GST refund

Ltomleonhart on 16/04/2013 - 09:15

Hi guys,

We all know Australian goods that are valued over $300 and bought within 30 days of departure are eligible for 9% GST refund. But for the last few times I've been overseas, I saw a lot of difficulties with this process by other passengers. Here are a few things to keep in mind, if you have any more that I am not aware of, please add to the list:

  1. If the receipt has a value over $1000, your real name and address must be presented on the receipt.
  2. If the receipt has the value over $300 and less than $1000, it does not need your name and address however if for some reasons, the merchant decided to put your name on it, it must have your address as well. So better to not put your name on the receipt at all if it's under $1000.
  3. Name on the receipt must match your passport's name (seems like a funny reason but be reminded that a lot of people use an English name instead of their real name)
  4. Receipt must be original.
  5. If the goods are in liquid/aerosol form (therefore you can't carry it on-board), you must bring it to the GST counter for it to be seen before checking in your bag.
  6. The >$300 value must appear on one receipt (saw a couple bringing 2x $250 receipt and trying to get tax back)

Anything else that people have experienced and was not listed here ?

Happy getting tax back :)

General Discussion

Comments

  • geek001 on 16/04/2013 - 09:26

    Good write up. The last time I claim GST refund, I have seen a passenger in front of me having issues claiming GST back under your point #4. He tried to claim GST back by showing the officer the invoice on his phone. ie. obviously he must have bought the item online and got an electronic invoice. His claim was rejected based on your point #4. I bought my laptop online as well but luckily I printed out the invoice on paper and it was approved by the officer. Phew… And oh my laptop was refurbished and it said so on the invoice, so I am guessing refurbished products are accepted as well.

    • tomleonhart on 16/04/2013 - 09:34

      As long as the merchant pays GST and GST is shown on the receipt, it is accepted I guess.

      • geek001 on 16/04/2013 - 09:44

        Nope, the officer said he needs an "original" receipt. I was standing right behind the passenger in front of me. I heard the whole conversation.

        • tomleonhart on 16/04/2013 - 10:12

          you always need an "original" receipt. My comment was referred to "i am guessing refurbished products are accepted as well" part of yourse :)

  • mskeggs on 16/04/2013 - 09:55

    Thanks for this write up. I haven't done it before.

  • jcck on 16/04/2013 - 10:58

    I claimed 2 weeks ago for an item $550, the receipt had my name but not my address on it. It was accepted without any question. So I guess it depends on the officer who processes your claim.

  • jimbobaus on 18/04/2013 - 01:46

    You cant go to the GST refund counter before checking in your bag.. the counter is past customs and you check your bag in before you go into customs…

    • tomleonhart on 19/04/2013 - 15:43

      Well in Sydney you can, there is a counter before you have to check in your bag.

  • bghunter on 18/04/2013 - 11:06

    New TRS Rules update, thanks to 'garratt torlesse'
    Read here 'http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/100105'

  • tooblue on 18/04/2013 - 11:17

    Then if the items are purchased online, how can we obtain aN ORIGINAL tax invoice? Mostly the merchant only sends receipt in email and no invoice at all.

  • modsec802 on 19/04/2013 - 22:45

    The receipt must state the exact amount of GST

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