New $800 Import Tax Rule 2025: How It Affects Online Shoppers and Why a CPA Might Be Your Best Ally

Do you love shopping online from stores in other countries? Many people in the U.S. do! It’s easy to order clothes, electronics, or fun gifts from places like China, the UK, or Korea. And until now, there was a special rule that helped shoppers save money.

It was called the De Minimis Exemption. This rule let you order items from other countries without paying taxes or fees—as long as the total cost was $800 or less.

But that all changed on May 2, 2025.

Let’s talk about what happened, how it affects your shopping, and if you might need help from a CPA (Certified Public Accountant).

What Is the De Minimis Rule and Why Did It End?

The De Minimis rule was like a tax-free pass. If you bought something from another country and it cost under $800, you didn’t have to pay any customs duty (a kind of import tax).

That meant:

• Lower prices for you
• Faster shipping
• Less paperwork

But starting in May 2025, this rule expired. Now, many imported items—even under $800—can be taxed or held at customs. That means extra costs and longer wait times for your packages.

Why Did the Government Change It?

The U.S. government said too many foreign sellers were using the rule to avoid taxes. Some companies were even splitting large orders into smaller ones just to stay under the $800 limit.

Also, American businesses complained. They said it wasn’t fair because U.S. sellers had to charge tax, but foreign sellers didn’t.

By ending the rule, the government hopes to:

• Make shopping more fair
• Increase tax money
• Stop companies from “cheating” the system

How Will This Affect Online Shopping?

If you shop online from stores like AliExpress, Temu, or Shein, you might see:

• Higher prices (some items will now include taxes)
• Slower shipping (packages may be checked by customs)
• Extra fees (like handling or import duties)

Let’s say you order a pair of sneakers from a store in Europe. Before, you paid $75 and that was it. Now, the U.S. might add a tax, making the shoes cost $85 or $90 total.

Some companies may raise their prices to cover the new taxes too.

Do You Need a CPA Now?

A CPA is a professional who understands taxes and money rules. You don’t always need a CPA just to shop online—but things are getting trickier.

Here’s when it might be smart to talk to one:

• You run an online resale business
• You buy and sell imported goods
• You order lots of items from overseas each year
• You’re confused about customs fees and import taxes

A CPA can help you:

• Track your shopping expenses
• File tax forms correctly
• Avoid paying too much
• Stay out of trouble with customs

Even regular shoppers might want a quick talk with a CPA if they start seeing surprise charges or confusing forms with their orders.

Tips to Shop Smart After the Rule Change

Now that the De Minimis exemption is gone, here’s how to shop smart:

1. Check where the store ships from.

If it's outside the U.S., you may need to pay extra.

2. Ask about import duties before you buy.

Many websites will tell you if you might get taxed.

3. Keep your receipts and order records.

If you ever get charged more, you can prove what you paid.

4. Look for U.S. sellers.

Sometimes the same product is available locally—and faster!

5. Use tools like a duty calculator.

These websites help you guess how much tax you’ll owe.

Could This Rule Hurt Online Shopping?

Some experts think people might shop less from foreign stores now. Others say big companies will find ways to keep prices low.

Smaller sellers might struggle, especially if customers don’t want to pay the new fees.

On the flip side, U.S. stores might benefit. If they don’t have to compete with tax-free foreign sellers, they might get more business.

Time will tell!

Final Thoughts

The end of the $800 De Minimis rule is a big change for online shopping in the U.S. It may make your favorite international deals less of a bargain.

If you only shop once in a while, you might not notice a big difference. But if you shop often—or run a business—you may need to pay more attention to taxes and shipping rules.

And yes, if things get confusing or expensive, it might be time to call a CPA. They can help you figure it out and make sure you don’t pay more than you should.

Quick Recap

• The De Minimis rule let you import items under $800 without tax.
• It ended on May 2, 2025.
• Now, some packages will be taxed, even under $800.
• Online shopping from overseas might get more expensive.
• A CPA can help if you shop or sell internationally.