Q:Shalom,
I will be returning to Israel in December as a returning resident.
I would like to ship my household items...
Are there any 'benefits' that returning residents are exepmt from in regards to shipping household goods? Thank you...
and any names you can give of shippers in the area.

Etti

A:Dear Etti,

Kol hakavod. Making Aliyah and returning to Israel are each a big (albeit important) step and never an easy one. Much good luck on your return home.

The Israeli government wants to help you set up your home in Israel and grants you an exemption from customs duties on most of your household goods.

But first, let's make sure you are entitled to this exemption. You must have been out of the country more than 2 years (18 months for a student) and not received "returning resident (toshav hozer)" status previously. If you were previously an oleh hadash (new immigrant) there may be other issues that we will not go into here.

If you have been out of Israel more than 6 years you will receive additional benefits that we will discuss below.

If you fall into the 2 - 6 year category, you can import, with a tax exemption (ie. tax free), all your house hold goods for *inside* the home including all kitchen appliances and a washer and dryer. All other appliances and electronic are *not* included in your tax exemption.

Please note my emphasis of goods for *inside* the home. Items for outside the home are not included, such as garden furniture. Sports equipment is usually *not* included in the exemption although bicycles are tax exempt.

If you have been gone more than 6 years, then electronics such as TVs, stereos, etc are also tax exempt.

As a rule you can bring in a quantity of house hold goods appropriate to the family size. Appliances and electronics are restricted to one of each type except for fans and air conditioners that are restricted to a number appropriate to your new apartment in Israel.

I hope this is helpful and much good luck on your return home!

All the best,

Shmuel