Take Off And Holiday With A GST Refund In Your Pocket

Are you a tourist or an Australian resident travelling overseas?

At a glance: The Tourist Refund Scheme [TRS] enables travellers to claim a refund for tax paid on goods purchased in Australia.

Taxpayers travelling overseas, regardless of whether they are Australian residents or not, are entitled to a refund of any Goods and Services Tax [GST] and Wine Equalisation Tax [WET] paid on eligible goods purchased in Australia.

To be eligible to claim the refund, taxpayers must:

 

- have spent at least $300 in one store and get a single tax invoice;

- buy eligible goods not more than 30 days before departure;

 

Subject to some exceptions, taxpayers are entitled to the refund for goods worn and/or carried on to the aircraft or ship as hand luggage when they leave Australia.The GST refund amount is 1/11th of the total amount of the purchase; while the WET refund is 14.5% of the total amount paid for the wine. Claims for the TRS refund can be made at Customs TRS facilities at most Australian international airports and cruise liner terminals.

The following items should be presented when making a TRS refund claim:

 

- The goods purchased;

- Original tax invoice totalling $300 or more;

- Passport; and

- Boarding pass or any other proof of travel.

 

Remember: You should be aware of the TRS If you are going to travel - Overseas travellers can claim a refund for the tax paid on goods purchased in Australia. Contact us if you require any clarification or advice.