Tourist Refund Scheme Online Apply, Claim TRS, Maximum Limit & Eligible Products List

Last Updated on: 29th January 2024, 04:33 pm

Australia’s Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border Force jointly administer the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS), designed to reimburse departing tourists for Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Wine Equalization Tax (WET) on eligible purchases.

The TRS applies to items acquired from an Australian Business Number (ABN)-registered GST merchant at GST or WET pricing.

What is the Tourist Refund Scheme:

Tourists can seek a refund of GST and WET paid on specific products purchased in Australia under the TRS. To be eligible, make a purchase of $300 or more (including GST) from an establishment sharing an ABN.

The TRS facility is located at T2 Departures, the main tax and duty-free shop after customs, overseen by the Australian Border Force (ABF). Available to all foreign tourists and Australian citizens, except operational flight crew members. You can check also American Rescue Plan Stimulus Checks Amount & Payment Status.

Can Australian citizens claim GST at the airport:

To initiate a claim, follow these steps:

1. Make a single business purchase of $300 or more (including GST) from a shop or chain of businesses with the same ABN.
2. Acquire merchandise no later than sixty days before departing Australia.
3. Bring the items as hand baggage to the airport (except prohibited items) and submit them at the TRS office with your tax invoice, passport, and international boarding pass.
4. Personally cover the cost of the items.
5. Possess the original tax invoices.
6. Ensure timely immigration clearance, at least ninety minutes before departure, to allow sufficient time for claim submission.

Tourist Refund Scheme app for Quick Claims:

The Department of Home Affairs has developed online and mobile applications (apps) for the Tourist Refund Scheme, allowing travelers to expedite the claim process. The app generates a QR code representing the TRS claim code, which must be presented to an officer at the TRS facility upon departure.

Through the app, input:

1. Details of your trip.
2. Information about products for which you are seeking a refund (WET and/or GST) and your preferred method of receiving the tax return.

Conditions for TRS Refunds:

Refunds are available if:

1. Items were purchased within 60 days before departing from Australia.
2. Transactions totaling AUD300 (GST included) or more were made from a single company with the same ABN.
3. The passenger personally paid for the items.
4. A tangible copy of the original tax invoice is presented at the time of the claim.

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Items Not Eligible for TRS:

Certain items and services are non-refundable, including:

1. Alcohol and tobacco from duty-free businesses.
2. GST-free items without GST.
3. Australian-consumed goods like food.
4. Restricted items such as gas cylinders, pyrotechnics, and aerosol sprays as per aircraft and ship safety regulations.
5. Unaccompanied goods, tours, accommodations, auto rentals, labor, online purchases brought into Australia, and gift cards/vouchers (unless TRS conditions are met for items purchased with them).

VAT Refund in Europe:

Australians leaving the EU can potentially reclaim Value Added Tax (VAT) when shopping. The minimum expenditure varies by country, and travelers should inquire about VAT-free pricing during purchases.

Items non-eligible for TRS Refund:

Certain items and services are non-refundable, including:

1. Alcohol and tobacco from duty-free businesses.
2. GST-free items without GST.
3. Australian-consumed goods like food.
4. Restricted items such as gas cylinders, pyrotechnics, and aerosol sprays as per aircraft and ship safety regulations.
5. Unaccompanied goods, tours, accommodations, auto rentals, labor, online purchases brought into Australia, and gift cards/vouchers (unless TRS conditions are met for items purchased with them).