International travelers, including Australians, may be qualified for a refund on Products (Goods) and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) for specific goods purchased in Australia, provided these items are taken out of the country by plane or ship. Here’s what you need to know:
Eligibility Requirements
- *Carry-On Luggage: Be prepared to have all your goods as carry-on luggage if required.
- *Minimum Spend: At least AUD 300 (including GST) with one supplier with the same Australian Business Number (ABN).
- *Purchase Timing: Purchase the goods within 60 days of your departure.
- *Valid Invoice: Obtain a proper paper tax invoice in English that includes:
- 1. Your name as it appears in your passport (required if the invoice is for $1,000 or more).
- 2. A clear description of the goods to match them to the invoice.
- 3. The retailer’s name, address, and ABN (ACNs and ARNs are not accepted).
- 4. The amount of GST or WET paid (or the total price including GST).
- 5. The date of purchase.
- *Oversized/Restricted Goods: Hold these items checked by ABF Client Services before check-in and take the stamped invoices to the TRS Facility on departure day.
- *Claim Timing: Complete your claim in person by presenting your passport, boarding pass, and original tax receipts at the TRS Facility on the day of departure:
- Airports: At least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.
- Seaports: 1-4 hours before your scheduled departure.
- Returning to Australia
- Declare Your Goods: Declare any products for which you or someone else claimed a TRS refund when you return to Australia. If the total value of these goods surpasses your passenger concession allowance, you may need to pay GST and duty unless another concession applies.
- Refund Restrictions
- You cannot:
- *Get a cash refund.
- *Use photocopied or duplicate invoices.
- *Ship goods separately.
- *Claim:
- *Less than 30 minutes before departure.
- *At a domestic airport.
- *Online
- *Before the day of departure
- *After leaving Australia.
- *If you’re an air or sea crew member
- *If buying for a business
- *If the invoice has a different name than your passport,
- *On alcohol (except wine with alcohol content below 22%).
- *Tobacco products
- *Dangerous goods
- *Goods wholly/partially consumed in Australia.
- *On cosmetic enhancements that are permanently attached.
- *On gift cards, vouchers
- *Unaccompanied goods
- *Goods purchased overseas
- *GST-free items
- Services: accommodation, taxis and tours, car rental, shipping/postage charges, warranties and labor charges, training and educational courses, or course documents/materials (physical or digital).
- Tips for a Smooth Process
- Check with Your Carrier: Verify what you can and can not take on board.
- Prepare for Queues: Be prepared for possible long wait times at the TRS Facility.
- Match Invoice Details: Check the description on your invoice matches your goods.
- Print Electronic Invoices: Have printed copies of electronic invoices.
- Keep Invoice Copies: You may need to leave originals with the TRS Facility.
- Locate the TRS Facility: Present at all major Australian airports and seaports. If unstaffed, seek assistance from an ABF Officer.
- Additional Information
- Multiple Purchases: You can make different purchases from the same retailer, ensuring the same ABN is on all invoices.
- Calculate GST Refund: Use the formula $Total price/11.
- Timing for Purchases: Buy within 60 days before your scheduled departure date.
- Refund Payment: Refunds are paid by credit card, Australian bank account, or mailed cheque (not recommended).
- Final Departure Point: Claim your refund at the last port of departure from Australia.
- Military Personnel: If you are traveling on an army transport, you are also eligible for a TRS refund.
- For more details on how to claim contact us now.
Disclaimer: The above information is not tailored to personal circumstances.
For information relevant to personal circumstances, please book an
appointment with Oracle Immigration Consultant’s expert migration agents in
Australia.
For any inquiries, please contact us at +61 430812158. We are premier Immigration agency and consultancy in Melbourne (Bundoora and Geelong).
