TRS at airport - Microsoft Store Invoice

Lmranwa on 27/02/2015 - 10:13

Hi, I've been searching all over but can't find a confirm answer. Hoping ozbargainers can help out.

I bought a surface pro 3, type cover and dock from Microsoft Store during the recent sale. Will be flying out of the country and would like to claim back the GST. My question is regards the invoice provided and whether anybody had issue with microsoft store invoice at the airport?

The invoice provided does not have the wording "Tax Invoice". The address is a Singapore address though it does have an ABN and the price/gst component. Will this be good enough for TRS at the airport? I am worried as the TRS website stated that there must be a "Tax Invoice" wording.

Has anybody managed to get a proper tax invoice from microsoft store? I called them and after a long phone call I got one but its exactly the same one that I can download from my microsoft store account.

Thanks in advance for any help/info.

Travel

Comments

  • PissLUR on 27/02/2015 - 10:38

    It's good. As long as there are ABN and GST component. This is also a similar case when I claimed TRS for Google Nexus 5 from Google Singapore.

    If you are not convinced enough, edit the document to include the word 'Tax Invoice'.

    • mranwa on 27/02/2015 - 10:56

      Thanks PissLUR, that is very reassuring. Dreading to call up customer service again.

  • wozup12 on 27/02/2015 - 12:27

    I claimed 2 surfaces a couple of months back from TRS. Make sure you print it the email that you got with your order confirmation. There should be one that clearly states tax invoice on it. Have a look and see

    • mranwa on 27/02/2015 - 13:48

      My email order confirmation only says "Your Order and Billing Information". At the bottom was the subtotal,tax (not GST) and total. The one I downloaded from my accounts does have GST written instead of tax but no "tax invoice".

      But thanks for the info that you were able to claim back. I think it should work since the invoice does have GST and ABN. I might edit in "Tax Invoice" as suggested by PissLUR.

      Cheers.

    • ThirdRonnie on 28/02/2015 - 10:42

      Of course, you declared the item to customs when you re-entered Australia and repaid the GST, less depreciation, as you're supposed to do. TRS is really intended for foreigners who buy stuff in Australia to get a refund of our GST, just as we can claim VAT or sales tax back when we visit another country. I don't know why they give a refund to people travelling on Australian passports.

      If you're caught with the goods you've claimed TRS on when coming back and don't declare them, the fines are substantial.

      • Randxyz123 on 28/02/2015 - 11:15

        If you're caught with the goods you've claimed TRS on when coming back and don't declare them, the fines are substantial.
        Umm what?

        You don't need to declare it unless it is over $900…

        I don't know why they give a refund to people travelling on Australian passports.

        Why? I bought a $700 camera I got $70 back. I was within the limit.

        I agree there isn't a lot of point declaring your new $3000 Macbook Pro because you will technically need to declare that when you return and if you don't well they'd probably get you.

        But smaller items such as cameras or iPads make it a OK deal.

        • ThirdRonnie on 28/02/2015 - 13:31

          You're quite right of course. I overlooked the $900 limit, which makes it worthwhile up to a $90 return for your effort. Pity they make it so tedious a process. Probably so many people will simply not bother.

          Some years ago in Germany, I made a substantial purchase at a large department store and was directed by the sales staff to go to the 5th floor, where my "mehrwertsteuer" or German GST would be refunded to me, in cash, on presentation of my Australian passport.

        • R1ngSt1nger on 28/02/2015 - 13:34

          @ThirdRonnie:
          You can pool your duty free limits with family members. Example, if you travel with your Wife, that it's $1,800. Add a couple of kids on and the limits get quite generous.

        • Randxyz123 on 01/03/2015 - 11:20

          @ThirdRonnie: I don't think I'll bother ever again. You fill out the form online and I assumed it would be a short line and a 10 minute MAX process…

          In Europe and anywhere else you go it is so much faster

  • tarulov3 on 27/02/2015 - 16:14

    It's funny I encountered a problem with the lady saying that it wasn't an invoice but I insisted and she caved after looking over it again.

    I came back from my holidays and what do you know MS sent a proper invoice by snail mail. No biggey but if you want the invoice MS could be sending you one right now.

  • Randxyz123 on 27/02/2015 - 17:09

    Just email microsoft and say you need a tax invoice for business purposes that has your full name address and phone number on it. You need this anyway for claiming goods over $1000… Explain what they have sent is not sufficient.

    Post what they sent you here (black out your name etc) and it'll be easier to see if it will be ok or not.

    I wouldn't edit the email…

    It sounds like the same thing apple does they send you a confirmation with the cost of your order then about 2 - 3 days later they send you an actual tax invoice. As an attachment…Must be an accounting department delay or something.

    !!WARNING!!

    I stood in line for over 45 minutes to do the TRS at Melbourne airport (not sure where you are). Make sure you have plenty of time at the airport…. I'd say allow at least an hour extra to what you would normally do!!!

    No they don't give a f—- if your plane is boarding or on last call…. This is from personal experience. It was't at a particularly busy time either (11pm)… Me and 4 other people almost missed our flight to get back $70(in my case) - would've cost me a heap more if I missed my plane…. The way TRS is done here is just pathetic compared to the rest of the world.

    You also should fill out the forms online even though the time saved is minimal.

  • mranwa on 27/02/2015 - 20:41

    Thanks for the advice, I think I will email them. I am not going overseas for another month so hopefully will get the proper tax invoice by then.

    • Randxyz123 on 28/02/2015 - 11:59

      No worries.

      Make sure you remember about the line - I was so close to missing my flight unfortunately I didn't have time to give the guy at the desk a piece of my mind….

      • mranwa on 28/02/2015 - 22:56

        Thanks for the reminder knick007. Will try to allocate an extra hour.

        Btw, microsoft have already replied to my email, however the site they gave me commerce.microsoft.com does not have the invoice I wanted. So emailed them again, hope it gets to somebody that understands what I want - a proper Australian business tax invoice.

  • anna10 on 28/02/2015 - 21:21

    My new iPhone will be $999. Is that within the limit of getting the GST back?

    • mranwa on 28/02/2015 - 22:54

      As long as a purchase or total purchases from same store is more than $300 you can claim back GST.

      Check out
      http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4263.asp

    • ThirdRonnie on 28/02/2015 - 23:03

      You paid $999 for a phone?

      My thinking is you would be able to claim $90. They would probably pay you the full amount of $99.90 on departure, with the expectation that you declare it upon return and then pay the $9.90 you owe, less "depreciation". The TRS website should spell that out for you.

  • Bargainizer on 10/05/2015 - 10:53

    I am a tourist here in Sydney and staying with my friends. What address would I need to include for any purchase over $1000? The only address i can show as proof is my home address on my passport.

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