Claiming Back Airport Tax: A Simple Guide

The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) is an Australian Government initiative that allows travellers to claim back the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) on certain goods purchased in Australia. The scheme is open to all overseas visitors and Australian residents (except operating air crew) and can be claimed at TRS facilities in airports, or via the TRS website or mobile app. To be eligible for a refund, travellers must have spent a minimum of $300 AUD (including GST) at a single business, have purchased the goods no more than 60 days before departure, and be able to present the goods and original tax invoice at the TRS office.

Claiming a refund using the app

To claim a refund using the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) app, you will need to download the app from the Tourist Refund Scheme section of the Department of Home Affairs website.

Using the app, you can enter your travel details and the necessary information about the goods for which you are claiming a refund of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and/or Wine Equalisation Tax (WET). You will also be able to choose how you would like to receive your tax refund. All this information will be stored in a QR code, which will fast-track your claim process at the Tourist Refund Scheme Office.

Please note that the app does not submit your claim. You will still need to present your QR code to an Australian Border Force (ABF) officer at the TRS office to have it scanned and your claim lodged.

It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure time to allow for sufficient time to process your refund.

Conditions for claiming a refund

Eligible Purchases

Not all purchases qualify for a tax refund. Generally, tax refunds apply to goods that you're taking out of the country and not using within that country. Common eligible items include clothing, electronics, souvenirs, and other tangible goods. Services, consumables, and certain high-value items may not be eligible for a refund.

Minimum Spend Amount

Many countries impose a minimum purchase threshold for tax refunds. You must spend a certain amount on eligible items to qualify for a refund. The minimum purchase amount can vary by country, so it's important to check the specific requirements of your destination.

Timely Claims

There is usually a time limit for claiming tax refunds. You need to apply for the refund within a specified timeframe from the date of purchase. This period can vary but is often several months. For example, in Australia, the time limit is 60 days before departing the country.

Documentation

To claim a tax refund, you must retain your original receipts, which show that you paid tax on the items. Ensure that you obtain proper tax invoices or VAT invoices from the retailer. In some cases, you may also need to fill out a tax refund form or a VAT refund form, which requires accurate details, including your contact information and passport information.

Inspection of Goods

When claiming a tax refund, you will typically need to present the purchased goods, along with the associated receipts, for inspection by customs authorities. They will verify that the items are indeed leaving the country with you and have not been used.

Stamp of Approval

After inspecting your goods and verifying your documents, customs authorities will usually provide a stamp of approval on your tax refund form, confirming your eligibility for a refund.

Refund Method

Once your refund has been approved, you can choose your preferred refund method. This can include cash, cheque, or a credit to your credit card or account. Please note that some locations may have multiple refund counters for different methods.

Processing Fees

Be aware that some administrative or processing fees may be deducted from your refund amount. These fees vary depending on the country and the refund provider.

Where to find the Tourist Refund Scheme office

The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) office can be found in the departures area of the airport. In Melbourne Airport, the TRS office is located in T2 departures after customs in the main tax and duty-free store.

For Sydney Airport, the TRS office is to the right of the Heinemann Duty-Free entrance. It is recommended that you arrive at the TRS office at least 90 minutes before your flight departure to allow sufficient time for the TRS officers to complete your claim.

If your purchase is packed in luggage that you intend to check in, you will need to go to the Australian Border Force (ABF) Office for verification before checking in your luggage. The ABF Office is located on the Arrivals Level of the T1 International terminal near the Swissport office and glass lifts.

If the TRS offices are closed, you may still be able to submit your claim by filling in a form and dropping it into the dropbox located at the departures office, which can be found to the right of the Heinemann Duty-Free entrance.

What to do if the TRS office is closed

The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) is part of the Australian Government tax system. It allows travellers to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) on certain goods purchased in Australia. The TRS is open to all overseas visitors and Australian residents, except for operating air crew.

If you are unable to visit the TRS office during opening hours, you can submit your claim by filling in a form and dropping it into the departures office dropbox. This dropbox is located at the TRS office to the right of the Heinemann Duty Free entrance.

To make a claim, you must:

• Have spent $300 or more (including GST) with a single business at a store or a chain of stores covered by the same Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Purchase goods no more than 60 days before departing Australia
• Wear or carry the goods as hand luggage on your flight (excluding liquids, gels, or aerosols, or oversized or bulky goods that may need to be checked in) and present them, along with your tax invoice, passport, and international boarding pass to the TRS office
• Have paid for the goods yourself
• Have original tax invoices for the goods

Please note that the Australian Border Force (ABF) endeavours to staff the TRS offices before all departing international flights. It is recommended that you clear immigration at least 90 minutes before your flight to allow enough time to make your claim.

Exclusions and prohibited goods

When it comes to claiming a tax refund, not all goods are eligible. Most products purchased for personal use fall under the category of general goods, which includes items like fashion accessories, electronics, and other tangible merchandise. However, certain exclusions and prohibited goods apply.

Consumable items, such as food and beverages that are used or partially used in the country, are typically excluded from tax refunds. Services and digital products are also not eligible for a tax refund. It is important to note that these goods must be new and unused to qualify for a refund.

In addition, there are special cases and exceptions to be aware of. Prohibited or restricted items, such as certain wildlife products or cultural artefacts, may not be eligible for a tax refund. Goods exceeding a certain value may require additional documentation or checks, and it is important to stay informed about any changes in tax refund policies and procedures.

When it comes to prohibited items at the airport, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a list of items that are not allowed in sterile and cabin areas, as well as in checked baggage. These include weapons, explosives, and incendiaries. Examples of prohibited items include guns and firearms, sharp objects such as axes and knives, club-like items such as brass knuckles, explosives, and incendiaries such as fuels and flares.

It is important to note that the list of prohibited items is not exhaustive, and screeners have the discretion to prohibit any item that they deem to be a potential threat. Additionally, items may be prohibited from the cabin of an aircraft or allowed in limited quantities due to hazardous materials regulations. Passengers should also be aware of any applicable airline tax exemptions and present the necessary identification or documentation when purchasing tickets.

Frequently asked questions