Tourist Refund Scheme

[htchapman]

Did not get questioned. Passed through without hassles.

My experience exactly.

 

[asiaflyer]

Thanks for the updates.

I've concluded I'll go to the TRS desk and be frank with them. If they say I can claim all the gst and still bring the camera back without paying all the gst back I'll do so. Second option is to just claim the gst on the slr body only (not sure if they'll refund just one item from an invoice of multiple items). Third option is the too hard basket - forget it and head to the lounge for a drink.

In any case I'll be paying them a visit as I bought a couple of suits which I'll be taking away and will claim their gst back (as I understand it from the customs website clothing is excluded from the $900 limit).

Also looking at the customs website I was suprised to see that internet purchases up to $1,000 received via mail will not have duty/gst applied on them. Kind of makes the limits for those that are actually travelling seem a little unjust!!!

 

[JohnK]

I recently purchased a laptop retail for ~$800. If I took this with me overseas in a few weeks would I be able to claim the back the GST and be able to bring the laptop back into the country? Is all the hassle worth the ~$70 TRS refund?

 

[simongr]

You are allowed to bring in $900 of gear so your laptop is below the threshhold alreadyso there is no problem.

I would certainly do this - it takes 5 minutes and can be done on the way to lounge in Sydney.

 

[medhead]

Thanks for the updates.

I've concluded I'll go to the TRS desk and be frank with them. If they say I can claim all the gst and still bring the camera back without paying all the gst back I'll do so. Second option is to just claim the gst on the slr body only (not sure if they'll refund just one item from an invoice of multiple items). Third option is the too hard basket - forget it and head to the lounge for a drink.

In any case I'll be paying them a visit as I bought a couple of suits which I'll be taking away and will claim their gst back (as I understand it from the customs website clothing is excluded from the $900 limit).

Also looking at the customs website I was suprised to see that internet purchases up to $1,000 received via mail will not have duty/gst applied on them. Kind of makes the limits for those that are actually travelling seem a little unjust!!!

Are you travelling with anyone else? Each person gets $900 and children get $450, that can be pooled together. You don't have to tell the other person about this because you make the assessment of the total value per person and then only have to justify it to customs if they ask you.

Regarding the mail thing. As others have suggested you could post back some of your items of value < $1000 and carry back the remain items of <$900 (or close to $900).

At some point in the past, customs also had a fudge factor where in general they would let you go over provided that the amount owning was less then like $50 or $100. That why in the past (>10 years ago) everyone could get in an extra bottle of grog. But limits have changed since then and I don't know if they still have this unwritten policy.

Will you keep the camera in the package. If so, I reckon you have a greater chance to be pulled up. The fact is that used equipment is GST free anyway. So consider when something becomes used?

Personally, I'd claim it all. I wouldn't discuss coming back in with the TRS people unless they ask. But even then it is not the job of the TRS people to enforce importation laws. If they mention the $900 say it's cool because you're travelling with others (you are, there are lots of people on the plane) or you plan to leave it O/S to use when you go back. Plans can change.....

 

[serfty]

... At some point in the past, customs also had a fudge factor where in general they would let you go over provided that the amount owning was less then like $50 or $100. That why in the past (>10 years ago) everyone could get in an extra bottle of grog. But limits have changed since then and I don't know if they still have this unwritten policy. ...

An inbound PAX used to get $50 total leeway before they would have to pay any tax/excise. This was removed just over 3½ years ago with $500 being added to general and the liquor concession doubling.

As per the following threads, I used to use the $50 for an extra carton of cigarettes; can't do that anymore (NO, I do not smoke):

• http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/open-discussion/changes-to-duty-free-allowances-5236.html
• http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/open-discussion/warning-duty-free-allowance-into-5426.html

... Will you keep the camera in the package. If so, I reckon you have a greater chance to be pulled up. The fact is that used equipment is GST free anyway. So consider when something becomes used? ...

They give a standard 20% discount for newish used equipment, so if used you have up to AUD1125 purchase price before taking the discount to get AUD900.

 

[medhead]

They give a standard 20% discount for newish used equipment, so if used you have up to AUD1125 purchase price before taking the discount to get AUD900.

Thanks for the info. I lost track a bit after no longer associating with someone working in duty free shop for a few years.

That was eye opening for ways to by passing the system. Some of the DF shops at Surfers used to just pay the tax for a customs miss on goods. As the passport has no address, you could provide a false address and not bother taking the goods O/S with you. The shop would just pay the tax and have no way to recover it. But this is not so relevant today as they don't seem to do the sealed (bonded) bag thing anymore.

 

[JohnK]

I recently purchased a laptop retail for ~$800. If I took this with me overseas in a few weeks would I be able to claim the back the GST and be able to bring the laptop back into the country? Is all the hassle worth the ~$70 TRS refund?

It would be a waste of time trying to claim back the GSt component of my laptop purchase.

purchase the goods within 30 days of leaving Australia

 

[asiaflyer]

Well an update as to how I went.

(note travelling by myself so no ability to get a family limit)

Claimed gst back as follows from the TRS on departure.
- 2 new suits carried on - no problem
- 5 new shirts checked in - not allowed as not carried on. (thought I'd give it a go)
- $2k camera & lens carried on. On querying was told I would need to declare on return as over $900. It was indicated suits would be included in the excess until I mentioned the customs website excludes personal clothing, which was agreed.

On return I did the right thing and ticked the goods in excess of $900 on the declaration. I was asked what it was and explained a $2k camera which I claimed the gst back for via TRS. My bags were x-rayed for food as usual and I was waived through with the excess never mentioned again.

No idea of this was good luck, but in my case honest paid off!!

 

[serfty]

It would be a waste of time trying to claim back the GSt component of my laptop purchase.

Actually it would be a complete waste of time.

You should be able to claim the entire cost of the laptop either:

1. Off your income as a necessary item for your profession, or
2. A business expense if you have an ABN. (Moreover, you can claim the GST amount as an input Tax Credit)

Note, IANAL (nor an accountant), but the above is very straight forward.

 

[JohnK]

Actually it would be a complete waste of time.


You should be able to claim the entire cost of the laptop either:

1. Off your income as a necessary item for your profession, or
2. A business expense if you have an ABN. (Moreover, you can claim the GST amount as an input Tax Credit)

I have an ABN although it would be difficult to claim expenses such as laptops when in fulltime employment and not working as contractor.

I can see one get out of jail card in being able to claim the laptop, able to work from home, but that will not be until I do 2008/2009 tax return in 4 years time as I have not even done 2004/2005 tax return yet....

 

[Evan]

[/list]
<..>, but that will not be until I do 2008/2009 tax return in 4 years time as I have not even done 2004/2005 tax return yet....

hahaha, sounds a lot like me
I always do my BAS, but my personal tax returns need some attention, still i am 100% sure they owe me money so thats why they don't chase me i guess.
E

 

[JohnK]

hahaha, sounds a lot like me
I always do my BAS, but my personal tax returns need some attention, still i am 100% sure they owe me money so thats why they don't chase me i guess.

Actually the ATO have sent my accountant a list of people who have not lodged tax returns for a number of years and I am on that list. He keeps reminding me but I keep stalling as I do not have the necessary receipts in order to complete the tax returns. The receipts have been put away for safe keeping in a black hole and I don't know where or how to find them.

I think the ATO owes me money but it is another problem I do not need to have in my life right now....

 

[Dave Noble]

If you don't have the receipts , or proof of purchase, then you cannot claim the items , so is hardly a reaosn to not make the returns. If you subsequently find them, then an adjustment return can be made

Dave

 

[simongr]

Wow and I thought I was bad this year doing my 2007/2008 return in Sep. I normally endeavour to do it within 48 hours of getting my wifes Group Certificate (which is always received later than mine).

 

[oz_mark]

I haven't done 2007/2008 yet..

 

[Dave Noble]

Wow and I thought I was bad this year doing my 2007/2008 return in Sep. I normally endeavour to do it within 48 hours of getting my wifes Group Certificate (which is always received later than mine).

my best is that, I did mine this year electronically at 16:59 on the 30th June .. Had no need for a "group Certificate" since I could get the relevent information off of my June payslip and had it all prepared a week before the end of june; didn't want to wait any longer than necessary to get my refund


Dave

 

[simongr]

That's good work - what about mrs Dave Noble'sgroup cert?

 

[serfty]

... I can see one get out of jail card in being able to claim the laptop, able to work from home, but that will not be until I do 2008/2009 tax return in 4 years time as I have not even done 2004/2005 tax return yet....

OK,

Getting back to this topic; how often do you do your BAS?

At the very least you can claim the GST (Which is what you get back from TRS) as input TAX credits as surely the Laptop is of necessary assistance to run your business ... as in day to day operations and/or promoting further work down the track.

 

[JohnK]

OK,

Getting back to this topic; how often do you do your BAS?

I havent' done a BAS statement in close to 18 months. I was out of work for over 12 months before starting full time employment in July.

If you don't have the receipts , or proof of purchase, then you cannot claim the items , so is hardly a reaosn to not make the returns. If you subsequently find them, then an adjustment return can be made

Dave, if it was as simple as that then I would have done the tax return already. I am working in Brisbane full time and I do not have the time to look for receipts, statements, invoices etc from 4 years ago. Anyway we are getting way off topic in this thread....