

Every Regional Tax Office (except Eilat and Tel Aviv - details below), until June 30, 2021, Sunday - Thursday from 1pm - 6:00pm. Some offices may be closed on certain days of the week. I recommend calling before you go to verify they are open!

In Eilat, the clinic will be available only on Mondays and Wednesdays.

In the Sharon area, this service is available only in Kfar Sava. In Ashdod and Rishon Letzion the clinic is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-6pm.

In Tel Aviv, there is a special Resource Center dedicated just to this service, and it will remain open until July 29, 2021. Find it at Rechov Shefa Tal 12, Tel Aviv.




NOTE: The Tax Authority is not offering assistance with other issues at these clinics. They are ONLY for getting help filing your yearly tax report (only forms 1301 and 137).

Good luck, and don't wait to do your taxes! Better just to get it done with, right?

 

2020 Maanak Avodah

Maybe you've heard about this already, and maybe this is new information for you. There is a reverse-tax benefit in Israel for low-income families. It's called the "Maanak Avodah" or "Working Grant". The point of this grant is to put more money in your pocket if you earn less than a certain amount of money!

Please don't miss out on this if you qualify - apply as soon as possible in order to avoid disappointment later. It won't take much of your time to apply, and you can do it now, BEFORE YOU FORGET! Right now, you can still apply for the 2019 grant AND some people can also apply for the 2020 grant. 
  
Updated information for the 2020 grant: 
Who can apply for this grant?

You can apply for this grant if: 

1. You were employed or self-employed
 
2. You were 23 years of age or older, and have minor children*, or 55 years of age or above, even if you have no minor children
 
3. You did not own more than 50% of a property or rights to a property (anywhere in the world) in the 2020 tax year, other than your primary residence
 
4. If you have one or two children, or are age 55+ without children, and your average monthly income falls between 2,080 and 6,270 you may be eligible for this grant. If you are a single parent of 1-2 children (with custody of your minor children), your average monthly income must fall between 1,280 and 9,490 NIS to qualify
 
5. If you have 3 or more children, and your average monthly income falls between 2,080 NIS and 6,879 NIS, you may be eligible for this grant. If you are a single parent of 3 or more children (with custody), you may qualify if your income is between 1,2780 and 11,580 NIS per month.

*children who are counted are those who are under the age of 19 as of Dec. 31, 2020

How do you apply? 

Online, if you have applied at least once in the last TWO years.

If you have not applied in the last 2 years, all you have to do is go to the post office and answer a few questions. BE SURE to bring your teudat zehut (ID card) and either your checkbook or an "ishur" from your bank that you have an account with them. Please keep any paperwork you receive at the post office and/or in the mail. 

If you have questions after you've applied, or to check the status of your application, you can check the status of your request online, or call *4954 or or 02-565-6400 to speak with the Tax Authority. 

How much can you expect to receive? 

The amount you receive will vary depending on your circumstances, and if you qualify, will vary from 20 shekels/month to 720 shekels/month (240 shekels yearly to 8,640 shekels yearly). (These amounts are based upon older information, and I'll update when the exact amounts for this year are published.)

Some people will qualify for a "Corona bonus" this year.

Your spouse's income may affect your eligibility, as may various other factors.

I hope this helps some of you out there! It's worth it to check if you are eligible.

Please share this information with your friends and family who may benefit from it!

Online Shopping: Guide to Taxes and Fees

this post contains affiliate links. When you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. Thanks for helping keep this website up and running!

package from purchase abroad - tax free!

Do you live in Israel? 

Are you wondering what to expect regarding taxes and fees if you shop online?

This guide will help you understand the basics that apply to residents  of Israel when shopping online from overseas (yes, even if you're not a citizen, you need to know how your orders will be handled!). 

SHOP the USA and SHIP Worldwide with MyUS! 

Most of us shop this way to save money, so who wants a tax bill surprise when the order gets here? This post will help you avoid a tax bill (legally, of course!).

Note: the same regulations apply to packages sent from abroad, even if they are gifts!

Here's the rundown (full regulations can be found on the Israel tax authority's site)

When you get a package, the value of your purchase or package will be converted into US Dollars by the tax authority (using the exchange rate of the day they process it) to determine if it's subject to tax (no matter what currency was used when it was purchased).

Purchases up to $75/Packages with a declared value up to $75 - no taxes

Purchases or packages with a declared value of $75 and up to $500 - VAT will apply in most cases (17% currently), and Purchase Tax (variable rates) may apply (purchase tax applies to very few items at this point!), but no customs taxes

Purchases or packages with a declared value over $500 - subject to all taxes (VAT of 17% , Purchase Tax (if applicable), and Customs Tax which varies by category)

Please take note that purchases and packages (even gifts) of up to $75 in value will automatically be subject to customs clearance fees if they arrive using an EMS service*, and some other type of deliveries may also be charged this fee (it's about 40 shekels right now). If the value of the purchase is higher than $75, the customs clearance fee can be higher as well.

Other fees are often added on by shipping companies, and there is not much oversight on the matter. I once saw a bill that included the following fees: Handling Fee, Import Approval Fee, VAT, Computer Fee, Unloading Fee, Storage Fee. Watch out for these fees from shipping companies/courier services - I recommend you always arrange to get your packages via a service that guarantees your fees have all been prepaid.

Please be aware that the purchase price only (not purchase + shipping) will determine whether an item will be taxed. If it is deemed taxable, all applicable taxes will be calculated on the purchase price + the shipping price. This means that if you order something for $75.01 plus $15 shipping, you will be taxed on the total value of $90.01!

One more important point: If you order multiple orders addressed to the same person, with the same address & phone number listed, from the same seller and they arrive within 72 hours of each other, customs may combine the orders and treat them as one purchase for tax purposes, or they may not. But it is a possibility you should be aware of before you place multiple orders. 

I recommend ordering at least 3 days apart or ordering with different names and contact info (including the tax ID number you provide for clearing customs).

If your order is stuck in customs, or if you feel like you were charged tax by mistake, you will need to contact the customs office nearest you.

Here's the contact info for the various offices, taken from the meches website. I couldn't find any email addresses, sorry.

Tel Aviv
Derech HaHagana 137, Yad Eliyahu, Tel Aviv
Tel: 03-942-1730
Fax: 03-942-1733

Jerusalem
Mercaz Shatner, Givat Shaul B, Jerusalem 91999
Tel: 02-652-6193
Fax: 02-651-1589

Haifa
Sderot Pal Yam 19, Shakmona, POB 245, Haifa 31999
Tel: 04-866-4130
Fax: 04-666-9803

Eilat
Central Post Office, The Red Mall, Eilat 83100
Tel: 08-632-6476
Fax: 08-866-9702

Some of these regulations are different from what some people seem to believe, so please refer back to this guide if you are about to place an order and you're not sure what to expect taxwise.

Join my WhatsApp group and my Facebook Group where I'll be posting my favorite deals!

*Examples of EMS services - Express Mail, Fedex, UPS and other express delivery services. Sometimes DHL is EMS and sometimes it is not.

Filing Israeli Taxes - FREE Help is Available!

Every year, many of us have to file a yearly tax report with the Israel Tax Authority.

Many, many people pay an accountant to handle this report, but did you know that in some cases you can also get FREE help?

Here's the deal:

The Israel Tax Authority runs Free Clinics for Atzma'im with income from self employment up to 60,000 NIS using Form 137, and other people who need to file a tax report using Form 1301.

Find this help HERE:

Every Regional Tax Office (except Eilat and Tel Aviv - details below), until July 9, 2020, Sunday - Thursday from 1pm - 6:00pm. Some offices may be closed on certain days of the week. I recommend calling before you go to verify they are open!

In Eilat, the clinic will be available only on Mondays and Wednesdays. In Ashdod and Rishon Letzion the clinic is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

In Tel Aviv, there is a special Resource Center dedicated just to this service, and it will remain open until July 29, 2020. Find it at Rechov Shefa Tal 12, Tel Aviv.



Good luck, and don't wait to do your taxes! Better just to get it done with, right?

NOTE: The Tax Authority is not offering assistance with other issues at these clinics. They are ONLY for getting help filing your yearly tax report.

Shopping Online: The Essential Guide to TAXES for Israelis shopping online from abroad!

this post contains affiliate links. When you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. Thanks for helping keep this website up and running!

package from purchase abroad - tax free!

Shopping online and wondering what to expect regarding taxes and fees? This guide will help you understand the basics that apply to residents of Israel when shopping online from overseas. Most of us shop this way to save money, so who wants a tax bill surprise when the order gets here? This post will help you avoid a tax bill (legally, of course!).

Note: the same regulations apply to packages sent from abroad, even if they are gifts!

Here's the rundown (the full regulations can be found on the Israel tax authority's site)

Your purchase or package, no matter what currency it was in, will be translated into US Dollars by the tax authority (using the exchange rate of the day they process it) to determine if it's taxable:

Purchases up to $75/Packages with a declared value up to $75 - no taxes

Purchases or packages with a declared value above $75, up to $500 - no customs taxes, but VAT will apply in most cases (17% currently), and Purchase Tax (variable rates) may apply (purchase tax applies to very few items at this point!)

Purchases or packages with a declared value over $500 - subject to all taxes (VAT , Purchase Tax (if applicable), and Customs Tax)

Please take note that purchases and packages (even gifts) of up to $75 in value will be subject to customs clearance fees if they arrive using an EMS service* (about 35 shekels), and if the value of the purchase is higher, the customs clearance fee can be higher as well. Other fees are often added on by shipping companies, as there is really not much oversight! I recently saw a bill that included the following fees: Handling fees, Import approval fee, VAT, Computer fee, Unloading fee, Storage fee. Watch out for these fees from shipping companies/courier services. I recommend you always try to get your packages via a service that guarantees your fees have all been prepaid.

Please be aware that the purchase price only (not purchase + shipping) will determine whether an item will be taxed. Once it is found to be taxable, however, applicable taxes will be calculated on the purchase price + the shipping price.

One more important point: If you order multiple orders addressed to the same person, with the same address & phone number listed, from the same seller and they arrive within 72 hours of each other, customs may combine the orders and treat them as one purchase for tax purposes. They may not. But it is a possibility you should be aware of before you place multiple orders. I recommend ordering at least 3 days apart, or ordering with different names and contact info (including the tax ID number you provide for clearing customs).

If your order is stuck in customs, or if you feel like you were charged tax by mistake, you will need to contact the customs office nearest you.

Here's the contact info for the various offices, taken from the meches website. I couldn't find any email addresses, sorry.

Tel Aviv
Derech HaHagana 137, Yad Eliyahu, Tel Aviv
Tel: 03-942-1730
Fax: 03-942-1733

Jerusalem
Mercaz Shatner, Givat Shaul B, Jerusalem 91999
Tel: 02-652-6193
Fax: 02-651-1589

Haifa
Sderot Pal Yam 19, Shakmona, POB 245, Haifa 31999
Tel: 04-866-4130
Fax: 04-666-9803

Eilat
Central Post Office, The Red Mall, Eilat 83100
Tel: 08-632-6476
Fax: 08-866-9702

Some of these regulations are different from what some people seem to believe, so please refer back to this guide if you are about to place an order and you're not sure what to expect from the tax-man.

If you're not sure where to start shopping online, I've compiled a list of websites that offer low cost shipping to Israel! Please be sure to check it out! Let's help open Israel's marketplace and bring down our cost of living without bringing down our standard of living!

Some of my favorite websites to shop from are:

Amazon ~ iHerb ~ AliExpress ~ eBay ~ Book Depository

(Amazon is particularly good because they collect taxes up front and basically guarantee that you won't be charged anything more than what they've collected!)

Join my WhatsApp group and my Facebook Group where I'll be posting my favorite deals!

*Examples of EMS services - Express Mail, Fedex, UPS and other express delivery services. Sometimes DHL is EMS and sometimes it is not.