I had an interesting experience yesterday. I came in and declared about $500 US in items. The customs agent checked my bags and told me that I needed to pay a flat 37% tax on the items, Some sere household good and some were electronics. He asked me "do I need any help". I said I don't think so,and he asked again if I needed any help. I think he was asking if I was going to protest the tax. I again said no, I will pay whatever you think is appropriate. He told me what the tax would be and said that they were only going to charge me $50.00BZ but that I should go over to the cashier and pay him $150.00 BZ and that he would give me a receipt for $50.00 bz.
Is this a common practice?