Government Rebate?

[Goal2010]

I was doing a bit of hunting about looking at equipment I'm going to need for the trek and ended up at a little store which specialised in such things.

In speaking with the sales lady, she mentioned to me that purchases for equipment would be eligible for a government rebate of the GST value.

Whilst not a huge amount of money, any is better than none I figure, but I can't remember ever reading/hearing about this.

Is this correct?

[Brian]

Hi

This is correct you can claim GST back BUT to the best of my knowledge you have to remain out of the country with the items purchased for I think it is three months to be able to do. Also I believe as you are a resident here and not a visitor you will not be able to use the item until after you have left the country.

For example if you are going to Kokoda in a few months time you could not buy your boots and wear them in prior to leaving if you wanted to get the GST back that is as you may not be able to wear them until you have passed through Customs on the way out. This applies to a Australian resident unlike a visitor to this country who can use them as soon as he/she has purchased them.

If you are just going to Kokoda and back I do not think that you will be away long enough.

Give the taxation department enquiries a call they will not mind and will possibly confirm what I am thinking.

What ever have a great trek and hopefully with KTL who are the best as far as I am concerned.

[Goal2010]

QUOTE(Brian @ 10 Aug 2009, 02:59 PM) [snapback]9971[/snapback]

Hi

This is correct you can claim GST back BUT to the best of my knowledge you have to remain out of the country with the items purchased for I think it is three months to be able to do. Also I believe as you are a resident here and not a visitor you will not be able to use the time until after you have left the country.

Brian, thanks mate. I was surprised to hear the comment at the time as I have spent a heck of a lot of time going through this forum and never read about it.

Definately want to break my equipment in before leaving and certainly won't be leaving missus and kids for anything longer than a couple of weeks.

Thanks for that mate.

Wayne.

[yowieshane]

Hi all

This scheme is called the TRS – Tourist Refund Scheme

BUT despite it being called tourist refund scheme it also applies to Aust residents going o/seas on holidays

Basically you have to spend over $300 (easy with trekking gear)
Spend over $300 in the 1 shop – have it all on 1 invoice
And you have to purchase the item(s) in the last 30 days before your travel
And you may need to present the items to a Customs Officer when making your claim upon departing the country – there are TRS booths at all major airports in Aust after you clear immigration/customs (in the departure lounge)

You can get more info from Customs website – not taxation.

It's not really handy for trekking stuff like boots as you need to wear them in more than just 30 days. Alot of people buy cameras and you can get the GST refunded on them if they are over the $300.

Be aware though that you may need to pay duty/GST on return to Australia if you spend over $900 on items o/seas.

Best bet is to go to the Customs website for a brochure called "Know before you go"

Hope this helps

[panasonic]

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