Not sure that belongs here so I'll keep it simple - if I'm to receive a brand-new camera as a gift in a different country, would I be able to bring it back into Australia tax-free? Do I need to declare it at all?
Tax on a Camera Received as a Gift Overseas
BargainCowboy on 11/11/2022 - 14:07
Comments
Thanks jv, that sucks. Would I need to pay tax only on that portion which is over $900 or the entire thing?
"If you exceed Australia’s duty free limits, duty and tax will apply on all items of that type (general goods, alcohol or tobacco), not just the goods over the limit."
I would be sure to use said new camera, making it a used camera, and therefore reducing the value somewhat.
Interesting, I didn't think of that - the dry law says 12 months is tax-free, but is it pro-rated otherwise?
Note you can combine the limits of all passengers. i.e if two adults are coming back, then the combined limit would be 1800AUD
Yes noted that in jv's link, but I'm flying solo unfortunately.
Might work out cheaper to find a wife whilst overseas…
(Un)fortunately I already have one…
Can you scratch the casing of the camera to devalue it? Or get a pawn shop to quote it as being worth $800. I guess probably not, doesn't sound like it's in the spirit of the law.
Depends on the value of the camera. You get a $900 duty-free exception upon arrival. You only need to declare if the total value of new things you acquired/received while overseas is above that threshold. Most general clothing and other consumables are usually exempt so you don't have to include them in the total.
If you don't have a receipt for the value of the camera, they usually would look up the RRP on the manufacturer's website to calculate the GST you need to pay.
If in doubt Declare!
Yes absolutely, will do. Thanks mate
Use at your own risk - but dont say it's a gift.
Get rid of the documentation or post the documents back in a parcel, and freely hold camera as you return to Australia.
The custom agents won't know if it's a gift or one say you left the country with to use overseas, and simply returning with.
Would it make any difference if it's a gift or not? Doesn't seem to be the case if it's over $900. I'm not exactly the lying type either, so will probably just declare.
I was in the process of edditing, but was about to say that it'll rely on your poker face.
The agents will simply look at your declaration card and assess. They're not likely to take hold of the camera and interogate you about it's history etc.
If you look suspicious, they may stop you.
I was in the process of edditing
It didn't work unfortunately…
It's commendable to be honest even if it means more tax, you should feel good about your decision.
Just don't declare it,
She'll be right.
I'll send you the fine…
By fine you mean implied duty which you'd pay anyway?
I have a mate who's an avid watch collector. He travels to Europe every few years, buys a couple of rolexes and brings them back to Australia.
Never been picked up on it and the tax savings effectively pay for his holiday, just wears one on his wrist as he walks through customs, no one bats an eye..
Just don't declare it
I can already see what's coming up in next year's season of:
"Border Security: Australia's Front Line""Sir, Why didn't you declare that new camera on your customs form?"
.
.
"Ummmm, some random person on OzBargain told me 'She'll be right.' "….Works 60% of the time everytime
What? I don't know why you'd declare it at all - do people actually worry about this sort of stuff?
I have lived here all my life and have never heard of this rule/never heard of anyone declaring any gifts like this… if you do declare it you are just hurting yourself following the rules way too strictly. I'd be happy to talk out of my ass and say that the customs rules weren't written for cases like yours so it shouldn't matter regardless.
Well they claim you can get fined if caught. I assume the fine is wayyyy greater than the GST.
So do tourists have to pay GST on any camera they bring into the country?
No, because they are tourists and aim to take it back with them.
How do they know if the tourist took it back though? What if it breaks or they lost it while travelling in Australia? Do they have to pay GST?
How do they know if the tourist took it back though?
They need to show them, or they will pay duty.
What if it breaks or they lost it while travelling in Australia? Do they have to pay GST?
Yes
Throw the box and any wrappings, no one will ask questions.
I took a pro canon1DS mk11, 2 pro lenses and a flash to the US 2008. I bought a pro lens in Maine. It came back with the others no questions asked. I didn't bring the box, instructions or any paperwork.
You travelled out with that camera, right?..right?
I'd be more concerned about ABF's still ongoing powers to take your phone and download all its contents, no warrant, simply if they decide they want to.
Yep. Travelled out with Pro camera, 2 pro lenses and a flash. Came back with an extra pro lens purchased in the USA.
I've never been asked about any of my gear when arriving in Australia. Travelled plenty of times with laptops, cameras, phone - each individually and together would be >$900 easily.
Think about the logistics - the custom agent will need to ask every single person arriving about every new iPhone - did you buy that overseas? It is not a priority for them.
I'm no lawyer, but I would think the burden of proof would be on them if they gave you a fine. They would have to prove you owed duty. Very, very difficult for then to do.
Don't be a numpty and don't specifically go telling them you owe duty, they won't know/care or be able to prove you do.
the custom agent will need to ask every single person arriving
No, they select random people, not everyone…
they won't know/care or be able to prove you do.
when you are caught, you will have to pay a fine in addition to the duty.
it will also go on your file and you'll be thoroughly checked pretty much every time you go through customs in the future.
No if sell for over $900 AUD
Yes if sell for over $900 AUD
"If you are aged 18 years or over, you can bring up to AUD900 worth of general goods into Australia duty free."
https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/duty-f…
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