Thanks to the tourist refund scheme (or TRS), travellers departing from Australia are entitled to tax claims on eligible goods & services.

So, if you are in Australia and purchased things during your stay, remember to get your taxes reimbursed when leaving the country. Not only temporary visitors but this rule applies to Australian citizens also. And wouldn’t it be amazing to start your next trip with some extra money in your pockets?

You answered yes; we heard it. But you must meet the criteria and requirements to claim these GST back on departure. Also, you must arrive at the port with all the documents and goods in tow. In this blog, you will find all the essential information regarding GST claims on departure from Australia.

What is Tourist Refund Scheme?

The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) enables individuals and families departing from Australia to claim GST (Goods & Services Tax) back in Australia. It is also possible to claim wine equalisation tax (WET) when leaving the country through a tourist refund scheme.

Some people might get confused that only tourists can benefit from this scheme; bear in mind that citizens heading for holiday and tourists leaving Australia can get GST back through TRS. However, one can only claim taxes for certain goods; some exclusions exist in the scheme.

Purchases Eligible for GST Refund

To make a claim for a GST refund, you are required to meet specific criteria and information regarding the same is as follows: –

• Claimant must have paid for the goods and services himself.
• The cost of the item must be equivalent to or greater than $300.
• The date of purchase must not be more than 60 days before the date of departure from Australia.
•  You must submit the original hardcopy of the tax invoice (no digital versions or duplicates are accepted).
• Purchases made online from an Australian retailer are also eligible for GST claim. However, you must print and submit a copy of the invoice at the TRS counter.

Goods You’re Not Eligible for Refund On

After getting familiar with the things eligible for GST refund, you must know the goods you are not eligible to claim a GST refund on. Here’s what you should learn about ineligible services and goods for GST tax refunds in Australia: –

• GST-free goods are ineligible for GST refund
• Dangerous Goods (aerosol, fireworks, etc.)
• Tobacco Products
• Alcohol
• Medication
• Services (car rentals, tours, hotels, etc.)
• Goods You’re Not Carrying on the Flight

Note: This list may not contain all the information regarding the purchases you can claim and can’t claim a GST refund. For comprehensive information regarding the same, you can visit the Australian Border Force website or contact our tax agents in Australia.

How to Claim Your GST in Australia?

The TRS claim can only be made at the airport after customs. While at the airport, look for the signs indicating the TRS counter. To expedite the GST refund claim process, one can check the airport’s website, where you will be flying.

You can expect a waiting time of 90 minutes at the airport, which may vary depending on the circumstances and crowd. So, ensure you arrive and have enough time to claim your GST refund.

The GST refund will be paid in your Australian bank account or credit card balance, or you can get a check issued that you can cash later. You can expect the claimed amount to reflect in your given bank account within 60 days. At the counter, you may need to submit the following documents: –

• Invoices
• Goods
• Passport
• Boarding Pass

Final Verdict

When travelling to a different country, you spend much money, but in Australia, you can get a few dollars back when leaving. It is possible with the TRS (Tourist Refund Scheme), and all the information on the things eligible for GST refund and the process of claiming GST refund is mentioned in this exclusive blog.

So, when you depart from Australia, remember to claim all the GST refunds you are entitled to, and you will have some extra dollars to spend in your next country. However, if you face any problem while lodging an application for a GST refund, contact our professionals; they will give their 100% to find you a solution.