The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) is operated by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs and Australian Border Force, and it refunds GST or WET to departed tourists. The plan covers purchases from an ABN-registered GST merchant at GST or WET prices.
Tourist Refund Scheme:
TRS allows you to receive a refund of Goods and Services Tax and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on select Australian-purchased products. Make a $300 or more purchase (including GST) from a business with an ABN. The TRS is in T2 Departures, the leading tax and duty-free shop after customs. The Australian Border Force (ABF) is in charge of it. TRS is open to all foreign tourists and Australian nationals except for operating aircraft crew.
The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) allows overseas travelers (including Australians) to claim a GST (products and Services Tax) and WET (Wine Equalisation Tax) refund for certain products purchased in Australia when departing the country by flight or ship.
How can I Request a Refund?
To make a claim, you must:
- Have made a single business purchase of $300 or more at a shop or chain of businesses that share an Australian Business Number.
- Purchase products no later than 60 days before departing Australia.
- Wear or bring the goods to the airport as hand luggage (except liquids, gels, or aerosols, as well as large or bulky things that must be checked in), and turn them in at the TRS office along with your tax invoice, passport, and international boarding pass.
- I paid the cost of the products
- Keep the product’s original tax bills.
- To guarantee that you have enough time to make your claim, pass through immigration at least 90 minutes before departure.
Request a refund through the TRS App:
The Australian government’s Department of Home Affairs has developed online and mobile applications (apps) for the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) to make it easier to file a claim. A QR code containing the information you provide will be created. You have this QR code as your TRS claim code. When you leave Australia, you must show it to an officer at the TRS facility.
Through the app, you can input:
- Details about your journey
- Information regarding the products for which you are asking a refund of wine equalization tax (WELT) and goods and services tax (GST), along with your preferred method of getting your tax return
- More information is accessible here.
Why must you purchase using your passport in Europe?
Australians who leave the EU to return home or travel outside the EU may be able to claim VAT refunds. When making a purchase, ask for a VAT-free price. You must pay the full price in-store, but you may claim later. The minimal expenditure varies per nation. The French barrier is €100.01, the Italian threshold is €154.95, and the German threshold is €25. VAT refund rates differ per country but are typically 11-15%. Assume you buy a €150 handbag in France from a VAT-free outlet. The bag costs €132 after VAT is deducted. When you purchase the bag, the store employee will provide you with a return form and request your Australian passport to certify your visit to the EU.
