Govt cracks down on airport TRS rebates for Aust travellers

[blackcat20]

We usually head to the lounge for a drink and a bite to eat, then I wander back to the TRS counter to get my refund before heading back to the lounge.

 

[coriander]

Considering the alternative could be regarded as fraud, quite a few I would hope.

Yep, that vast majority of people who also have never ever exceeded a speed limit in their life, never fudged a figure on their tax returns....... oh wait.....

 

[Cryptarcadian]

I know BNE and SYD have a box you can place a completed TRS claim with your receipt and a self-addressed envelope so receipts can be returned to you. Can take up to a month to process but worth waiting.

Is that available at all times in SYD and BNE? Or only while the counters are closed (whenever that might be)?

Come to think of it ...how do they check that you've actually taken the items out of the country in that case, since they can't sight them? Just honestly, I guess?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Is that available at all times in SYD and BNE? Or only while the counters are closed (whenever that might be)?

Come to think of it ...how do they check that you've actually taken the items out of the country in that case, since they can't sight them? Just honestly, I guess?

In CNS, it's only when the counters are shut and I can't recall seeing the box in BNE but I've only been through when the counters have been staffed and yes, if the box is out, it's an honesty system.

 

[Daver6]

Is that available at all times in SYD and BNE? Or only while the counters are closed (whenever that might be)?

Come to think of it ...how do they check that you've actually taken the items out of the country in that case, since they can't sight them? Just honestly, I guess?

They can't check. Honesty system.

At PER T1 a few years ago the queue was moving slowly and even though the TRS counter was open, one could still use just fill out the form and drop in the box. Both times I've used the box, payment has been received in less than a week.

 

[JohnK]

Is that available at all times in SYD and BNE? Or only while the counters are closed (whenever that might be)?

Come to think of it ...how do they check that you've actually taken the items out of the country in that case, since they can't sight them? Just honestly, I guess?

I've seen the box at other times. If you do use the box they can't really check.

 

[Quickstatus]

Is TRS at SYD open in time for the 0600 departure of EK415 ?

 

[Bilton]

Is TRS at SYD open in time for the 0600 departure of EK415 ?

I'd like to know that as well.....

 

[davidj]

I'm still waiting for this "crack down"

 

[Stone]

I'm still waiting for this "crack down"

The officer who processes the refund may put an entry on your passport file so that when you come into the country, if you don’t declare the item, you will be taken aside for screening (until they find the item, and decide if you need to pay duty or not.)

I have a feeling this might happen if you do it more than once. Not that it has ever happened to me though!

 

[Mrmaxwell]

The officer who processes the refund may put an entry on your passport file so that when you come into the country, if you don’t declare the item, you will be taken aside for screening

I would say there is a certain dollar threshold where this procedure is triggered.

On my last trip I was behind an Australian Chinese (AU passport) who was speaking in broken English about not understanding what the customs officer was telling him about his $49k Cartier watch and subsequent $4k+ refund - she said it has been flagged against his passport and if he returns with the watch he will need to pay the GST duty.

They certainly have never bothered me when I’ve claimed an iPhone or camera.

 

[marki]

I would say there is a certain dollar threshold where this procedure is triggered.

On my last trip I was behind an Australian Chinese (AU passport) who was speaking in broken English about not understanding what the customs officer was telling him about his $49k Cartier watch and subsequent $4k+ refund - she said it has been flagged against his passport and if he returns with the watch he will need to pay the GST duty.

They certainly have never bothered me when I’ve claimed an iPhone or camera.

That is very specific

 

[Mrmaxwell]

That is very specific

I prefer specific to vague generalisations and guessing

 

[davidj]

On my last trip I was behind an Australian Chinese

And on return they whip out their China passport. No more interrogation risk on return.

 

[DC3]

I'm still waiting for this "crack down"

Agree with that. I have not seen any Government crack down. No recent changes at all.

Edit: Maybe its still coming.

 

[Himeno]

This entire TRS thing never even occurred to me.

What sorts of things do people claim the GST back on?
The only thing I really have that I could claim is my laptop, and I only get a new one maybe once every 3-4 years when the prior one dies.

 

[blackcat20]

This entire TRS thing never even occurred to me.

What sorts of things do people claim the GST back on?
The only thing I really have that I could claim is my laptop, and I only get a new one maybe once every 3-4 years when the prior one dies.

We've claimed a phone, a tablet, and our wedding rings.

 

[serfty]

If you run a business GST claim from TRS is not relevant for items used as part of that business as the GST can be use as an input tax credit.

It's personal items such as a Galaxy Tab; clothing, jewellery, and other easy to carry items that are best suited.

 

[Daver6]

This entire TRS thing never even occurred to me.

What sorts of things do people claim the GST back on?
The only thing I really have that I could claim is my laptop, and I only get a new one maybe once every 3-4 years when the prior one dies.

Clothing is the main one. Also when I purchased new spectacle frames I happened to be going overseas within the allotted time, so claimed that too.

 

[OZDUCK]

Similar with us- laptop, phone, cameras, sunglasses etc. None of which were expensive enough to affect our duty free allowance.