This was posted 7 years 4 months 5 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

Related
  • expired

M5 Motorway Cashback Scheme for NSW Residents - Tolls for Private Trips $0.42 after $4.18 Cashback (Paid Quarterly)

1340
M5 Motorway Cashback Scheme for NSW Residents - Tolls for Private Trips $0.42 after $4.18 Cashback (Paid Quarterly)
Go to Deal
mubd1234 on 20/08/2017 - 21:10 rms.nsw.gov.au (1365 clicks)
Last edited 20/08/2017 - 21:12

This is a bit of a heads up for those who aren't aware of the M5 Cashback scheme.

A heap of people I've talked to recently haven't been aware of it.

It essentially means that the toll for any private trip in a private/pensioner/charity registered vehicle can be claimed back, minus GST. You will still need to manually submit a cashback claim every three months, in order to confirm that each trip on the M5 that is associated with your E-tag account was done in a private vehicle (the RMS occasionally audits this by taking photos of cars using the M5).

To get the cashback, you need to register for the M5 cashback scheme with one of these E-tag providers, which can usually be done through their online portals by clicking a check box.

After registering, you can use the M5 and claim your tolls back after each quarter (after the end of March, June, September, December) online through the tag provider's portal.

If you found that you've already registered for the M5 cashback when signing up for your toll account, you can claim for up to 12 months of trips.

Automotive Toll

Related Stores

NSW Government
NSW Government

closed Comments

  • currentfad on 20/08/2017 - 21:17
    +9

    Any for M4?

    • TightAssDrake on 20/08/2017 - 21:19
      +55

      Haha, good joke.

      • currentfad on 20/08/2017 - 21:20
        +16

        Sigh

        • sigh on 20/08/2017 - 22:15
          +45

          You rang?

        • Scab on 21/08/2017 - 07:08

          @sigh:

          Do you have a cousin named Yawn?

        • arcticmonkey on 21/08/2017 - 07:53
          +1

          @Scab:

          He's the one with the Scab on his bum, yeah?

    • mubd1234 on 20/08/2017 - 21:20
      +18

      About 7 years too late

      • currentfad on 20/08/2017 - 21:22
        +1

        Better late than never right? Wait…

      • desmondnnk on 21/08/2017 - 08:45
        +1

        this has been around for ages.

        • first in line on 21/08/2017 - 09:05
          +1

          Just curious how long did this cashback scheme start? Can I claim back all the tolls I paid in the last couple of years? Or is it only the last quarter?

        • desmondnnk on 21/08/2017 - 11:26

          @first in line:
          I am not too sure if you can do a few years back, but i think at least 2-4 quarters, provided that you have already registered for the rebate scheme (simply by ticking a box in your online account).

          I think u can only make claim after you registered for the rebate scheme.

        • bargainswarrior03 on 21/08/2017 - 15:54

          @first in line: You can apply for the last two years. All cashback accounts through different toll companies would show you which transactions can be claimed.

        • Joejoeinc on 22/08/2017 - 11:57

          @first in line:

          you can only claim up to 1 year in the past.

    • shortgum on 20/08/2017 - 22:56

      Parramatta rd traffic is like hammered late. sure not many wanna use M4. so cashback maybe hopeful !

      • SickDmith on 20/08/2017 - 23:09

        This time they did paperwork properly - no more cashbacks.

      • CVonC on 21/08/2017 - 01:56
        +4

        was lame on Saturday night too heading west. had to avoid it via olympic park. screw the damn toll!

    • Archi on 21/08/2017 - 10:03

      use to be…

    • BuyNow Think Later on 21/08/2017 - 18:32

      Any for M2?

    • ribze1 on 21/08/2017 - 18:34

      Liberal Gov't in power…

      No.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/08/2017 - 21:20
    +14

    thanks for the reminder, i'm getting $370 back

    • illumination on 20/08/2017 - 21:41
      +1

      Whoa….. that's a lot of M5 usage you've got!!

      • airzone on 20/08/2017 - 22:01
        +4

        Not that much if you're doing a daily commute

    • lahnah on 21/08/2017 - 11:09
      +1

      Shoosh!

      • [Deactivated] on 21/08/2017 - 11:16
        +2

        Shhhhh you loud

    • Scab on 21/08/2017 - 07:05
      +1

      It commenced years ago when the NSW Premier Bob Carr made an election promise he would remove the toll and wasn't able to.

      • arcticmonkey on 21/08/2017 - 07:55
        +2

        Back then, politicians tried to make good on their word. Now they just put a boot into the homeless.

  • crazyperpman on 20/08/2017 - 21:25
    -6

    I get money back when I do my Tax Return too.

    • mubd1234 on 20/08/2017 - 21:26
      +5

      The difference - the ATO actually chases you up if you don't do your tax return.

      • Osprey06 on 21/08/2017 - 12:26

        …and you don't get the full 'toll' value back, just an amount consistent with your marginal tax rate.

        • bargainswarrior03 on 21/08/2017 - 15:57

          Having gotten refunds for past 2 years, the cashback has nothing to do with the ATO. I get everything refunded back from m5 minus 10% gst.

          If you claim toll usage as a work expense re tax, this is a different issue

  • pepsicles on 20/08/2017 - 21:32
    +10

    Isn't it kind of ridiculous that we are paying GST on this 'service' that we are getting a refund on. I mean if you hired a plumber and for whatever reason he screwed up, then gave you a refund. He would refund you the whole amount, not the amount minus gst…..

    • albyrw on 20/08/2017 - 21:56
      +15

      Not quite the same situation because it's not a refund. In this case, the service is actually being delivered - you use the motorway - so the GST is payable to the commonwealth. The NSW govt still has to remit that amount, so it only refunds the part it would otherwise keep for itself.

      Our federal system, on the other hand, is definitely kind of ridiculous.

      • Maverick-au on 21/08/2017 - 13:14

        Not quite the same situation because it's not a refund. In this case, the service is actually being delivered - you use the motorway - so the GST is payable to the commonwealth. The NSW govt still has to remit that amount, so it only refunds the part it would otherwise keep for itself.

        This still doesn't make sense. If I refund a service I provided for whatever reason I don't have to pay the GST on that amount even if I delivered the service.

        Even if this is a rebate or whatever I fail to understand why the GST still has to be paid. In fact I don't understand why vehicles that are privately registered (this would include pensioners) or charity registered vehicles are even charged given they are eligible for this refund by another name. They could use ANPR so these vehicles wouldn't even need a transponder.

        Typical government making everything complicated.

        Most or all of this GST will make its way back to NSW as well so they are profiting from this.

        • bargainswarrior03 on 21/08/2017 - 16:10
          +3

          I think you need to educate yourself on GST before commenting.

          1. the money goes to the federal government not NSW.
          2. GST applies because a service (expedited travel time using a single road) has been provided. This is required by law. GST is common in most developed nations. It is a consumption tax at the end of the day.
          3. Private car users etc need to be charged initially to recognise the GST transaction. Ie get charged $4.6 to recognise $0.42 GST that needs to be attached. You would never be in a situation when you just pay GST alone.
          4. we are talking about a cashback not a refund for unsatisfactory service as per your example
          5. cashback method is so simple you get your money back minus gst within 5 working days.
          6. gst will stick around indefinitely so you just have to put up with it
        • Maverick-au on 21/08/2017 - 17:09
          -5

          @bargainswarrior03:

          I think you need to educate yourself on GST before commenting.

          the money goes to the federal government not NSW.

          GST is redistributed back to the states with NSW generally getting more then it pays. How's your GST knowledge now?

          GST applies because a service (expedited travel time using a single road) has been provided. This is required by law. GST is common in most developed nations. It is a consumption tax at the end of the day.

          Show me where you have to be charged to use a motorway in the GST legislation…… Crickets…… I've never heard anything so absurd.

          Private car users etc need to be charged initially to recognise the GST transaction. Ie get charged $4.6 to recognise $0.42 GST that needs to be attached. You would never be in a situation when you just pay GST alone.

          They don't need to be charged at all but what do you think is happening here? Are you or aren't you paying the GST alone?

          we are talking about a cashback not a refund for unsatisfactory service as per your example

          The result is the same.

          cashback method is so simple you get your money back minus gst within 5 working days.

          Of course it's simple for someone like you who knows the GST legislation off by heart.

          gst will stick around indefinitely so you just have to put up with it

          Where did I say anything about the GST going? I was talking about the ridiculous setup for this road.

        • bargainswarrior03 on 21/08/2017 - 17:22
          +3

          @Maverick-au: Given your response, I doubt we will agree on anything.

          Seeing as this is a bargain website for lay people, there is no need to go into technicalities about the law. It is not just discussing legislation, you would need to expand on case law that interprets legislation.

          I just explained to you use of a motorway is a service. The the service being the right to go through an expedited way of travel. GST is charged on goods and services.

          http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/sydney-motorways/frequently-asked-…

          RMS website (government authority) which confirms that GST is applied on all tolls. If you disagree with the legals behind this set up, I suggest that you hire a lawyer and sue the federal government for this supposed misinterpretation of the law rather than arguing on a bargains website.

          I already explained that GST works on a transaction base. As a consumer of tolls you owe GST. In order to be charged GST, you need to be charged the entire price of the service (in this case the toll) to reflect this. It's the bloody system and you are going on about how this is unfair. Consult a lawyer.

        • Maverick-au on 21/08/2017 - 17:56
          -4

          @bargainswarrior03:

          Seeing as this is a bargain website for lay people, there is no need to go into technicalities about the law. It is not just discussing legislation, you would need to expand on case law that interprets legislation.

          In other words you have no idea what you are talking about.

          I just explained to you use of a motorway is a service. The the service being the right to go through an expedited way of travel. GST is charged on goods and services.

          Utter and total rubbish. What about public transport? Is this a service? So why are free trips that apply to some people not subject to the GST? Using your logic they have to pay and get a refund minus 10%.

          What about toll roads for periods of free travel? Using your logic they have to pay and get a refund minus 10%.

          RMS website (government authority) which confirms that GST is applied on all tolls.

          This discussion is around free travel.

          If you disagree with the legals behind this set up, I suggest that you hire a lawyer and sue the federal government for this supposed misinterpretation of the law rather than arguing on a bargains website.

          Once again you don't know what you are talking about, if a service is provided but not charged for there is no need to pay the GST.

          I already explained that GST works on a transaction base. As a consumer of tolls you owe GST. In order to be charged GST, you need to be charged the entire price of the service (in this case the toll) to reflect this. It's the bloody system and you are going on about how this is unfair. Consult a lawyer.

          I've never read more absurd arguments based on utter rubbish. I never said this was unfair I said it's bloody stupid and not required and is only done because the governments sell off all of the publics assets and this is a way they can still make some money back by making it complicated so not everyone claims and still collecting the GST that they ultimately get back.

        • bargainswarrior03 on 21/08/2017 - 19:32
          +3

          @Maverick-au:

          Dude are you having a bad day or something? Stop being a troll and sue the government. I don't care to give you free legal advice as a qualified lawyer because I'm not getting paid by you. It's an effort searching up the authority. But hey you can have your opjnion about a faceless ozbargainer.

          Sue the government if you believe that you are in the legal right. Im not stoppint you. It'll be amusing.

          I'm just twiddling my thumbs enjoying the m5 rebate that's a super easy to claim back. :)

        • Maverick-au on 21/08/2017 - 22:26
          -1

          @bargainswarrior03:

          I don't care to give you free legal advice as a qualified lawyer because I'm not getting paid by you. It's an effort searching up the authority.

          About what would be expected from a lawyer…. no idea about what they're talking about and will learn when someone gives them a case.

          Sue the government if you believe that you are in the legal right. Im not stoppint you. It'll be amusing.

          Why would I do that?

          I'm just twiddling my thumbs enjoying the m5 rebate that's a super easy to claim back. :)

          Good for you, no doubt you charge someone whilst you're claiming it back but the rest have to do it on their own time.

        • MandeeBee on 21/08/2017 - 22:50
          +1

          @Maverick-au:

          It's not free travel or a refund though, so you're arguing something different altogether. It's a rebate/cash-back on the base cost of the toll where one party (the NSW Gov) is rebating the base cost that we have paid to another party (the M5 owner). The owner is receiving 100% including GST, there is no refund from them. Essentially the NSW Gov is paying us to use the M5- it's just that the amount they pay us, doesn't equate to the amount it costs us.

          It's not intended to be a free service or free travel.
          If a service is provided for free, then 10% of nothing is obviously 0. So there would be no GST to pay.

          I'm no expert on GST but in my job I've come across rulings that prevent others from paying the GST to a third party on your behalf, when they themselves didn't receive the goods or service, unless they are an authorised agent - so perhaps there is some similar issue that prevents the NSW Government from paying the M5 owner GST on our behalf, given that the NSW Government didn't receive the service. Or maybe they just don't want to cover 100% of the cost. Either way, it's better than nothing and I wish it also applied to the Lane Cove tunnel and Harbour Bridge!

        • neil aus on 23/08/2017 - 04:09

          @Maverick-au: no such thing as free travel on public roads, they are paid for out of general taxation. They are not literally 'free' they cost the taxpayers, via GST, billions of dollars.

          Such a troll.

        • Maverick-au on 23/08/2017 - 09:39
          -1

          @neil aus:

          no such thing as free travel on public roads, they are paid for out of general taxation. They are not literally 'free' they cost the taxpayers, via GST, billions of dollars.

          Wow…. Just when I thought the comments couldn't get any more absurd along you come with this….

          You don't even know the difference between general tax and the GST.

          Such a troll.

          Not very bright are you?

        • albyrw on 26/08/2017 - 18:19

          @Maverick-au:

          Wow, I obviously missed a cracking exchange about the rights and wrongs of GST.

          Regardless, the answers you seek can be found in the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth). Start with s 9-5, which explains what a taxable supply is.

          Then keep reading for another 900 pages, the mysteries of GST will gradually be revealed to you.

          There will be a quiz in Friday's class.

  • Piquant on 20/08/2017 - 21:46
    +14

    OzReminder

    • MountFranklin on 20/08/2017 - 23:06
      +3

      I wonder why this post hasn't attracted the ozb rule nazi's (ie JV) regarding "reminders are not deals"

  • DauntingEarth on 20/08/2017 - 21:52

    What about other motorways? Any cashback?

  • albyrw on 20/08/2017 - 21:58

    Seconding this, thanks OP. Very easy to claim - sign up for RMS services and then just click the link on your toll statement every quarter.

  • PVA on 20/08/2017 - 22:00
    +1

    Can someone explain why there's the claim back please. .

    • bdl on 20/08/2017 - 22:07
      -3

      Cause it's been paid off - they use non-private tolls for maintenance

      • PVA on 20/08/2017 - 22:10
        +1

        Ah, so they were still charging a toll even though it was paid off.
        So they have stopped charging now?

        • bdl on 20/08/2017 - 22:13

          They charge it you just have to cashback it :/ Government efficiency FTW

        • psychojimmy on 20/08/2017 - 22:33
          +8

          @bdl:

          It was actually the result of an election promise by the NSW Carr government to remove tolls in NSW in order to pull back some votes in South West / West Sydney. When they were re-elected, they realised that the cost wasn't viable so they introduced the M4/M5 cash back scheme (referring to the original M4 toll, not the new one).

        • bdl on 20/08/2017 - 23:52

          @psychojimmy: Cool thanks for the knowledge!

        • matthew8 on 21/08/2017 - 16:04

          @psychojimmy:
          This is correct. It's a "renegotiated" election promise.
          I have not lived in Sydney for 11 years, and I used this scheme for at least 5 years back when I did

      • djkelly69 on 20/08/2017 - 22:28

        they use non-private tolls for maintenance

        And tolls of interstate private persons… :-/

      • surethang on 20/08/2017 - 22:45
        +1

        Actually, Bob Carr made an election promise in the 90s to scrap the toll. He won the election, but broke his promise. A year on, and with pressure mounting on the issue, he introduced the cash-back system instead.

        http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/lab…

    • Bigsta on 20/08/2017 - 22:28
      +2

      Bob carr took to the election that he would scrap the tolls on the M4 and M5 which he didn't and then before the next election he came up with a difficult cashback scheme that at the time you could only take part in if you had a credit card but let him say he kept his promise.

      Still better then paying the toll, I think they just bet on most ppl not doing it or not having access to a credit card

    • thetrain on 20/08/2017 - 23:49
      +2

      M5 toll is paid to a private consortium.

      So NSW government is paying back the toll you paid to the private motorway operator.

      http://www.smh.com.au/business/sydney-toll-roads-deliver-bum…

  • [Deactivated] on 20/08/2017 - 22:26
    +5

    Should never have been a toll road in the first place. What are we paying taxes for?

    • nfr on 20/08/2017 - 22:49
      +2

      We pay taxes so politicians and bureaucrats got something to do.

    • Shwayne on 21/08/2017 - 01:02
      +3

      It's privately owned.

      • [Deactivated] on 21/08/2017 - 21:27
        +1

        I know, but no public road should be privately owned.

        • Shwayne on 22/08/2017 - 01:40

          It's a private road, which is why you have to pay to use it.

        • [Deactivated] on 22/08/2017 - 08:14
          +1

          @Shwayne: But it's open to the public. Shouldn't be privately owned. The government's job is to pay for and create infrastructure with our taxes.

        • Shwayne on 22/08/2017 - 10:52

          @jrowls: Yeah that's another matter though.

    • maxwellian on 21/08/2017 - 06:27
      +2

      For Public Healthcare, Schools, Libraries, Welfare, ABC/SBS, Armed Defense Forces, Incarceration and Penal System, Fire, Police, Ambulance… what we are NOT paying tax for is people posting cash back schemes that have been running for 20 years on OzBargain

    • GregMonarch on 21/08/2017 - 07:39
      +3

      For labor & liberal to play musical chairs each election, then do their best to make our lives miserable.

    • Repi on 21/08/2017 - 18:40

      What do we even need a State Government for, they seem to be unable to run anything, the private sector has to do it all for them.

      • [Deactivated] on 22/08/2017 - 08:15

        I have long been a believer in increasing the power of local government and getting rid of state. Won't ever happen though.

  • msmhw on 20/08/2017 - 22:30
    -1

    why they don't charge us in the first place? make life easier :(

    • aragornelessar on 20/08/2017 - 22:50
      +8

      Just like the products you buy that have a 'cashback' scheme, they make more money from the people too lazy/don't properly claim their cashback.

      • mubd1234 on 20/08/2017 - 23:04

        Plus that sweet sweet interest they earn off your money

    • thetrain on 20/08/2017 - 23:50
      +2

      M5 toll is paid to a private consortium.

      So NSW government is paying back the toll you paid to the private motorway operator.

      http://www.smh.com.au/business/sydney-toll-roads-deliver-bum…

    • Shwayne on 21/08/2017 - 01:01
      +2

      It's privately owned, you're paying the company that owns the road, the government is subsidising you.

  • DEvok on 20/08/2017 - 22:33
    +2

    Thy shouldn't even be charging for the harbour bridge it's been fully paid!

    • odysseus on 20/08/2017 - 23:29
      +1

      And now they plan to introduce tolls the other way on the bridge (and also tunnel) as well. Cause why just make some money - when you can make double the money!

    • neil aus on 23/08/2017 - 04:13

      That's for the high maintenance costs, it's painted 12 months a year! Also, without tolls, we'd have gridlock every peak hour, as everyone tries to use the road at the same time.

  • cyrax83 on 20/08/2017 - 23:13
    +2

    Government efficiency at it's finest. Just make the damn thing free. What's the point of collecting toll, then refunding it minus GST.

    • kev98 on 20/08/2017 - 23:20
      +2

      I think cars registered for business use aren't entitled to refund… maybe why?

      • Boshait on 21/08/2017 - 14:15
        +1

        Also interstate registered cars.

    • odysseus on 20/08/2017 - 23:27
      +1

      Cause many people don't claim it back. Saves the government money.

    • mubd1234 on 20/08/2017 - 23:32
      +2

      My guess - by forcing the motorist to pay the full charge upfront and then holding onto the cash for weeks and months, people are discouraged from using the motorway willy nilly, which would cost the government a $hitload more than it currently does.

      Plus, trucks and business registered cars still need to pay the full toll.

      And there will be the people who are unaware/are forgetful of the cashback offer, which means the government saves even more money. It's the same thing with cashback deals you see in store.

    • thetrain on 20/08/2017 - 23:50
      +2

      M5 toll is paid to a private consortium.

      So NSW government is paying back the toll you paid to the private motorway operator.

      http://www.smh.com.au/business/sydney-toll-roads-deliver-bum…

      • ozbd on 21/08/2017 - 09:07
        +2

        It's perplexing that everyone seems to be ignoring this haha

  • jonnois on 20/08/2017 - 23:27

    man they need to do this for QLD, I get 4 tolls every weekday on my work trip

    • GregMonarch on 21/08/2017 - 07:42
      +2

      There's a political party in QLD that is always calling out/calling for, the removal of tolls.

  • D3m3ntia on 20/08/2017 - 23:45
    +3

    Wow. Between the M5 cashback and the half price license renewals for good drivers, I'll be a millionaire soon! I'll need to check ozhowtodolife more often. I save 300 each time I don't run a red light if anyone is interested

    • Cheapskate Paul on 20/08/2017 - 23:58
      +3

      South Australia is even better. You save over $450 each time you don't run a red light.

      We also don't have toll roads, we're almost a socialist state (-:

      • Antikythera on 21/08/2017 - 01:14
        +14

        power to the people! oh wait. do you have power back yet?

        • neil aus on 23/08/2017 - 04:15

          They do, a d a lot cheaper than NSW and QLD, sadly.

  • Windows7forever on 21/08/2017 - 05:31
    -1

    Why do you think they are being so 'generous' and offering this?
    It's the NSW govt after all. They are addicted to extra revenue are they not?

    • bargainswarrior03 on 21/08/2017 - 16:13
      +1

      Dude, m5 is privately owned. The company canno charge a toll if there is no more building of m5 that is required. Tolls are charged by private companies to pay for the cost of building motorways.

      You owe GST to the federal government because well you have used a service (use of a motorway).

      • Windows7forever on 22/08/2017 - 05:02
        +1

        Fair enough. I hate paying tolls as much as possible. My gf bought me an etag because I was actively avoiding them and spending more time driving in traffic. A regular round trip can be about $10 in tolls.

        • bargainswarrior03 on 22/08/2017 - 11:43

          Yeah, it's annoying paying for tolls! I actively avoid unless I have no choice! Or I can somehow incorporate the m5 because I can make a rebate!

  • Scab on 21/08/2017 - 07:27
    +1

    What an absolute rort these tolls are.

    I'm with E-Toll, I have to pay a $40 deposit, keep a minimum $40 balance and it's a minimum $40 top up.

    That's $120 of my money in government coffers for tolls I almost never use.

    • Caped Baldy on 21/08/2017 - 08:05
      +2

      Did you see that other deal for $50 toll credit?

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join