Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

[kipper]

Hi, well it's almost time for me to depart on my trip and was wondering if anybody can tell me a few things about TRS.

Firstly, for those of you in Melbourne, exactly where do you go to make your claims at Melbourne Airport?

Secondly, do you need to do it before or after checkin?

Thirdly, do you need boxes/warranty or do you just need the item and tax invoice/receipt?[/b]

[birddog114]

Melbourne or Sydney, they are all the same no difference.
Do it after pass Immigartion checpoint
You only need a TAX Invoice from your supplier, your purchased items with serial numbers and show to the TRS staffs at their counter with your big smile with the form had been filled up all your details as:
- address, tel.
- purchased priced.
Married or not married,
Question from them: why do you like the D70 not the Canon E 300 ?(Joke! please don't take)

[kipper]

Can you get the forms to fill out before hand?

[ajo43]

There are no forms. Just take the camera, your credit card (for the refund to go on to) and the original receipt (dated less than 30 days prior).

[birddog114]

Can you get the forms to fill out before hand?

No the claim form is right in the from counter, just few word won't take you long but you have to prepare for a long queue sometime.

[Nicole]

Birddog has covered it all. If you're taking your card with you they can refund it stright back onto the card.

Never flown international from Mel though. Here's the link to the International map though in Mel to give you an idea. http://www.melair.com.au/images/printable_maps/internationalDepartures.pdf

It will be after customs so should be ok to find. Last time we flew from Perth and had a tight connection and still managed to find the TRS in time so don't stress too much.

[kipper]

I hate sound like a nerd but doesn't that image look like a tlhIngan Warbird?

[dimmo]

What if someone buys a camera overseas (new) and sends it to me with the receipt, can I get back the GST that they paid? (IF I am reimbursing them for buying it....)

[Onyx]

Dimmo - if they bought it overseas, the purchase won't be subject to Australian GST.

[dimmo]

Nah, but they will be charged 5% singapore gst heh :/

[birddog114]

What if someone buys a camera overseas (new) and sends it to me with the receipt, can I get back the GST that they paid? (IF I am reimbursing them for buying it....)

dimmo,
the GST refunds is only applied in Australia and only for Australian Vendor whomever can issuing you a TAX INVOICE with ABN number.
Yes, say: if I sell you a D70 kit Grey Import with a TAX INVOICE w/ ABN Number then you can request for the refund when you're travelling o/s within 30 days of purchase or you can claim portion of GST on that invoice if you're a trader/ Business and have an ABN registered when you do your BAS at monthly/ quarterly or yearly

[lejazzcat]

[quote="Birddog114"]
You only need a TAX Invoice from your supplier, your purchased items with serial numbers and show to the TRS staffs at their counter with your big smile with the form had been filled up all your details as:
- address, tel.
- purchased priced.
Married or not married,
quote]

Hi guys/gals -( my first forum post)

Ok so what happens when you return from OS and customs asks you if you have anything to declare? Do you tell them you claimed TRS on the camera at departure?

Ill have other gear with me so itll look as part of a bigger kit , but, still do they check this sort of thing ?Do they have a record of your departure to double check against?

And as for married or not, does that mean my girfriend/travel buddy can use her $900 duty free limit, add it to mine and we have a $1800 duty free limit, and were covered either way?
And will the tax invoice(say from birddog/maxwell) show the before or after rebate price - ie the figure the will calculate the 1/11th TRS on.

im going to eastern europe in march - WOOOHOO!
PRAGUE, BUDAPEST,VIENNA... shutterbug heaven!

[birddog114]

You only need a TAX Invoice from your supplier, your purchased items with serial numbers and show to the TRS staffs at their counter with your big smile with the form had been filled up all your details as:
- address, tel.
- purchased priced.
Married or not married,
quote]

Hi guys/gals -( my first forum post)

Ok so what happens when you return from OS and customs asks you if you have anything to declare? Do you tell them you claimed TRS on the camera at departure?

Ill have other gear with me so itll look as part of a bigger kit , but, still do they check this sort of thing ?Do they have a record of your departure to double check against?

And as for married or not, does that mean my girfriend/travel buddy can use her $900 duty free limit, add it to mine and we have a $1800 duty free limit, and were covered either way?
And will the tax invoice(say from birddog/maxwell) show the before or after rebate price - ie the figure the will calculate the 1/11th TRS on.

im going to eastern europe in march - WOOOHOO!
PRAGUE, BUDAPEST,VIENNA... shutterbug heaven!

Ok here we go again:
On the return, with the camera you're using as your personal gears:
1/ You may declare it as you're too honest to your "Johnny" It won't hurt you.
2/ You may not declare it at entry point cos the camera is your own use and I don't think Custom will care about it, it's also won't hurt you.
3/ you declare it and you may excess coupa hundred bucks of your allowances, Custom will give you a big smile and let you go free, won't hurt you again.
Your companion/ boy, girl, gal, guy, who's travelling with you are entitled to pool the allowances, provided they're over 18YO and eligible for $900.00, under 18YO will have difference rate, say two of you and both are over 18YO then your allowances will be $1800.00

Invoice from Me or HN, Teds will show the portion of paid GST from you and TRS will give you back that sum with a big no doubt!

Invoice won't show any rebate of $200.00 coz Nikon/ Maxwell blackmail you

So say: you bought the camera with all the lens + CF card, toys, glow in the dark for lens protection on one invoice = $2420.00 GST Inc.
TRS will refund you $220.00 and Nikon/ Maxwell will post you a cheque for $200.00.
I hope all above will helps

[stubbsy]

One other thing not mentioned so far is the total must be MORE than $300 on the one invoice

Edit: To get the offical skinny from the govt go to http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=4366

[birddog114]

One other thing not mentioned so far is the total must be MORE than $300 on the one invoice

Edit: To get the offical skinny from the govt go to http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=4366

I gave him the example of the invoice is $2420.00 Aussie dollars

[stubbsy]

I gave him the example of the invoice is $2420.00 Aussie dollars

Sorry birddog - saw it but my tired brain didn't register it. Better go sleep now so I can rise at 5 am for the Sydney meet tomorrow

[lejazzcat]

Ok here we go again:
On the return, with the camera you're using as your personal gears:
1/ You may declare it as you're too honest to your "Johnny" It won't hurt you.

Invoice from Me or HN, Teds will show the portion of paid GST from you and TRS will give you back that sum with a big no doubt!

Invoice won't show any rebate of $200.00 coz Nikon/ Maxwell blackmail you

So say: you bought the camera with all the lens + CF card, toys, glow in the dark for lens protection on one invoice = $2420.00 GST Inc.
TRS will refund you $220.00 and Nikon/ Maxwell will post you a cheque for $200.00.
I hope all above will helps

Yep - gotcha.

Seems like a plan to me - thanks again birddog!
 PS Johnny can go blow me (God Save the Turds)

[Manta]

Something else to be aware of...

When the new Customs concessions come into force on Feb 1, undeclared goods that exceed the concessions will be subject to duty and/or GST in relation to THE FULL AMOUNT. Previously, Customs would deduct the concession amount, deduct a further amount for depreciation and THEN apply the duty/GST. The concession deduction no longer applies, so you'll be paying a lot more now if you don't declare your goods.
My advice (and I work in this area) is to read the Incoming Passenger Card very carefully and ensure you fully declare what it asks you to. Customs can only treat you right if you do the right thing by them.

The actual wording on a Customs information flyer reads (in part):

"From (1Feb2005), you may bring any of the following goods - duty and/or tax free - in your accompanied baggage:
1. General
A$900 worth of goods ($450 for people under 18) including gifts, souvenirs, cameras, electronic equipment, leather goods, perfume concentrates, jewellery, watches and sporting equipment. Alcohol and tobacco products cannot be included in this alowance.

These goods can be:
* obtained overseas
* purchased in Australia duty or tax free before departure
* goods for which a tax refund has been approved through the Tourist Refund Scheme; or
* purchased from an inwards duty free shop on arrival."

Further down it states:

"NOTE HOWEVER: If you exceed any of the concession limits set out above, Customs will charge you duty and tax on the entire importation or purchase within that group of items."

Customs staff I have spoken to have said they have not been advised of any amnesty period for passengers who exceed the concessions.

[mchampio]

Full details of the Tourist Refund Scheme scheme are available at


http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=4646

For those of you that enjoy a long drink before heading through Customs, be reminded that Claims must be made more than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time of your flight

[lejazzcat]

Something else to be aware of...

My advice (and I work in this area) is to read the Incoming Passenger Card very carefully and ensure you fully declare what it asks you to. Customs can only treat you right if you do the right thing by them.


"NOTE HOWEVER: If you exceed any of the concession limits set out above, Customs will charge you duty and tax on the entire importation or purchase within that group of items."

Customs staff I have spoken to have said they have not been advised of any amnesty period for passengers who exceed the concessions.

Thanks Manta, but this is where i was with this yesterday .

Mind you, i appreciate both POV's.
So...
Do the customs agents know if you made a TRS claim before your depature from OZ ?
Nowhere do they explain the definition of a "family" pooled concession. Is your long term girlfriend 'family'?

If you do declare the TRS , could they wave it as was a single purchase, bought in AU (hence at least of some benefit to OZ)? ...

Worst case, what is the penalty if you dont declare your TRS claim?
Or is it just that you would have to repay the TRS (1/11th of the tax invoice), and then off you go with a welcome back grin ?

[Manta]

Do the customs agents know if you made a TRS claim before your depature from OZ ?

The system is all computerised. Prior to the implementation of the TRS scheme they had the ability to track duty-free purchases and they monitored the return of high value goods thast Aussie residents had purchased here prior to departure. If you had the goods with you on return and didn't declare them you were a goner. The TRS system makes tracking easier - it's just up to Customs whether or not they use it in that fashion. They don't waste their time on little stuff but I would be wary about expensive gear.

Nowhere do they explain the definition of a "family" pooled concession. Is your long term girlfriend 'family'?

Traditionally, Customs have used their discretion in this definition, extending it to cover your travelling partners; e.g. de facto spouses, gay couples etc. This new concession stuff though heralds a really harsh application of the rules so no-one is particularly sure about how it will pan out. Personally, I think they will continue to treat it as they have before but it might be best to make a phone call first.

If you do declare the TRS , could they wave it as was a single purchase, bought in AU (hence at least of some benefit to OZ)? ...

Nah. You can only claim duty/tax free status on goods up to the value of the concessions. Anything over this and you are liable to pay. Bear in mind that some 'single purchases' may be a Rolex watch or a diamond pendant worth MEGA bucks. That's a lot of GST that the government is losing if you claim it back from TRS and then don't pay back a portion of it on your return. That way, the only parties that make any money out of the deal are you and the retailer and the government doesn't like missing out on its cut. Also remember there is a big paper trail regarding the payment and collection of GST in this country. It all gets accounted for somewhere down the track. Big brother is indeed watching.

Worst case, what is the penalty if you dont declare your TRS claim?
Or is it just that you would have to repay the TRS (1/11th of the tax invoice), and then off you go with a welcome back grin ?

Oh for that Utopian world!! If you don't declare dutiable or taxable goods you are leaving yourself open to penalties under the Customs Act and the Taxation Act, on top of the revenue that was payable anyway. You could end up paying double and you will also be recorded as committing an offence. You're next trip may bring more attention than it would have if you'd played the game by the rules. But as I said in my earlier post, they'll try to do the right thing by you if you do the right thing by them but if you try it on, they'll hit you with the full weight of the law.

I guess the bottom line here is that if you want a D70 and all its trimmings but you want to scam Customs to save yourself a few hundred dollars, you really should be asking yourself if you can afford the gear in the first place. If you do the right thing, you may be pleasantly surprised about the outcome and get a better deal from Customs than you thought. You won't be all nervous when you go through (which may lead Customs to think you've got more on you than an expensive camera ), you won't be shelling out a stiff penalty that you could otherwise have put towards that new lens you were lusting over and, perhaps most importantly, you won't have a record with Customs that may affect your future trips. It's up to individuals to decide if it's worth it in the long run.

Sorry for the long post but I hope it's of value to someone out there. I'm crook as a dog with the 'flu and I may have been rambling somewhat under the influence of medication!! My apologies.

[lejazzcat]

I guess the bottom line here is that if you want a D70 and all its trimmings but you want to scam Customs to save yourself a few hundred dollars, you really should be asking yourself if you can afford the gear in the first place. If you do the right thing, you may be pleasantly surprised about the outcome and get a better deal from Customs than you thought. You won't be all nervous when you go through (which may lead Customs to think you've got more on you than an expensive camera ), you won't be shelling out a stiff penalty that you could otherwise have put towards that new lens you were lusting over and, perhaps most importantly, you won't have a record with Customs that may affect your future trips. It's up to individuals to decide if it's worth it in the long run.

Sorry for the long post but I hope it's of value to someone out there. I'm crook as a dog with the 'flu and I may have been rambling somewhat under the influence of medication!! My apologies.

Well said !
Thats good advice - cutting corners, one eventually runs off the road .

Hope you feel better soon pal.
Ty

[birddog114]

Manta,
Here's another question:
What if people buy the D70kit prior to their depature, they get the form from Customs Office, fill the form with all relevant serial number, after passing Immigartion checkpoint at the International AP, they visit the Custom desk is normally located next to Custom Checkpoint, get Customs sighted and signed/ stamped for verification of all the gears they bring out the country and propose to bring them back after the trip.
After that they go to the TRS office, claim their refunds.
On the way back to Australia, if asked, they will present the form which was sighted , signed/ stamped by Customs at their depature point as proof of their ownership and now they're resident, returning home with their gears which they took along and/ with the proof they took them out the country.
How's this case work out then?

[beetleboy]

Good question birddog!

I'm heading o/s a week tomorrow so will be keeping a close eye on this thread!

Liam =]

[Manta]

Manta,
Here's another question:
What if people buy the D70kit prior to their depature, they get the form from Customs Office, fill the form with all relevant serial number, after passing Immigartion checkpoint at the International AP, they visit the Custom desk is normally located next to Custom Checkpoint, get Customs sighted and signed/ stamped for verification of all the gears they bring out the country and propose to bring them back after the trip.
After that they go to the TRS office, claim their refunds.
On the way back to Australia, if asked, they will present the form which was sighted , signed/ stamped by Customs at their depature point as proof of their ownership and now they're resident, returning home with their gears which they took along and/ with the proof they took them out the country.
How's this case work out then?

Not surprisingly, Customs aren't fools and realised that this scenario was possible when the TRS scheme was first introduced. It's obvious that people would try to do exactly as you have suggested Birdy. But you've answered your own question: serial numbers can be cross-checked. If you're caught out, you're back to square one as far as penalties are concerned.

It's, therefore, up to the individual whether they want to take the risk.

[birddog114]

Thanks Manta,
What's happened if people purchase from DFS (Duty Free Stores)?
Are they going to check every incoming passenger going thru the green channel once they return to Australia?

[Manta]

Thanks Manta,
What's happened if people purchase from DFS (Duty Free Stores)?
Are they going to check every incoming passenger going thru the green channel once they return to Australia?

Same as before the TRS scheme, Birdy. If you have a duty/tax free docket attached to your sealed bag, it's removed by the 'docket pluckers' at the airport on your departure. Customs then go through the dockets and keep an eye on ones that are for high value goods, ready to 'welcome home' the unwary tourist.

Also. even if this fails, Customs officers look over the shoulders of Quarantine Officers manning the x-ray machines in the green channel. Large digital cameras stick out really well in x-rays and many Quarantine officers will refer the passenger to Customs even if the Customs officer misses it.
Since the British Foot & Mouth disease outbreak, our policy of almost 100% intervention of incoming passengers means there are many ways that Customs, and moreso Qurantine, monitor what you're bringing in. If you get things through illegally, you should probably breathe a sigh of relief.

I don't want to get into a back and forth match about "what if I do this" or 'what if this happens", blah, blah, blah. We'd be here all week. I merely wanted to impart some of my knowledge about this area to those that may not be all that aware of what goes on behind the scenes. I speak from over 15 years experience and still believe that it's not a question of IF you will get caught but WHEN. I've seen some pretty smart cookies get busted and none of them thought it was particularly worth it after they got sprung. I've also seen plenty of happy passengers walk out the door having not had to pay ANYTHING because they've done the right thing and been completely honest with Customs.

Just my two cents worth (plus GST, minus my concessions, etc, etc)

[stubbsy]

Manta

I'm not travelling at the mo' and have no wotif questions

I hope for your sake the high quality of your explanation closes this thread. Thank you for the detail and quality of your answers. I've never seen anything like this elsewhere (and I've looked for just this in the past)

Now to save the bucks and go OS to use the knowledge (oh, that's right, there are lenses to buy B4 I can go travelling )

Cheers

[Manta]

Thanks Peter. I hope it helped. I think we've probably covered the topic as far as can be done.

Enjoy your travels (after you've bought your lenses of course!!)

[lejazzcat]

Thank you for the detail and quality of your answers. I've never seen anything like this elsewhere (and I've looked for just this in the past)

Cheers

Yeah thanks alot Manta. Just what i was thinking.

Birddog, you too. Its cool to hear both sides...