Duty Free
The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) is a program initiated by the Australian Government that permits international travellers to claim the GST on eligible goods purchased at Georges.
The GST is a 10% tax levied on most goods and services purchased that meet a certain criterion, such as being purchased within 60 days before your departure from Australia and to the value of $300 or more. The items should be intended for personal use and taken out of the country with you or packed in your checked luggage or carry-on bags. The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) is available to all international visitors and Australian residents, with the exception of air and sea crew members who are on duty. You can make a claim for a tax refund by visiting the TRS facility in an international airport or the cruise liner terminal of some Australian seaports.
Purchases are eligible for refunds if:
1. You purchased in the 60 days before you leave Australia
2. Your purchases from any single business totals $300 (GST inclusive) or more. Multiple invoices can be provided.
3. You, the passenger, paid for the goods
4. You have an original tax invoice for the goods
5. You wear or carry the goods (unless they are liquids, gels or aerosols or oversized or bulky goods which the airline require to be checked in) as hand luggage aboard the aircraft or ship as you leave Australia, or check the goods in with your luggage after they have been verified by an officer at a Client Services counter.
You will be refunded the total GST (price you paid divided by 11), on all of your eligible goods. Refunds to a credit card or to an Australian bank account will generally be paid within 60 days. Refunds by cheque can take up to two months.
You Should:
1. Bring your goods, original tax invoices, passport and boarding pass to the TRS facility.
2. If you have pre-entered your claim details using the TRS web or mobile app you must also present your TRS claim code to an officer at the TRS counter. For more information on the TRS claim code visit the Tourist Refund Scheme applications webpage.
3. A tax invoice has the word 'tax invoice' on it and shows the business name and Australian Business Number (ABN) of the retailer, the purchase price including the GST and/or WET paid, a description of the goods and the date you purchased the goods. For tax invoices over $1,000, the tax invoice must also show your name and address.
4. If you are unable to present some or all of your goods and/or tax invoices on request, or cannot provide evidence that an officer has sighted your goods, some or all of your claim may be rejected.
For More Information:
Further information can be obtained from Customs on:
• Phone:
• Within Australia - 1300 363 263 (for the cost of a local call)
• Outside Australia - +61 2 6275 6666
• Internet: http://www.customs.gov.au
• Email: information@customs.gov.au